Kelly Slater launches Outerknown menswear brand

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Jul 19, 2015

Last week, Kelly Slater, the eleven-time world champion surfer, launched Outerknown, a sustainable menswear brand. The debut collection features wardrobe essentials for the man on the go.

 
Outerknown was founded from Slater’s personal mission to create a clothing brand that blends function and style while maintaining sustainable manufacturing processes. Slater enlisted one of the GQ 2014 Best New Menswear Designers in America, John Moore, of M. Nii, as Creative Director of the brand, and apparel sustainability veteran Shelly Gotschamer as the Director of Supply Chain and Sustainability.
 
"I created Outerknown to smash the formula. To lift the lid on the traditional supply chain, and prove that you can actually produce great looking menswear in a sustainable way," says Slater on the vision for Outerknown. He adds, "The last two years have been a huge eye-opener for me. It's clear now just how challenging it is for any brand to put sustainability at the forefront of their business and I'm proud that we're one of the few taking the lead."

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Moore added, "We're surfers that grew up with surf brands, but we grew out of logos. And we want to wear clothing that's made better, fits better and looks better. Outerknown represents a clean slate, absolute freedom to do things our own way. We're designing for men with borderless pursuits. They want stylish pieces that are functional, built to last, and allow them to move effortlessly from the surf to the presentation room all in the space of a single day."
 
The brand also partnered with Aquafil to use its Econyl fibers, and partnered with Kering Group for the launch of Outerknown.com. The line will be available at select premium retailers including Ron Herman, Mr. Porter and Selfridges.