Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1124455
IN THE STUDIO | LIFESTYLE Cape-tivating Style & Utility Mack Weldon: Elevating Every Day Wear "FOR MACK WELDON, FABRIC IS OUR FOUNDATION," STATES MATTHEW Congdon, creative director and VP of design for Mack Weldon. "Because we focus on the essential basics of a man's wardrobe, innovation really starts from the fabric up. Much of our new product starts by partnering with mills, reviewing the latest technologies, and finding the best ways to utilize them." The Mack Weldon customer is not determined by simple demograph- ics, says Congdon: "The common thread, no pun intended, is that they are smart customers." He describes the "typical" Mark Weldon customer as caring about quality, comfort and function. But, he says, "They don't want to spend hours thinking, or even worse, shopping, for it." Re-inventing basics with performance textiles is proving a perfect fit for the Mack Weldon product line. For example, Noble Biomaterials' XT2 Silver technology is an important part of Mack Weldon's innova- tion platform. Congdon explains, "XT2's initial development and use for NASA made it a standout to us. There have been many claims of 'anti-microbial' technology, many of which are only topical. XT2 remains unique for its permanent anti microbial functionality." Congdon shares, "I especially love that we blend with Supima Cotton in our underwear and tees, upending the idea that 'performance' is only for synthetic fibers." l LET'S FACE IT, CAPES ARE COOL — WHETHER YOU ARE TALKING SUPER heroes or urban fashionistas. But with new functional styles coming on the scene, active outdoorists are catching on to why capes are a wardrobe favorite. As for the cool factor, Susan Mocarski, founder of Cleverhood, maker of performance rain capes, shares that her product line has been described as "practicool." The latest look developed by Providence, RI-based Cleverhood is an understated, studious gray model by day that transforms to a wild, electric camo design when worn at night when headlights illuminate the garment. Called the Zipster, the sweet "Jeckyll and Hyde" performance piece is slated for Fall delivery. Like the Zipster, other Cleverhood rain cape styles feature water- proof fabric and stealthy reflectivity ideal night or day in the rain or not. Garments are made in the U.S., and include smart design details like fitted hood and thumb loops for using on a bike. Over the past seven years the brand has captured the attention of the bike messenger crowd and cyclists of all stripes but as the company continues to expand its offering, Cleverhood rain capes are gaining popularity for urban lifestyle for men, women and fashion- forward canines sporting Cleverpup rainwear. l 24/7 Performance for Urban Outdoor Endeavors on or off the Bike. Updating Men's Wardrobe Essentials with Textile Technology. Men's T-shirt with XT2 TECHNOLOGY utilizes the properties of silver to crush odor by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi. Cleverhood Zipster Illuminated Cape. textileinsight.com May/June 2019 ~ Textile Insight • 35