Our Spring 19 range is here, we want to take you on the journey that inspired the ‘Road To Anywhere’ collection.
All the way from inspiration to launch, the Passenger team takes us through the thought processes and design stages. Shining a light on the journey of a Passenger product on the road to anywhere.
INSPIRATION
The key inspiration was drawn from road trips close to home and further afield. The team talked about the freedom of the open road. That unique weightlessness and the good vibes that come from roaming from place to place.
We revisited an ethos at the heart of Passenger: ‘Embrace The Journey’. We explored what that means to us today, and what it stands for as we look ahead.
We shared stories of our favourite road trips. Voyages through dense forests, along windy salt-water trails and across borders into foreign lands. Closer to home, the redwood trails of the New Forest and local swell are features for many familiar escapes.
At this stage Head of Marketing, Sam, puts together a creative preface and story for the season. This is carried through the design stages, setting the tone and key influences for the collection message.
“A humble road trip to someplace new is a pure way to escape. Just load up the car or van and head out. Get the tunes playing, stop along the way and just soak it all up for a while.”
CONCEPT & DESIGN
The design team, Katie, Jon & Sophia spent time exploring hushed coves along the south coast and dusty trails in the surrounding forests. These were the backdrop to the collection design concepts.
“We all got talking about road trips we’ve been on, the things we saw and the things we carried with us. From South Cali to Alaska and everything in between. We pulled a lot of inspiration from that and those road trip vibes are embroidered into the collection.”
~ Jon Line, Graphic Designer
Behind the design, the team asked itself some simple questions; What is it that accompanies us on unforgettable road trips? What are the things that we reach for time after time, travel companions and always on the packing list?
The Spring 2019 collection answers these questions. Unfussy and durable storage to keep things in check, accessories for a life of travel and garments with timeless design and styling. Standout pieces come in the form of short sleeve shirts, hybrid shorts and signature graphic tees.
“We looked at the timeless styling of coastal road trip culture, hazy days and good vibes. Palm tree prints make their way into men’s shirting alongside classic stripes and laid back styling. There’s a lot of clean colour and subtle texture going on which sits together really well.” ~ Katie Hayes, Lead Design
SOURCING
The fabrics and materials selected to craft our products is always at the front of our minds. Lead Design, Katie, adds depth and durability to our ranges by honing the materials we use, and reducing waste.
This spring sees a real step forwards for sustainable fabrics and materials. Our RE-ROAM project is gathering momentum and we’re proud to offer a range of organic and recycled fabrics throughout the range.
During the fabric sourcing process, the design team asks these key questions:
Sustainability
How is the material being manufactured and what happens at end of life? Is there a more sustainable alternative? Is there an off-cut use-up alternative?
Location
How close to the factory are the materials? It doesn’t make environmental sense to ship fabrics around the globe to be constructed elsewhere.
Durability & Intended Use
With function and intended use in mind, how suitable is the fabric? Will it stand up to the trails of travel and escapism? How will it wear over time? Is it over-engineered?
Feel, Texture and Weight
How does it feel? How comfortable will it be on a long haul road trip or thrown over salty skin?
We built prototypes and samples at this stage to measure and fine tune the fit. Sometimes we’ll pull out prototypes from years gone by and share a laugh or two. As with all creative processes, revisiting concepts that didn't make it can be a good source of inspiration (and entertainment).
“I’ve always found this part rewarding. The fabrics we use speak volumes about what we stand for. At the core of any Passenger product the fabric does the talking. So, sometimes it’s subtle but taking our time over sourcing fabrics and materials always pays off.”
Detailing & Refinement
At this stage it’s all about bringing the products to life and embroidering the collection inspiration into them. We're mindful when adding the attention to detail finishing that we’re known for.
“Coastal road trip hues and textures come through in the collection’s relaxed fabrics. Think hazy adobes and natural tans, forest greens and salt water tones.” ~ Katie Hayes, Lead Design
The design team looks at the cut, shape and fit first of all; tweaking and shaping the garment to wear effortlessly from day one. The smallest of changes translate into a big difference in the way a product will look and feel. We never take our legendary regular fit for granted.
Next we’ll look at the hems, cuffs and stitch detailing to bring form to the shape. The way a piece of clothing wears over time has much to do with the stitching and cuffs. We take our time here, considering the life and aesthetic of the product.
“As an independent brand, it’s important for us to build from the bottom up, make sure every detail counts, you know? We never stop learning, taking time to hone the foundations of our craft while drawing on classic tailoring principles.” ~ Sophia Church, Designer
One of the final touches is branding, how and where should the Passenger mark be represented? This season we have a selection of fabric badges, embroidered patches, hem-labels and badges.
Product Launch
Planning the collection launch is always an exciting time. Everything has come together and it’s now that we get to share our work with our community. The team all have their favourites, and finally getting them out there where they belong is a special time.
The marketing department steps up a gear. It's important to make sure that all the details, extra miles and hard work is spoken of and given every chance.
“Once the collection has launched we head out as a team, break bread and open a few cold ones...” ~ Tom Hatcher, Events & Logistics
We get a real buzz out of preparing the full range for the first lookbook photoshoot. It’s the first time the whole range hangs together, side by side. We find a moment to step back and take it all in, as a complete collection and years of work.
Time to call up ambassador and photographer Tim Borrow. We rally the crew, load up the van and hit the road to put the collection through its paces.
Roundup
“That’s Spring 19 wrapped up, I hope you guys like it. I’m heading north for a few days just me and the van, see you out there.” ~ Richard Sutcliffe, Founder
Why do we do it? We’re always humbled by the response from our community to our efforts. To see a Passenger tee on the back of a friend out there, finding their own path and living a life of meaningful adventure. That brings it right back home for us and makes it all worthwhile.
We like to think that every Passenger product goes on a journey. Where will they end up? Maybe familiar places close to home or adventures beyond the everyday.
With an open road and humbling landscapes stretched out before us, we know this is what it means to travel the road to anywhere.
