Exploration of Roark Revival
- Niruna Suntharalingam
- Mar 1, 2017
- 3 min read
In an era where an increasingly large number of people are travelling to the corners of the earth, exploring the world around them on a path of self-discovery, we need a brand that not only compliments this lifestyle but encourages it. Let me introduce you to Roark Revival, a brand inspired by the adventurist.
“It merges style and function into the 5 key pieces you throw in your backpack. “
Founded in 2009 by Ryan Hitzel, Roark aims to produce functional clothing that can be worn in even the most remote locations: “Argentinean holding cell or on a date at the Sydney Opera House”.
It’s impossible to go to India and not show respect for the Taj Mahal, so we’ve jacquarded its essence into this woven as a display of respect.
Based around the travels of Roark, a figurative character with the traits of the team behind the idea, the brand shares stories of Roark’s biyearly travels – the sources of inspiration for each piece of clothing or accessory in the collection. Each new collection is inspired by each new location – a cold climate for the FW collection and a warmer destination for the SS collection - changing up the vibe of the brand. By interacting directly with their followers via social media, they help spread their message and passion through their own captures and those of their followers.
In an interview with GrindTV, Hitzel explains how the group are avid travellers, “wandering or just losing ourselves in adventure, and in the process documenting it with images, writings, and trinkets collected along the way”. It was amid their travels to the Dominican Republic that the idea behind Roark was conceived: inspiring others to travel and step out of their comfort zone through clothing that compliments this ideology.
The branded started up in Orange Country, California and soon was found at various retails across the country who shared the same views. Since then, Roark has just kept expanding and, most recently, set up a pop-up shop and art show at Said Space and a slideshow event to mark the release of their SS 2016 collection, Volume 10.
Roark is well known for their eccentric campaigning and advertising style, but this won it Men’s Marketing Campaign of the Year at the SIMA Image Awards 3 years in a row (2014-16), Breakout Brand of the Year in 2016 and is nominated in 3 different categories this year including Men’s Marketing Campaign of the Year and Men’s Brand of the Year.
The latest collection, Volume 11 – based on the travels to Vancouver Island – features stylish pieces dictated by a cold winter, made to withstand the harsh and demanding weather conditions. Within this is the Capsule Collection, by renowned professional skateboarder Jamie Thomas, which consists of only a handful of cold weather items but provides the versatility to be worn whenever. The items were designed by Jamie’s take on the travels, making the clothing feel more personal to their followers and wearers, bringing them closer to the location.
With such a unique take on the fashion industry, and a message that is filled with passion, Roark are a brand to be explored by not just the avid adventurer or surfer, but by everyone.
Follow Niruna at: 2truemushroom.wordpress.com/category/discussions/
Published By Rittz Clothing
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