2024.08.14

The Inventor of Functional Rainwear, France's National Brand "K-WAY" & Their Vision for the Future

#K-WAY

#Rainwear

#Rain Gear

#French Brand

#Milan Fashion Week

#Activewear

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On rainy days in Paris, the streets are filled with people wearing rainwear featuring the “K-WAY” logo. Founded in Paris in 1965, "K-WAY" has become synonymous with rainwear in both France and Italy.

Known for its functional and stylish nylon jackets in various colors, founder Léon-Claude Duhamel's vision of a "compact, waterproof, and fashionable design" has garnered global popularity.

In recent years, the brand has gained attention as a fashion brand by presenting at Milan Fashion Week and collaborating with famous brands. In Japan, a flagship store was opened in Shibuya in 2022, offering exclusive products.

After a bankruptcy in 2004, BasicNet S.p.A. took over the business and revived it. We spoke with Lorenzo Boglione, a director at BasicNet S.p.A. and CEO of K-WAY, about the brand's charm, history, and its development in the Japanese market.

PROFILE

Lorenzo Boglione

Born in 1987 in Turin, Italy. After obtaining a master’s degree in Business Administration from ESCP Business School in Paris and gaining extensive professional experience both domestically and internationally, he joined the BasicNet Group in 2010. He currently serves as a director at BasicNet S.p.A. and CEO of K-WAY.

The Reason for 60 Years of Popularity

K-WAY, a national brand of France. What's the biggest reason it has maintained such popularity for nearly 60 years?

Looking back through history, "K-WAY" is not just a brand but an inventor. Back in the 60s, "K-WAY" invented sporty rainwear. In other words, it pioneered an entire category rather than just an item. At that time, it was the sole option available in the market, and everyone started calling it a leisure jacket.