FW 2023/2024 Women’s Outerwear Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Women‘s Outerwear 2023/24 Retail Buyer‘s Guide
Brand: FW
Interviewee: Irena Umek – Marketing Manager EU / INT

What is the overall theme behind your 2023/24 outerwear range? From which big trends do you take your inspiration?
Overall theme: _future_wild. FW Apparel designs high-performance apparel with a newschool philosophy. Surrounded by the giant mountains and crystal waters of the Alps, we share a commitment to create a sustainable future. We embrace board sports culture, the culture of trend-setting, artistic innovation, and individual expression. We embrace this culture as a unifier of people from different backgrounds and places. This is the future wild.

What new fits / silhouettes are coming out in 2023/24? What pant and jacket styles are most important in your range?
Manifest and Catalyst product families still leading the way, with new colourways and fabrics. Most important are (1) W Manifest Tour 3L Jacket & Bib, (2) W Catalyst Fusion Jacket & Pants, and (3) W Catalyst 2L Insulated Jacket & Pants.

What new colours / prints are you introducing?
23.24 colour story (gender neutral): introducing an updated colours to complement & refresh our previous collections.
From Green Tea & Emerald Green to Trash Pink, Wisteria, Sulfur and On Fire. Newness on the print side is the Root Overshirt, a heavyweight fleece with the look, feel and warmth of brushed wool, minus the weight. 2 colourways: black/stone and birch/forest green. (Unisex product)

Any *NEW* technical stories with regards to fabrics and materials?
We believe quality is sustainability. By focusing on durable materials which are fit for purpose we make products that last and keep out of landfills. We seek continuous improvement by incorporating innovative materials with sustainability at their core. Our products are designed to last, standing up to rigorous use in alpine environments. Conscious of the fact that the textile industry is dirty and polluting, we strive to make it as clean as possible by following our own set of rules. The recycled fabrics ratio on the collection is getting higher. We are stocked to have more and more products featuring almost recycled materials, from the main fabrics, insulation, linings, and zippers. For you to not only look good but also feel good.

Any trends that your brand is moving away from? What are your top marketing stories for 2023/24? This will help us to put some focus in the right place.
Brand campaign Outdoor journey: _future_wild ongoing series of films and lookbooks documenting journeys through the outdoors. Sustainability: Certified B Corporation, Repair program, 1% for the Planet, Product series highlights, and Ambassador Program.

Outerwear Best Sellers/Hero products

W Manifest Tour 3L Jacket

The W Manifest Tour 3L Jacket boasts a higher level of functional detailing and is optimized for backcountry travel. For those who venture beyond the resort on excursions big and small, this 100% seam-sealed jacket is made from recycled yarn that is waterproof and stretches to move with your body. The fabric is cut precisely to avoid excess weight. Superbly breathable, this garment will keep you at your best throughout the warm springtime days and also when the temperature drops — an integral piece of your layering system.

W Catalyst Fusion Jacket – WPS

The W Catalyst Fusion Jacket brings newschool vision to the iconic 3-in-1 jacket solution. Enjoy the ultimate in versatility: on the mountain, choose the best outfit for the conditions. When it‘s time to hit the town, the quilted inner jacket strikes the right chord. The garments take inspiration from workwear; Ripstop integration protects against abrasion and generous pockets stash all that a gal needs for a full day of adventure. It‘s all backed by a lightweight 2.5L construction; a soft hand-feel; water repellent YKK zippers; and recycled yarn and insulation, so you can look good and feel good, too.

W Catalyst Insulation Jacket & Bib – WPS

Freestyle expression meets superior technicality in the W Catalyst 2L Insulated Jacket. This garment is waterproof, breathable, and 100% seam sealed to keep the elements at bay. 60g of Primaloft® Black Eco Insulation in the body and 40g in the arms ensure you‘ll stay comfortable and warm even when the mercury drops way down low. Plentiful and spacious pockets store all of your essentials, and a powder skirt and jacket-to-pant connection system have you covered for the deepest days of the season. The quilted lining is soft to the touch so you‘ll love slipping into this piece whether you have your sights set on the steeps or the streets. (new colours: Emerald Green & Trash Pink)