Pendleton Capitalizes on Collab Momentum for New Line

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Image via WWD

Oregon-based brand Pendleton has developed a bit of a cult following over the past several years, fueled by heritage-hungry hipsters and collaborations with brands like Opening Ceremony and Junya Watanabe/Comme des Garçons. And it looks like we can expect to see more along those lines: according to WWD, those efforts have been so successful at repositioning the brand for a younger, hipper market that the company is celebrating its 150th anniversary by launching a new in-house line aimed at a younger, more fashion-conscious clientelle.

The men's and women's apparel, accessories and home line is called the Thomas Kay Collection (named for Pendleton's founder) and will launch for in stores for fall 2013. Like L.L.Bean's Signature line, Pendleton turned to the company's extensive archives for design inspiration, but has updated cuts for a more modern fit. "We came up with a more fitted, tapered silhouette, and that has allowed us to get into some great young boutiques," a company rep said. Look forward to Henley tops with jabot details, a plaid Western shirtdress, lace cardigans, and a wool jacquard coat with a Northwestern Americana motif.
· Pendleton Launching Heritage Collection [WWD]
· Working It: Inside the Freeport, Maine Headquarters of L.L.Bean Signature [Racked]