Kestin Hare releases limited-edition collaboration pieces with Black’s of Greenock

Contemporary menswear brand Kestin Hare is releasing two limited edition pieces in a special collaboration with renowned Scottish mountaineering manufacturer Black’s of Greenock for AW19.

Famous for supplying the world’s leading explorers with equipment including the Everest Expeditions in the 1960’s, Black’s of Greenock outerwear hasn’t been in production for over 40 years.

AW19 sees the launch of the Nevis Smock, based on the original Black’s of Greenock 70’s smock, resurrecting the heritage of the pattern, styling and choice of fabric. Made from Japanese Ventile, one of the world’s finest performance fabrics, the smock is waterproof, windproof and highly breathable.

Kestin Hare, founder and creative director, said: “Amongst vintage outerwear collectors, Black’s of Greenock smocks have always been covetable. So, when the opportunity came to join forces with such an iconic Scottish manufacturer on this project, I jumped at it.

“The design has stood the test of time, and looks as relevant today as it ever has. We’ve made it our own with premium fabrication and our clean, modern aesthetic.”

The collaboration also features the Cuillin Sack, a limited-edition bag, made with garment dyed Halley Stevensons cloth, giving the bag a technical aged effect.

Kestin Hare’s AW19, collection titled “In High Places”, draws inspiration from British mountaineers in the 1970s. This era was described as “the golden age of mountaineering” with a key group of die-hard British climbers achieving celebrity status due to their pioneering and inspiring efforts.

Hare adds: “Research for the collection started with a trip to uncover the archives at the Scottish Mountain Heritage Museum near Fort William. We were like kids on Christmas day unpacking those boxes.

“There we uncovered garments that were worn by the climbers of the 70’s, including the renowned crowd of Dougal Haston, Robin Smith, Doug Scott, Don Williams and Chris Bonnington. Inspiration was taken from the fabrics, functionality, details, colours and production of the garments.”