Award : 686 Announces RECLAIM Project Winners 2/18/2013

Los Angeles, CA (February, 2013) -- The snapping of scissors and click-clack of sewing machines meant only one thing – the 686 RECLAIM Project design contest had begun, with two competitions going down on opposite sides of the world. Six designers from around the globe put their creativity and skills on the line, creating new one-of-a-kind jackets in just three days from previous discarded and reclaimed materials, fabrics, trims and supplies from the 686 production facility earlier this year.
The first stop of the 686 RECLAIM Project design contest took place at the SIA tradeshow in Denver, CO and saw designers from the U.S. and Canada hand constructing signature designs in front of the 686 booth from Jan 31-Feb 2. Contestants worked diligently on their designs while enjoying the personalities, antics and distractions that only SIA canprovide.

In the end, the judges, a panel of top industry designers joined by host and last year’s 686 RECLAIM project winner Jillian Miranda, awarded top honors to Blair Farrington’s “Shreddy” jacket. His concept not only incorporated reclaimed 686 materials, but also was forwardthinking, relevant to today’s core market and salable. Farrington earned the coveted opportunity of an internship with the 686 design team as well as a chance to have his jacket design included into the 2014/15 686 technical apparel line.
“This design is something I would purchase to shred in,” commented Farrington. “It’s affordable and functional with that classic pullover styling.”

686 marketing director, Brent Sandor was overheard talking about Farrington’s winning design. “I am totally going to ride that jacket when I get back home!” exclaimed Brent. “I think lots of snowboarders would be hyped on the Shreddy and its blend of simplistic styling and waterproof technology.”
The second stop of the 686 RECLAIM Project design contest took place at the ISPO tradeshow in Munich, Germany from February 3-5 and included designers from Finland, Denmark and Germany. The designers took over the walkway between Halls A & B where they worked on their designs and interacted with the inquisitive crowds cruising the ISPO tradeshow. In the end, Tim Goddenrich’s Anorak style jacket utilizing 80’s influences took top honors and earned a wardrobe from 686 as well as the chance to also have his jacket included into the 2014/15 686 technical apparel line.
“I wanted to make a jacket that you would see in the 80’s, but with today’s materials and a little more length to match the trends,” explained Goddenrich.

686 would like to thank the six finalists, who’s designs exceeded all expectations: Benjamin Landry from Northwoods, Wi; Becky Donaghy from Portalnd, Or; Blair Farrington from Victoria, British Columbia; Maria Kataja from Helsinki, Finland; Pernille Sax from Kolding, Denmark; and Tim Goeddenhenrich from Elsdort, Germany.

686 would like to also thank Jillian Miranda and Timko Linssen for hosting the 686 RECLAIM project design contest as well as guest judges Trent Bush from Trent Bush Design, Josh Reid from Rome, Ben Pruess and Mikey LeBlanc from Holden,Brad Scheuffele from Coal and Jeremy Rochette from Picture Organic Clothing for taking time out of their busy schedules to be a part of the 686 RECLAIM project.
 The 686 RECLAIM Project’s mission is simple – to change the way you think about “throw-away” items and spur the realization that these discarded materials can become something new and desirable once more. For each RECLAIM jacket sold, 686 promises to donate a RECLAIM jacket to someone in need.

The 686 RECLAIM Project is supported by our partners, SIA and Malakye.com in North America and ISPO in Europe.

For more information about 686®, please log onto www.686.com.

Rider owned and operated, Westlife™ Distribution USA LLC is the parent company of 686® technical apparel, Matix Clothing® and the exclusive partner with New Balance® and Dickies® performance products. Since 1992, Westlife has provided the riding community with innovative, progressive, and technical apparel, outerwear, footwear and accessories found in specialty retail locations throughout the world.