Name us a better combination than Arc’teryx and BEAMS. Yes, ketchup and bacon is good. Chips and curry sauce, too. But neither quite compares to the wearable delights that this ongoing partnership has produced – a partnership that has now been going for 25 years.
That’s an astounding amount of time to continually release fantastic clothing, and evidence that this is a truly special collaboration. When Arc’teryx announced a couple of years ago that it was ceasing all collaborations, there was one it simply couldn’t bring itself to axe – and thankfully, it was BEAMS who escaped the chopping block.
Over the last 25 years, the collaboration has reinvented what technical outerwear can look like. We’ve had bright orange shells, beautiful patchwork coats and jackets with multicoloured zippers. The relationship has functioned as a playground for both brands, and the evident sense of fun in every release is what keeps the partnership between Arc’teryx and BEAMS so relevant.
Now, 25 years after their first interaction, the two brands have come together once again for a special anniversary release.
The collection takes its name from Kōyō, the Japanese tradition of appreciating the changing colours of autumn leaves. That idea is expressed through BEAMS’ signature Crazy Pattern, reworked in an autumnal palette and anchored by the brand’s unmistakable orange. As ever, Arc’teryx’s technical foundations remain intact, but they’ve been given the distinctly colourful and chaotic BEAMS treatment this collab is famed for.
Leading the collection is the Patchwork Theta AR, a model that has long held cult status among Arc’teryx collectors and mountaineers. While this latest iteration is toned in the earthy colours of autumn, its intended use remains considerably darker and higher – a reminder that, beneath all the pattern and colour, this is still serious mountain equipment.
Elsewhere, a heavyweight 240gsm brushed jersey cotton long-sleeve tee features a limited-edition graphic celebrating six of the most iconic products to emerge from the collaboration over the decades. The Gamma Jacket takes a more understated approach, pairing a wind- and water-resistant softshell with throwback Arc’teryx and BEAMS logos – a nod to the history that brought the two brands here in the first place.
Then there are the Jogen Pants, perhaps the clearest expression of the two brands’ shared ability to mash things together. A refreshing take on a technical trouser that doesn’t fall into the trap of becoming skin-tight like so many do. Instead, this relaxed pant combines a lightweight, durable Stormtech cotton-nylon construction with a relaxed, wide-leg silhouette and adjustable bungee hem.
Then there’s a slew of other accessories, ranging from caps to backpacks, that make up the remainder of the collection – items that in most collaborations would be an afterthought, but here pose a serious risk of stealing the show.
It’s an all out celebration of 25 years of greatness. What began with two brands experimenting together has blossomed into a partnership that has consistently blurred the line between mountain gear and everyday clothing. We for one, are excited to see what the next 25 years has in store.
The Arc’teryx x BEAMS Anniversary Collection will be available from Arc’teryx stores in London Covent Garden, Paris Le Marais, Berlin and Milan beginning September 25th.
