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January 2018 • Outdoor Insight • 27 outdoorinsightmag.com TALKINGTRENDS During a time when consumers are spending their hard-earned cash on special and unique items, these five brand execs weigh in on design inspiration and how performance and style are transforming the outdoor world. Plus, they present their must-have outdoor-influenced pieces for Fall 2018. / By Suzanne Blecher Dish And Duer Rob Blair, Head of Design Consumers today want perfor- mance, style and some urban sensibility in their garments. How do you deliver? Duer is a hybrid business that human- izes the technology of what consumers usually see in synthetic fabrics. Instead, we blend natural fibers with added per- formance to address stretch recovery and moisture management. We seek to create products that solve everyday challenges for our customers, even problems they didn't know they had. What's new for Fall 2018 and where did you garner inspiration? We have a new Stay Dry product launching which is the first-ever waterproof and breathable performance denim. This is an extension of our Stay Dry program that continues to build a loyal following. We're also looking forward to the introduction of Duer Women's. We always begin every season by reviewing what con- sumers are saying. We're are fortunate to have our flagship store in front of our headquarters, which allows us to learn first-hand. We also look outside the industry to address fashion trends or technical advancements. Which Fall product do you love? Personally, I'm most excited for the new Stay Dry product mainly because it will save me from the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest (Vancouver). It's a revolutionary update with waterproof features that will truly shake up the world of denim. What's your favorite outdoor sport or activity? I like to say I'm an athletic opportunist, but ever since my earliest ages I've been riding bikes, so I'd have to say cycling will always be at my core. I think that's what inspired me to design for Duer because their products speak to me and make my day-to-day commute more enjoyable. Duer Women's Straight Performance Denim in Vintage Tint and Men's Slim Performance Denim in Vintage Wash TALKINGTRENDS