Kanuk

For classic outdoor brands, changes in ownership often come in tandem with a reassessment of mission and values; for Kanuk, this change has been marked by a methodical revitalization of core strengths. As it ever has, manufacturing occurs at the original factory, nestled deep in Montréal’s Plateau. Each piece still bears the signature embroidered snowy owl, symbolic of hardiness in the face of harsh climates. Philippe Dubuc, lead designer since 2015, has kept Kanuk’s proprietary synthetic down technology while utilizing both tried-and-true Hutterite goose down, ethically sourced from the Canadian Prairies, and cutting-edge Thindown lining and Sorona outer shell fabric. Gently updated heritage silhouettes, ranging from ultralight insulated jackets suited to early spring and late fall to reassuringly substantial three-quarter quilted down coats for the depths of winter, are simultaneously offered in matte taffetas and technical satin finishes. Founded in 1970, Kanuk continues in its quest to deliver reliably warm outerwear to a population subjected to objectively cold weather for the majority of the year. In the near term, it stands to project these decades of know-how through the lens of fresh talent, directly into the eyes of a worldwide audience starved for heat.