Edmund Hillary Brands Has Social Enterprise in Its Fabric
Edmund Hillary Brands Has Social Enterprise in Its Fabric
A new high end, outdoor clothing range inspired
by and named after Sir Edmund Hillary will see his
charitable projects, and other outdoor initiatives around
the world, benefit.
The brand, named Edmund Hillary,
will have social enterprise sewn into every seam with a
percentage of profits going to support schools in the
Himalayas, and outdoor education programmes in countries
where the range is made and sold – including New
Zealand.
Founded by Aucklander Mike Hall-Taylor and
Peter Hillary, the first range of premium quality men’s
outdoor wear will launch globally – with an event at New
Zealand Fashion Week – in August 2018.
“The new
business – Edmund Hillary Brands Ltd – will help keep
the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary alive around the world for
future generations. It will also support the people and
places that he dedicated so much of his life to helping,”
Mike Hall-Taylor says.
Mr Hall-Taylor describes the
new venture as an international brand. Like Sir Ed’s 1953
Everest expedition, the company is largely being funded by
UK investors, but will have a strong New Zealand
flavour.
Inspired by the clothing Sir Edmund wore on
his Everest summit, the launch collection will consist of
around 25 items ranging from a ventile replica anorak
originating from the one Sir Ed wore during his ascent of
Everest to jackets, vests and exact replicas of his hand
knitted sweaters. With the initial launch range designed
more for ‘soft adventure and cold weather apres’ than
mountaineering, some of the items will be produced by the
same company that supplied the 1953
expedition.
Smaller Edmund Hillary garments, such as
hats and scarves, will be manufactured where possible in
Nepal, and the merino wool for the knitwear and baselayers
sourced from New Zealand. The larger more complex and
tailored products, such as ethically sourced down jackets as
worn by Tenzing Norgay, will be made in the
UK.
Initially, the company owners are looking to
establish niche markets in Australasia, Northern Europe,
North America and Japan.
Mr Hall-Taylor says the
launch comes after a number of years working with the
Hillary family to firm up their shared vision to honour Sir
Ed’s achievements and build on his charity
work.
“We’ve drawn on the heritage of the past –
scouring imagery and researching fabrics used by Sir Ed and
his climbing party – and then brought the clothing into
the present day with style and functionality.
“The
range captures the essence of Sir Ed and will resonate with
those with their own spirit of adventure and a desire to be
part of the Edmund Hillary story. In his own words –
‘it’s not the mountain we conquer but ourselves’ –
this is a brand for people who enjoy overcoming personal
challenges.”
Mike Hall-Taylor is also founder and
managing director of HT Group, a consultancy specialising in
social enterprise and sport, with the mission to help
businesses generate sustainable profitability and create a
better
society.
ENDS