Textile Insight

textileinsight.com Editor's Note: Before Jeremy came to Filson, a lot of the brand's small leather goods were made in the U.S., but not in Filson's own two factories. Jeremy was instru- mental in helping fit Filson's factories to handle leather. What's new for 2018? Aude: "We're expanding the women's assortment in apparel. It's a growing piece of our business, as is women's accessories. In non-leather, Jeremy and I worked on a new development. We have carried dry bags in the past, and we thought now is the time to upgrade our quality. So, we developed a new material that will be launching in Fall 18." Jeremy: "It's a PVC-free material. It's an 840-denier nylon with a TPU finish. It's really beautiful stuff for dry bags." Filson is set to open a NYC store in June 2018. Will you adjust your assortment for the urban consumer? Aude: "What people like about Filson is who we are. We have a really broad assortment of product that works for the Northeast." Jeremy: "We'll focus on craftsmanship and quality. In Seattle, we have the restoration department where we have craftsman working on higher end product – old Filson bags that we restore and hand-tooled leather stuff. It's a great experience for the customer to come in and see that. We'll be doing that in New York City, too. We won't be changing much, just perhaps adding more lightweight offerings." What do you like most about the brand? Jeremy: "We get to use the best materials out there. They spend the money to allow us to get those mate- rials." Aude: "The brand has so much history. It was founded in Seattle, stayed there, has always been a manufac- turer. It hasn't strayed. We still create product that has been around for 100 years like Mackinaw Cruiser. We've been working with our woolen mill (Pendleton) for over 40 years. It's regional. We share a story." Is there anything you want to work on in the future, perhaps together? Aude: "The dry bag category is really exciting for us. We have defined what we want it to be, to look like and how it will perform. Now that we feel like we've landed on something that feels right, we're ready to expand in both field and every day. It's very much a crossover category." Jeremy: "As a leather geek, anything leather that's new is exciting. We're looking into more exotics, like deer or elk as accessories, anything that ties to the Pacific Northwest. And materials that are unique and limited - it creates more power and value. You have to treat them with care and take time to inspect every single hide to ensure that the portion of the hide is of acceptable quality to use and it can handle buckles, thread, snaps and rivets. I love the material and how unique it is and how every hide you get is different in color, shape and form." How did you get into leather and textiles? Aude: "When I was at Marc Jacobs, I oversaw design and was part of the small team that started the Marc by Marc Jacobs women's line. But I really have a tex- tile background. I like anything with that tactile feel." Jeremy: "I think my first experience with leather was in upholstery. I realized how much of a challenge it is and that's really what drove me." Editor's Note: Prior, while in the United States Military, Jeremy also patched gear for fellow soldiers in his unit, which gave him experience working with military grade materials like heavy canvas, tarps and wool blankets. Which qualities do you admire most in your coworker? Jeremy: "Going back to that challenging aspect of my personality, Aude does a really good job of push- ing me to be better and seek out the best. I like that about her. She doesn't let me take the easy road and it's good for me professionally." Aude: "Jeremy is a perfectionist. He loves what he does and is really tuned into design. I know when we work together we're going to make great stuff. It's true." Jeremy: "Aww, I love you too Aude." O January/February 2018 ~ Textile Insight • 47 Filson Rugged Suede Bags Mackinaw Cruiser by Filson

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