Nau Adds to Women's Line with Stylish & Functional Outdoor Silhouettes

Spring-Summer 2014 Women’s Collection Available February 2014

(PORTLAND, OR)― In Spring-Summer 2014, Nau will expand its line of sustainable urban + outdoor apparel with a range of fresh silhouettes, desert-inspired hues and new product categories. The collection reflects the brand’s position of developing premium product for the evolving outdoor consumer, highlighting mobility and multi-functionality of designs, as well as inherent technicality and natural hand of sustainable fabrics. The collection draws inspiration from the natural world, celebrating the lines and colors of the Colorado Plateau and Southwest deserts. Throughout the collection, Nau will introduce a color palette evoking the spirit of the region, including: a clay colored red, Lacquer, a cool blue inspired by the desert sky, Fjord and a sage and juniper hued green, Beetle.

NEW PRODUCT

In Spring-Summer 2014, Nau will debut performance fabrications and outerwear pieces fit for a range of outdoor activities, cycling and travel. A new three-layer material is used in the Tripoly Jacket, the latest innovation in the technical hardshell category. The three-layer waterproof, breathable jacket has a 60-40 recycled polyester and organic cotton slub blend, marking the first time Nau is using a cotton-polyester blend for a three-layer fabrication. The resulting material has a soft hand for a natural feel against the skin and a matte aesthetic that provides a sophisticated alternative to traditional high-shine synthetic outerwear. The seam sealed design has a polyester tricot back and a DWR finish for increased protection from wind and water. A snap-off hood with a one-way drawcord adjustment, combined with an adjustable velcro cuff also helps seal out the elements, while a back hem vent with snap closure promotes breathability.

 This new fabrication is also used in the Poncho Via, a fashion-driven hardshell with a cape-inspired silhouette. A statement piece from the collection, the Poncho Via features dramatic elements like pull-over dolman sleeves, a belted waist and an extended drape in back. Complemented by a seam sealed construction and DWR finish, the shell ensures wearer is protected from inclement weather. The extended back length can also easily cover a backpack for additional pack protection. The Poncho Via is equipped with two front hand zip pockets, a kangaroo pouch pocket, a one-way drawcord hood and adjustable snap cuffs. 

Nau will also debut the Atelier Fabric with the blazer-inspired Atelier Jacket. The Atelier Fabric is a water resistant, recycled polyester and organic cotton blend that is coated and bonded to a recycled polyester knit to create a performance, soft shell fabrication. The jacket features internal bound seams and has a DWR finish for wind and water resistance. Featuring a signature blazer silhouette with a sleek metal front zip closure, the Atelier Jacket transcends through commute to work to afterhours. Additional features include: a button tab on collar for neck coverage, two exposed metal hand zip pockets, two chest pockets with snap flaps and a center back vent.

 With focus on creating a women’s collection that fuses femininity and technicality, Nau also launches a series of fashion-forward dresses which maintain performance elements. With comfortable fits and flattering silhouettes, the Nau dress collection offers great options for commute, travel and everyday wear. In this offering, the Inte-Great Dress features a lightweight 60-40 blend of Tencel® and linen. The natural properties of the Tencel® provide breathability, a quick dry and odor management. The dress also features five-inch side hem vents for a free range of movement. This material also debuts in the Inte-Great Short, Inte-Great Jacket and Inte-Great Pant.

 Nau also introduces an updated version of the iconic Chrysalis Dress. Constructed from the brand’s seersucker-inspired Lightbeam Fabric, the hybrid dress and soft-shell has a pucker texture that lends to a lighter weight and increased breathability. Updated design elements include: ruching on the collar and throughout the body, as well as an adjustable length option.

The Compleat Dress, another new addition to the dress category, brings an ultra feminine silhouette to the world of outdoor apparel. The knit dress features a MicroModal® construction for a soft feel and natural drape. An A-line shape and front drape, combined with horizontal pleating and crossed backed straps, provide frame flattering details. The Twisted Dress rounds out the dress line. Featuring a chambray-inspired 60-40 Tencel® and organic cottonblend in a two-color twill weave, the Twisted Dress boasts a comfortable and modern shirt dress-inspired silhouette.

Nau also adds several designs to its successful M2 Merino Wool category. The M2 collection is blended with Tencel® to create increased stretch, moisture wicking properties and breathability. New silhouettes include: the M2 Cardigan with pleated shawl collar, the scoop neck design M2 Short Sleeve Top and the shirt-tail shaped M2 Henley Sleeveless Top. The brand will also debut a modified boat neck shaped tee, the Repose Boatneck, to its Repose line, a luxe offering of separates with a soft hand and flattering drape crafted from MicroModal® fabric.

 Following on the success of the M2 Merino Wool, Ribellyun and Repose knit categories, Nau will introduce a new knit top fabrication, Illume. The tissue-weight Tencel® is crafted from sustainably harvested beech trees with closed loop yarns, offering the technical benefits of improved breathability, durability, water resistance and quick dry without losing its silky soft drape. The Illume material is used in three new basic tops for women, the Illume Long-Sleeve Top, the Illume Short-Sleeve Top and the Illume Tank. The Illume Tank features an internal shelf bra for added support.

Rounding out the Spring-Summer 2014 collection, Nau debuts fresh silhouettes and colors in the movement-inspired Studio Collection. Designed for women who seek sophisticated apparel for yoga, Pilates and dance, the collection offers two new sleek, bottom styles; the three-quarter length Stalac Tights and a pull-on MicroModal® blend bottom with a fold-over waistband, the Pantalones. The Pantalones have a silk-like hand and a flattering, flowing silhouette that is fitted at the lower leg. The collection will also re-introduce popular silhouettes, including the Double Back Tank, in an array of new hues, such as a wine colored stripe, Ferment Stripe, a blend of subtle blue tones, Fjord Stripe and a deep purple, Raisin.

Nau’s complete Spring-Summer 2014 Collection will be on display at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in booth: 30049E. To schedule a media appointment, please contact Kim Rodgers at kim.rodgers@turnerpr.com or at 212-889-1700. 

About Nau

Nau (pronounced “now”) is a clothing company based in Portland, Oregon. They design, make and sell sustainable urban + outdoor apparel― integrated designs for the modern mobile lifestyle. Nau is committed to the power of business as a force for positive change, seeking to balance the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. To learn more about Nau, please visit www.nau.com.

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