Every time we speak about Mellow Clo, we’re wary that we might be sounding a bit too much like a proud relative. But the truth is, watching the brand flourish from printing t-shirts in Manchester to a fully fledged outdoor label stocked across the globe is exactly the kind of thing we love to see.
We were fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at their SS26 collection back in January and have been patiently waiting for the release ever since, and finally, it’s here.
The collection truly shows how far Mellow has come, not just in product but also in production. They’ve ditched the grey backdrop of Northern England for the Tabernas desert in the South of Spain. And then acquired a massive red Jeep to drive around in it. Not bad for a brand that once upon a time shot their campaigns in the Peak District.
Not only does the location produce incredible stills, but it is actually central to the entire collection. The dusty brown and beige landscape of the Tabernas Desert has directly influenced the colour palette for SS26, with occasional pops of green inspired by the contrasting foliage.
As for the collection itself, SS26 sees Mellow experimenting with a range of new fabrics and materials. Lightweight gridded fleece appears on the Summit Half Zip, while a more plush micro fleece has been contrasted with nylon panelling on the Canopy Fleece. Both garments have been designed to offer gentle insulation for cooler evenings at the crag, cabin or climbing gym.
And although the campaign was shot in 20 degree heat, Mellow Clo know full well the realities of British summer, and have designed a fully waterproof hard-shell jacket to compensate for it. The 3L Trek Jacket features taped seams, an abundance of pockets, a two-way zip and adjustable just about everything. Comprehensive protection that can be packed away, forgotten about, and remembered when the heavens open.
Legwear stays as another strong point for the brand, with the Everyday Trouser being reimagined in a handful of new colours, including a desert-inspired dusty brown, and the Forage Shorts also following suit. Accompanying the legwear is a smattering of tees, shirts and headwear to round out what might well be Mellow’s strongest collection yet.
Which takes us nicely back to our first point. Seeing Mellow Clo release one of the finest outdoor ranges we’ve seen this season brings back that proud relative feeling. The brand is going from strength to strength at the moment, and we’re excited to see where the future takes them. If they keep moving at the current pace, don’t be surprised if their next campaign is shot in the Arctic Circle.
Mellow Clo’s SS26 collection can be purchased now from Mellow Clo
