From Canada! The Luxurious Down Jacket from "MACKAGE" that Can Withstand Environments as Low as -20℃ Is Gaining Popularity
2024.11.19
Originating from Montreal, Canada, the luxury outerwear brand "MACKAGE" is already well-established not only in Canada but also in the United States (New York), the United Kingdom (London), and France (Paris). It began expanding into Japan in 2020, quickly capturing the attention of fashion enthusiasts.
This time, we spoke with Kensaku Ando, Sales Manager at JIONE CO., LTD., about the appeal of MACKAGE.
Complete Outerwear Brand MACKAGE
The brand MACKAGE was founded in 1999 by Eran Elfassy, who initially worked in the leather industry. When launching MACKAGE, he focused on creating outerwear like down jackets, coats, and trench coats, successfully establishing it as a prominent outerwear brand.
As the brand developed, down jackets garnered worldwide attention, becoming a signature item for MACKAGE. Since then, the product lineup has expanded to its current wide range of offerings.
Founder Eran Elfassy
The Background Behind the Creation of Luxurious Down Jackets
To learn more about the MACKAGE brand, let’s delve into its story before it launched in Japan. This showcases how it gained popularity in Europe and North America.
"Currently, the headquarters remain in Montreal, Canada, but the brand also participates in NYFW (New York Fashion Week) and has opened a flagship store in Soho, New York, where they have developed a showroom. They have also opened a store on Madison Ave., further amplifying their presence.
"Additionally, MACKAGE has established a presence in the European market by opening a store at the renowned Harrods in London. The brand has been embraced by many celebrities and has been nominated for fashion awards, solidifying its status as a luxury outerwear brand.
"Last year, they expanded further by opening a store on Saint-Honoré in Paris, and their growth continues."
MACKAGE store in SOHO, New York, USAMACKAGE store on Saint-Honoré, Paris, FranceLeft: MACKAGE signboard in Paris, France Right: MACKAGE signboard in London, England
Exceptional Functionality is a Key Appeal of MACKAGE
Alongside the design work of MACKAGE, a significant focus is placed on the high quality of the down used. Let's start discussing this aspect.
"In Montreal, where winter temperatures can drop below -20℃, we emphasize the specifications of our down jackets. Each MACKAGE down jacket comes with a tag indicating the temperature range it can handle.
"Moreover, the insulation property known as 'fill power'[1] is standardized at 800 fill power across all models. This level is comparable to that of high-end outdoor brands, demonstrating the exceptional performance of MACKAGE.
"Furthermore, MACKAGE utilizes 'TEXCOTE Nano-treated Down' provided by TEXCOTE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, which boasts superior drying capability, antibacterial properties, and durability—all with full traceability assured[2]."
Left: Tag indicating the applicable temperature for the product Right: Photo of down filled in the same amount categorized by fill power
Classic Item RILEY
Now, let’s introduce MACKAGE's down wear for the 2024 AW collection.
The classic items may vary between Canada and Japan due to different climates and lifestyles. Initially, we highlighted the popular item in Japan known as "RILEY."
"RILEY features a '2 in 1' design, where the placket and hood are made from sheepskin material and can be detached via zippers. The design allows it to be worn as a single piece while still giving a layered impression.
"The overall design is completed in a one-tone look, with the ARMY color coming in two tones. The body is crafted from water-resistant polyester, while nylon twill is utilized for the shoulders and placket, resulting in a design that feels diverse despite the uniform tone.
"Additionally, cow leather is used as an accent on the cuffs and front buttons, providing a stylish touch while maintaining a wild appeal. It comes with a tag indicating it withstands temperatures up to -20℃."
The entry model "JACK" from MACKAGE showcases a different approach to craftsmanship compared to RILEY.
"The hallmark of JACK is its distinguished silhouette and lightweight nature, coupled with robust insulation that can withstand temperatures as low as -15℃. The material used is a multi-way stretch that has been treated for water resistance and durability, allowing it to stretch in all directions, providing an exceptional wearing experience.
"Incorporating eco-leather pieces as design accents within its simple design, it features a storm visor component inside the hood to ensure a comfortable fit when wearing the hood."
Montreal is often referred to as the “Paris of North America,” with its European-like streets and culture. Born in this city, MACKAGE combines high-spec functionality on par with outdoor brands and a sense of luxury, rapidly growing as a unique global brand.
In Japan, there is a flagship store in Aoyama, with a new street-level store opening in Ginza on November 8. This brand is one to watch for anyone looking for a special outerwear this winter.
MACKAGE Aoyama Flagship Store
[1]Fill power refers to the larger number indicating the ability to trap more air, meaning a higher fill power signifies high-quality down with excellent insulation properties, allowing for the creation of lofty down with a smaller amount, resulting in lighter wear.
[2]Traceability is an initiative that clarifies the origin of products by making it possible to track them throughout their supply chain, from procurement of materials to production, consumption, and disposal.
PROFILE
Kensaku Ando
JIONE CO., LTD. Sales Manager After overseeing domestic collection brand sales, since 2020, I have been engaged as the distributor/sales representative for MACKAGE, a luxury outerwear brand originating from Montreal, Canada.