Category: Uncategorized

Text by Miguel Vieira
Photos by Miguel Vieira & Elisabeth Teixeira

While for most the single joy of the holidays revolves around family, for clothing enthusiasts there are other reasons to rejoice. While bright sunny days provide you with much-needed vitamin D and an overall mood boost, summery attires are somewhat lacklustre in overall complexity. As any menswear enthusiast can attest, cold weather is where personal style and one’s know-how on fashion fundamentals truly shine: playing around with layers, textures and accessories are core techniques one must master to overcome the season in style. However, nothing worthwhile has ever come easily: despite the unlimited potential, Winter also poses several style challenges. 

First, all of the above-mentioned techniques take years to learn and properly perfect with a personal twist, requiring extensive experimentation to understand what works best for your body and aesthetic. Second, the unstable nature of Winter days which alternate between freezing cold, heavy rain or snow, or a combination of all, makes it extremely hard to prepare your wardrobe in advance to cover all possibilities. The nuances in dressing for these different climate conditions, don’t necessarily allow for a smooth transition, meaning you will often prepare for the worst-case scenario through functional outerwear and footwear. 

This conjecture brings us to the focus of this brief write-up: what makes for the perfect Winter jacket? Allow me to make a brief disclaimer: this pressing question is only an issue for those who find joy in the act of dressing according to their values, adapting to the weather and the occasion to convey their personality and identity at all times; for everyone else, the standard issue Gore-Tex parka is your best friend. For better or worse, I belong to the former, meaning that my Winter outerwear ranges from double-breasted cashmere overcoats to fend off the cold, to lightweight technical raincoats to keep dry when commuting. It’s easy to see where this is heading right? 

Assuming I don’t want to throw on a shapeless, bulky, waterproof parka, none of the current alternatives in my wardrobe answers the seasonal needs, despite all being considered core staples of men’s fashion. And here enters Norwegian Rain. The latest deliveries from their AW24 collection are a game-changer for all looking to find multi-purpose outerwear that doesn’t compromise on tailoring principles and distinctive aesthetics. As a long-time owner of a few NR jackets, it’s immediately visible how much tweaking and development they have done over the years to address minor details and make the amazing even better. The beauty of these jackets is the ability to combine some of the most high-tech fabrics and finishings, with T-Michael’s unique tailoring vision, resulting in something truly special and unique in today’s market. Waterproof, windproof, and warm, but still with a tailored approach that is flattering and exclusive. 

This time around, I got to try the Padded Harmattan Cropped and NR Duffel, both unisex styles with a slightly edgier aesthetic than the designs I currently own and had the chance to get hands-on earlier this year 

The NR Duffel is a technical raincoat inspired by traditional duffel coats, with military-inspired details and a slightly oversized fit that makes it extremely comfortable and functional. The army green hopsack fabric is surprisingly versatile for outerwear, easily adapting to a wide range of colors. The functional look is not purely for aesthetics, as it features 2 large flap pockets on the front that also function as side pockets, while the front straps allow for a tighter or more relaxed closure. As usual, the jacket features several removable rain-focused elements such as the adjustable hood and storm flap, but I particularly loved the contrasting black shearling collar for added warmth and comfort. While I embraced the more military aspect of the duffel, pairing it with heavy-duty pleated pants and a brown color palette, I can easily picture it being worn over a suit for a contemporary, super cool look. 

The Harmattan cropped is a whole different story. This short padded jacket is extremely warm and reminiscent of Japanese designs, with an oversized fit and a trademark hood with incorporated storm flaps. The unique drape and back-positioned side pockets make for a uniquely looking jacket, further emphasized by the padded storm flaps that look superb when undone, falling on the shoulders. Staying true to its origins, I paired it with Japanese-inspired pleated flannel pants and invertedly layered turtleneck and half-zip jumper. This particular version is a technical marvel, being extremely lightweight and warm at the same time, and a welcome short alternative when you don’t need a long coat. 

Last but not least, the final raincoat of the series was Arctic Homme—Norwegian Rain’s warmest style to date and one of the most visually striking. As the name implies, Arctic is not only fully waterproof (as all things NR) but also manages to bring cosiness and warmth to the mix due to the shearling-lined interior and removable collar. The materialization of these often paradoxical concepts – waterproofing and cold proofing – is superbly achieved with the Arctic, through high-tech padding technology that maintains the coat lightweight and breathable, in usual Norwegian Rain fashion. It’s a technical marvel in itself, and the perfect alternative to throw over a tailored wool suit when the temperature drops and rain is on the forecast. While there are more classic alternatives in Norwegian Rain’s range, personally I love the contrast of breaking down a tailored ensemble with a functional raincoat that you can easily throw on or off as needed. It’s a whole new level of the fashion meets function conversation, impeccably conducted by the distinctive masterminds behind the project: Alexander Helle and T-Michael. 

About guest writer: Miguel Vieira

Civil Engineer turned Fashion Marketeer, Stylist, Copywriter and part time photographer, Miguel has been working with fashion brands and companies for over a decade, including Norwegian Rain. Based in Porto, Portugal, he’s keen on menswear history and writes about it on his blog Beyond Fabric.”

A Contemporary take on what “office appropriate” may look like in 2023/24

Text by Miguel Vieira
Photos by Miguel Vieira & Elisabeth Teixeira

Evolution and Adaptation

It comes to no surprise that as creatures of habits, humans tend to evolve and adapt to the passing of times. We’ve been doing it for several centuries now, continuously finding new ways to become more productive, more comfortable, more…something. What’s interesting to me is how, in recent years, the notion of “more” has been losing its inherent appeal: the point of saturation we are currently experiencing has led modern society to rethink its everyday essentials.

A Shift in Perspective

This concept of growing abundance that has been passed on through generations, seems to have come to halt, undoubtedly boosted by recent phenomena such as the global pandemic and ongoing financial crisis. On the aftermath of such events, society (finally) seems to be slowly changing towards a “less is more” approach, valuing a more spartan approach to several areas, including fashion.

The Pandemic and Fashion

The pandemic introduced us to a new reality and changes that will forever change our lifestyle, such as remote work, which by itself changed the fashion landscape introducing leisurewear to even those who adamantly opposed it. The ability to show as much or little as one wanted behind a computer screen, paved the way for a more relaxed approach often resulting in truly bizarre attires if seen head to toe (sweatpants paired with a shirt and tie anyone?).

“While business wear has definitely changed towards a more casual format, the essence of menswear shines once again, sustained by time-tested formulas such as tailoring.”

–Miguel Vieira

This just confirmed an ongoing movement that began in the early 90s, with Casual Friday and recently reached its peak when Wall Street announced the optional use of ties, something most would consider blasphemy a few years back. As we return to “normality” in a new context, the notion of business appropriate seems to have been imbued with a lawless volatility… so, what does this really mean in 2023?

Fashion’s Cyclical Nature

Well, that’s a tough one to answer, but let’s look at the facts: story has proven time and time again the cyclical nature of fashion and our very habits, which often rebel against the status quo. I often discussed with friends outside the fashion scene, as they didn’t get why I wore tailored garments on the weekends, when all they wanted was denim and a tee. After several years of observing this phenomenon, I believe it’s due to the fact that it’s in our nature to counter the imposed norm: as they wore suits all week, they wanted “anything but” on the weekend, whereas I had the freedom to wear whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. It would be interesting to see if they would suit up if their work uniform consisted of tees and denim.

The Return to Tailoring

But I digress… recent studies* show a decline in leisure wear in favor of tailoring as people begin to grow tired of wearing slouchy pieces and are looking to appear more professional and resume social events. We’re currently witnessing a comeback of menswear’s essential pillars, based on high-quality tailored garments, which are now reinvented with function in mind. A more curated and adaptable wardrobe suited to the necessities of the new normal. While business wear has definitely changed towards a more casual format, the essence of menswear shines once again, sustained by time-tested formulas such as tailoring.

A 2023 Fashion Snapshot – Norwegian Rain Classics

The looks shown here serve as a social experiment of sorts, aiming to deliver a contemporary take of what “office appropriate” may look like in 2023/24. Perhaps in a few decades it will serve as a snapshot of context and time for those further down the line. Making use of two of Norwegian Rain’s most classic coats, the Single Breasted and the Walker, I put together three different interpretations of what I usually wear to work, working as a Fashion Marketeer in Porto, Portugal.

Both these styles are a prime example of the abovementioned “tailored functionality”. The clean lines and timeless design are rooted in traditional tailoring, but upgraded to new heights through all the hidden technology Norwegian Rain incorporates into every coat. They deliver a perfect mix of fashion and function, as besides beautifully complementing a wide range of styles, they also protect you from rain and wind and accommodate several inner and side pockets for your everyday essentials.

About guest writer: Miguel Vieira

Civil Engineer turned Fashion Marketeer, Stylist, Copywriter and part time photographer, Miguel has been working with fashion brands and companies for over a decade, including Norwegian Rain. Based in Porto, Portugal, he’s keen on menswear history and writes about it on his blog Beyond Fabric.”

The latest instalment of our Compact Store Concept is opening on the 15th of September at Pantechnicon in the heart of London. Pantechnicon houses a hand-selected and carefully curated bazaar of must-have fashion and things from Japan and the Nordics. Three shopping spaces hold an eclectic mix of fashion, ceramics, toys, skincare, spirits and more – many of which you won’t find anywhere else. We are delighted to roll out the Norwegian Rain universe just here.

The London Compact Store is a pilot project where Pantechnicon and Norwegian Rain – together with you – are taking steps to reduce overproduction by changing the way clothing is made and sold. With your mobile device you can interact directly with the factory and produce just that one coat you want – and get your bespoke coat within 6 weeks.

Paris has always been a home for us. From our pint size space on Rue Charlot to our 3 bedroom space situated in a private ruelle. 

Now, we have finally found and renovated a 3 level space in the best part of Marais. 2 roads away from Le Republique and parallel to Vertbois. 

Our new maison is located at 35 rue Notre dame de Nazareth (click for map). 

Here we’ve brought in elements from Ghana, Norway and Japan all conceptually curated to make you feel inspired and at home. 

Obviously the items we painstakingly design are all here to cater for your wants and needs. This is a retail business after all. 

In our terms a different retail experience! 

We will also be lending our walls to curators and artists to complete the space with revolving works of art or creative expressions in various forms. 

Bienvenus dans notre nouvel espace.

Sira, Alex & T!

“The tailor behind Norwegian Rain on Ghanaian hip-hop, Japanese whisky and his 90-strong collection of spectacles”

The realization that we can neither capture time nor tame the weather has in many ways been the driving force behind both Unimatic and Norwegian Rain respectively. 

Factor in ichi go ichie* thus bringing us to this point in history where we are both ready to join forces to express our admiration for each other through this timely collaboration. 

Norwegian Rain just filled 10 years in 2020 and we would, as grown-ups do, like to etch a mark in time together with Unimatic because we believe time weathers everything. 

Get it at Hodinkee.com / Unimaticwatches.com / Norwegian Rain (product links below) on Monday 22 February 2021 17:00 (GMT+2).

Our new concept store is like no other.

Located at Bredgade 14 Copenhagen, our new store is only 20 m2. Hence ‘Norwegian Rain Compact Store I Copenhagen’.

As the name suggests, it is small in size and big in ambitions. The idea is to give the public a crash course in our universe. Presenting 2 styles for women, 2 for men and 2 unisex pieces all in black and across all sizes. By trying out the garment to ascertain your size and fit, you can then scan the hang tags to learn more about the style and proceed to check out.

The garment will then be at your door within 3 days! Or 6 weeks if you opted for a made-to-order version.

By centralising our warehouse, we battle the biggest eco issue in fashion – overproduction. At the same time, it allows us to adapt to your preferences in a better way by giving you the opportunity to edit our productions at will.

That’s a win-win situation, isn’t it?

Entire article from WWD: