hard-wearing enough for participating in all manner of countryside pursuits, the single- breasted design features detachable hood and recoil holders, hand warmer pockets, internal game pockets, internal zip pockets and pivot sleeve engineering to enable maximum arm movement when shooting. For those who are as fashion-forward as they are adventurous, Belstaff has dressed the likes of Che Guevara and Steve McQueen, and has continued to innovate materials throughout its 94-year history in aviation, military, naval, mountaineering and, most notably, motorsport. The company’s founder, Eli Belovitch, developed its signature waterproof wax cotton in 1909, and its 2018 Origins collection builds on this pioneering heritage, using new lightweight, high-performance materials and weatherproof functionality exclusive to Belstaff. ‘The Origins design is grounded in the iconic silhouettes found in our archive, with laser-cut and bonded finishing giving a new, sharp and modern look,’ explains Belstaff’s creative director Delphine Ninous. ‘Seam- sealing and reflective tape adds performance to the styles, while the rubberised snaps, waterproof zippers and rubber Phoenix logo move away from the usual vintage finishes to become more technical.’ Part of the Origins collection, the Trialmaster Evo jacket is a contemporary take on Belstaff’s original four-pocket Trialmaster silhouette, first launched 70 years ago and named after the challenging Scottish Six Days Motorcycle Trial. Designed to be worn in urban and rural environments all year round owing to its water-repellent and durable properties, it comes in a versatile colour palette of black, electric blue, fog grey and slate green for both men and women. ‘The tri-layer fabric allows for movement, while its construction and membranes add the functionality of complete weatherproofing,’ adds Ninous. ‘The ultra lightweight nylon is constructed to allow for breathability and movement and, taking inspiration from tech sports clothing, we tested the fabrics at length to ensure this level of functionality.’ However, outerwear innovation isn’t only apparent in the development of new materials, but also in clever construction. For many years, mountaineers and explorers wore a layer of waterproof bonded cotton and rubber fabric, such as that found in the Mackintosh overcoat, over wool tweed jackets to stay warm and dry in extreme mountain conditions. Nigel Cabourn’s Cameraman Fishtail Split jacket combines the two. On the top half, the Cameraman features a showerproof rubberised bonded cotton developed by Mackintosh – where vulcanised rubber is used to join two pieces of cotton together – while the woollen Harris Tweed bottom section allows the wearer more mobility than wearing two separate layers, but is waterproof while providing warmth. Ultimately, it is human grit and determination that continues to enable us to reach new heights in outdoor sports and exploration, however, embracing the newest technology and choosing cleverly designed technical outerwear gives us the best chance to succeed. ª From top: Moncler Valmeinier jacket; Blaser Hybrid 2-in-1 Men’s Jacket – 47 – T H E C A R N E G I E C L U B Just as mountains require garments to withstand freezing temperatures, the British hunting field is an equally challenging environment for outerwear, with ever- changing weather conditions and tough terrain – yet this is where Blaser’s Hybrid collection comes into its own. Best known as a leader in the design and manufacture of hunting weapons, Blaser’s experience in hunting translates to its clothing lines. Its Hybrid pieces are specifically designed with a multilayer principle consisting of a lightweight wind and waterproof outer layer and a warming inner layer, to create garments that are incredibly warm, yet also breathable and not at all restrictive. The Blaser Hybrid 2-in-1 Men’s Jacket consists of a padded inner jacket lined with PrimaLoft, a synthetic alternative to down, and an outer jacket featuring a laminated Teflon EcoElite finish – the first renewably sourced, non-fluorinated treatment to give fabrics water-repellent properties. For a full-body shield, the lightweight Hybrid Trousers provide further protection from wind and water, while the substantial pocket system features waterproof zips for keeping essentials dry and secure. Also a specialist in high-quality shooting equipment and sturdy country clothing, William & Son’s collections are almost all produced in Britain and combine traditional craftsmanship with design innovation. The fully waterproof Regent Technical Coat, for example, is available in both men’s and women’s (named Regency) styles, made from 100 per cent British cotton with a high-tech breathable membrane for ultimate comfort. Smart enough for saunters in the city yet I N N OVAT I O N I S N’ T O N LY A PPA R E N T I N T H E D E V E LO P M E N T O F N E W M AT E R I A L S, B U T I N C L E V E R CO N ST RU C T I O N Previous page: Belstaff Trialmaster Evo jacket. Clockwise, from top: Nigel Cabourn Cameraman Fishtail Split jacket in Army, fireman clip detail in Slate; William & Son Regency Technical Coat – 46 – F A S H I O N