At Snow Peak, our mission is to create moments of connection between humans and nature. Our line of outdoor apparel is designed to help the wearer get outside without sacrificing style – but we realized we could do more to connect the wearer with the earth. In 2018, this realization led to the development of Local Wear and several other artisan-focused collaborations and capsule collections that prioritize natural fabrics and historic processes rooted in local regions.
The number of craftspeople and artisans across Japan are declining at an accelerating rate, taking with them their ancestral practices that have been passed down over generations. Historically, clothing reflected the type of labor performed by the wearer, as well as local customs. But as the world shifts, many of these customs and traditional labor practices are falling away. Snow Peak hopes to help preserve these traditions and manufacturing processes by partnering with local craftsmen to preserve culture and connect it to today's technologies.
Snow Peak's Local Wear project sheds light on the fascinating variety of garments from all over Japan and connects them to the people who are living today. The goal of Local Wear is to link consumers to creators, building appreciation for localized cultures and lifestyles of different areas. The project is rooted in respect of local climate and craft and offers specialized activities and tours that pass on culture and industry to future generations.
Snow Peak's appreciation for historic craft extends beyond Local Wear. Two other projects, the Yamai Line and the Inoue Brothers collaboration, also prioritize connection to place, the earth, and natural materials.
Learn more about Local Wear and its impacts from this short documentary highlighting the project.
Yamai Line
The Yamai Line is designed in small batches using ancient, natural fabric construction and dye techniques. The collection celebrates traditional craftsmanship while deepening the relationship between the garment and the wearer, creating a bridge to the natural world. Designed by Lisa Yamai, the capsules offer one-of-a-kind pieces that demonstrate the beauty of nature, even its imperfections. Learn more about the Yamai Line.
Inoue Brothers
The Inoue Brothers is an art/design studio founded in 2004 by two Japanese brothers, Satoru and Kiyoshi Inoue, who were both born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark. The brand celebrates their common love for two cultures, Japanese sensibility, and Scandinavian simplicity. Inoue Brothers share many sensibilities with Snow Peak – including deeply valuing heritage, culture, and rich artisan craft. All of their projects create awareness around responsible production methods while remaining focused on quality and design. For the past several seasons, we've collaborated with the Inoue Brothers to bring limited-edition pieces to the Snow Peak apparel line. The Inoue Brothers partner with the Paco Marca Alpaca Institute in the highlands of Peru to ethically source alpaca wool of the highest quality.
Shop all Snow Peak apparel to find pieces from the Yamai Line, Inoue Brothers Collection, and more.
