Eddie Bauer collaborates with celebrity designer for new limited-edition collection

By

Rebecca Taras

Published
Sep 25, 2017

Two years after a successful menswear launch that sold out within a few weeks, Eddie Bauer has launched another limited-edition collection for women with celebrity stylist Ilaria Urbinati.

The 25-piece collection officially debuts online and at select Eddie Bauer stores on September 27. By looking through archives of old collections, Urbinati pulled inspiration from the brand’s iconic styles (think oversized jackets, tailored denim, flannel button-down shirts) in an effort to pay tribute to its true heritage. The Hollywood stylist was also galvanized by Christine Stine Bauer, Eddie’s wife, who showcased that women’s outdoor clothing could be both functional and feminine.

The limited-edition collection comprised of thermal henleys, corduroy pants, denim overalls, flannel shirts, jackets and coats ranges in price from $70-$199-plus. Notable highlights include a buffalo faux fur collar coat, oversized red parkas and a cowboy print shirt inspired from the archives.

Bellevue, Washington-based Eddie Bauer was acquired out of bankruptcy by buyout firm Golden Gate Capital in 2009 with a cash bid of $286 million, yet it’s still struggling to make ends meet. Back in June, the company hired Guggenheim Partners LLC and Financo LLC to explore strategic solutions to obtain relief from a $225 million term loan due in 2020 and $200 million revolving credit line that comes due in 2019.

The two-time collaboration with Urbinati is no doubt an attempt to maintain its relevance while remaining afloat in troubled retail waters.