Commenting on the collaboration, The Lost Explorer's founder, David de Rothschild, said, “When it comes to curating our collections, our approach from the outset has always been about the materials story being first. So with this in mind, the materials, processes, and intentions that go into the design of our goods and apparel, will always place nature as the face of the brand. I am constantly inspired and influenced by the ability of nature to re-imagine itself, time and time again. Schoeller's innovative team is of the same mind and they are experts in building world-leading performance materials and thus a great partnership was born.”

Elaborating on Schoeller's role in The Lost Explorer, Rothschild said, “All design is a collaboration between humans and nature, but ultimately the part where we hold the greatest responsibility, is how nature's concerns and contributions will be considered or dismissed. In practical terms, we see Schoeller as part of an extended family of innovators. We want to push The Lost Explorer and Schoeller to the forefront of what we call 'Natural Performance'.”

The first common project as part of the partnership will be to produce mountain jackets and fireman's jackets using the corkshell technology – a unique technology by Schoeller with high thermal insulation. “We plan to launch with a mountain-inspired jacket as well as a vintage 1920's fireman's jacket re-made out of Schoeller fabrics with corkshell. Apparel, in this collection, will be anchored in Schoeller-naturetec wool blends with corkshell. The idea is to create a collection of different products that are anchored by the same material,” Rothschild said.

“We chose this technology (corkshell) as it is both water-resistant and highly breathable; not to mention that we believe it is a material that needs to be explored more in terms of applications and performance. The collection will speak of nature's simplicity, functionality and our ability to equip our customers for the adventure – everyday life,” he explains.

Rothschild, who has also agreed to be Schoeller's eco-ambassador with the goal of invigorating and strengthening the eco-conscious of the Swiss business, enthusiastically adds that many more products will follow as a result of the partnership.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India