CORDURA Teams with Struktur to Show ‘Softer Side’

INVISTA’s CORDURA brand announced its second designer collaboration, now with Struktur Studio’s Michelle Rose, to showcase the softer side of CORDURA lifestyle apparel fabrics, as well as new Sewfree bonding technologies from Bemis Associates and garment production innovations from Youngone. The CORDURA + Struktur Studio Collection will include an outdoor anorak jacket, top and pants and was on display at the CORDURA brand booth at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, Aug. 5-8.

“Today’s ‘woman’ is not just one thing,” said CORDURA Global Brand Director Cindy McNaull. “She’s active yet feminine; she encompasses it all. Our collaborative goal is to provide today’s outdoor woman with clothes that reflect her identity and confidence. This collection not only highlights our latest generation of soft comfort CORDURA apparel fabrics but also allowed us to work with leading edge companies to support the growing demand for stylish, yet performance inspired apparel for women.”

“It was meaningful to partner with a brand that is as dedicated to being a part of the design community as CORDURA fabric,” said Michelle Rose. “Design’s role holds critical value to how the outdoor business progresses through the future. The effortless intertwining of ideas through this collaboration was inspiring in itself. We are thrilled to collaborate with the CORDURA brand to provide beautiful, durable and very wearable styles for today’s outdoor woman.”

Sewfree bonding products and design expertise from Bemis provided advanced construction techniques, helping to make the collection aesthetically modern. The Exoflex film was integrated because of its ability to stretch and spring back into shape, enhancing the outside designs of the clothing without compromising function. Bemis’ collaboration with CORDURA + Struktur Studio Collection also features High Recovery and Seam Reinforcement Tape developed to work well with natural fibers; these two ingredients help to strengthen seams for stretch and recovery, providing the wearer with enhanced durability assurance. Flowfree technology is also featured for added temperature regulation.

In addition, Rose travelled to Vietnam where she worked directly with the Youngone team to ensure quality of bringing her designs to life.  ”The trip to Vietnam was a vital part in making great pieces for this collection,” said Rose. “Through this experience, we were able to develop bonded techniques which may surprise some people; both natural fibers and soft athletic fibers have not been traditionally easy to use with Sewfree bonding and overlays, until now. The use of Bemis’ Sewfree bonding products and Youngone’s cut, sew and bond capabilities really enhanced what these cutting-edge CORDURA fabrics can provide; we could not have done this amount of innovation in such a short timeframe otherwise.”
“This collection underscores the innovation that is possible from an integrated, collaboration between Struktur Studio, the CORDURA brand, Youngone and Bemis,” said Steve Howard, Chief Executive Officer of Bemis Associates. “Sewfree bonding programs unlock designers’ imaginations and allow factories to create modern garments quickly without traditional cut-and-sew techniques. Michelle Rose really did make amazing happen with this CORDURA fabric collection.”

“New materials are always an interesting challenge for the designer, and Michelle’s vision of soft-tough was a great starting point for us to interpret in technical design at our factory”, says Rick Fowler, CTO, Youngone. “The styles look fun, deliver soft comfort and real toughness. The technicians, technical design and sample making staff members really responded to the face-to-face interaction of such committed partners.  We have many techniques at our disposal, honing in on the best for a specific job is our specialty and our pleasure.”

The CORDURA + Struktur Studio Collection will feature an outwear anorak jacket, top, and pants. The body of the anorak is developed with CORDURA Naturalle heathered woven ripstop nylon/polyester from LeeJo Mill. The hooded fabric is made with CORDURA UltraLite ripstop 100% full dull nylon from HuaMao Mill. The hood is light and can be packed into the jacket’s collar when it is not in use. The jacket features a chic look with blue-grey mélange with white dots, due to the hybrid nylon/polyester content.

The body of the top is built with a thick CORDURA Baselayer sweatshirt fleece in 78% cotton and 22% INVISTA T420 nylon 6,6 from Cyberknit Mill. This gives the top a comfortable cotton look and feel with nylon durability, as well as enhanced moisture management properties. The shoulder of the top is constructed with CORDURA Naturalle single jersey knit with 86% full dull nylon from Yoonia Mill, and 14% LYCRAfiber for enhanced flexibility and comfort.

The main body of the pants are developed with Yoonia supplied CORDURA Canvas in a 67% cotton, 15% INVISTA T420 nylon 66, and 10% LYCRA fiber blend. Also from Yoonia, the CORDURA Naturalle powers the back knee, waist, and side panels in single jersey knit blend of 86% full dull nylon 66 and 14% LYCRA fiber.

This collection represents the second CORDURA brand designer collaboration. The first featured a lifestyle and urban fashion capsule with Alex Valdman and his multi-purpose jacket and pant that showcased the brand’s debut of CORDURA Combat Wool.