Patagonia as Fashion, Part III

photo from Giltman.com

In the past I've documented some instances of Patagonia becoming a model for fashion items and I came across another example today.  On the fashion sales site Gilt.com, I saw an item from a company called Highland that has produced another variation of the Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Pullover.  It's a decent-looking piece until you take a gander at the price.  Mind you, it's polyester fleece--no more luxurious than the Patagonia pullover.  On sale, it's $169, down from a full retail price of...are you ready for this...$405.  Holy knock-offs Batman!

So if the original is better-looking (personal taste, I guess), environmentally responsible (no doubt), and less expensive (we're in a recession, people!), remind me why anyone would pay $405 again?

photo from Giltman.com

Patagonia as fashion--again?

Last week I mentioned that Patagonia was referenced by Andy Spade in an interview posted on the popular blog, A Continuous Lean. In the same week, there's been another Patagonia-as-Fashion sighting that I picked up from InventoryMagazine.com. Popular men's label Woolrich Woolen Mills has created a dead ringer for the Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Pullover. Check out this one:

Photo from odinnewyork.com

Strikingly similar to the genuine article, below, ain't it?

Photo from patagonia.com

The Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Pullover is recycled and recyclable polyester while this one is mainly cotton. Kind of weird--it's like a Bizarro Snap-T. Anyway, here's where the "fashion" part kicks in: while the Patagonia Snap-T is $95, this one by Woolrich Woolen Mills is...drum roll please...$185!

Jack Spade and Patagonia: Brothers from Another Mother?

Photos: Top, from patagonia.com. Bottom from blackbirdballard.com

I'm a follower of Michael Williams' great blog A Continuous Lean and he posted an interview recently with Andy Spade, creator of Jack Spade (and husband to Kate Spade). Why mention that on a blog about Patagonia?

Turns out, Andy is a Patagonia fan. Check out the article here. I stay away from "fashion bags" and I think that's why I like (and own) some Jack Spade items--at heart, they're utilitarian. Of course, what drew me to Patagonia initially are their incredibly useful bags, including the legendary Critical Mass, as documented here. Supposedly, Patagonia will be reverting back to their ballistic, bomb-proof fabric soon for the Critical Mass (though now it will be recycled and recyclable) so I'm keeping my eyes open....

Head over to A Continuous Lean if you want to be updated on quality American made products and see bits of Americana.