Kathmandu has teamed up with Australia’s favourite duo, The Inspired Unemployed.
In their latest chapter as Kathmandu Brand Ambassadors, Matt Ford and Jack Steele go beyond simply wearing the gear, launching two limited-edition Kathmandu Epiq puffer jackets, designed by the duo themselves and built for winter adventure.
Created in close collaboration with Kathmandu’s Head of Design and Head of Product Management, the jackets were developed over a seven-month journey from design workshops and prototyping through to final production.
Using Kathmandu’s new boxy, slouchy Epiq silhouette as the base, Matt and Jack shaped every detail of their dream down jacket, from fabric and lining colours to zips, pockets, patches and embroidery, before putting their own names to the final designs.
The Epiq Falcon marks Matt’s first-ever product design. His bold choice of a bright yellow main fabric was intentional, as it makes him feel happy. The standout feature of the Falcon is its carefully curated patches.
Launching alongside it is the Epiq Steele, designed by Jack. In contrast to Matt’s bold approach, Jack opted for something more understated, creating a timeless colour-blocked design in trail brown and black, with a cold-brew lining and subtle icy blue detailing on the zip pullers.
Jack also chose to embroider the phrase “life is rare, don’t waste it” across the back – a reminder that adventure, curiosity and good times should never be put on hold. An ethos that aligns closely with Kathmandu’s purpose of inspiring people to get out there.
While visually distinct, both jackets share the same technical credentials. Each is made with 100 percent recycled outer fabric and lining, filled with 600 fill power duck down, and exists to inspire a new generation to get out there and experience the world.
Designed to be worn everywhere, Jack says the jackets suit “down the beach in winter, out on the trails, or heading to your nan’s place for a cup of tea.”
And for Matt, it’s about confidence: “I want people to feel empowered when they wear it.”
The limited-edition Epiq Falcon and Epiq Steele are available online and in select Kathmandu stores across New Zealand.
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