40 Facts About Napapijri

The Origins of Napapijri

Napapijri's journey began in Italy, but its name and inspiration come from much colder climates. Let's explore the brand's roots and early days.

1. Founding Year: Napapijri was founded in 1987 by Giuliana Rosset in Aosta, Italy. This small town in the Alps provided the perfect backdrop for a brand focused on adventure and exploration.

2. Name Origin: The name "Napapijri" is derived from the Finnish word "napapiiri," which means "Arctic Circle." This name reflects the brand's connection to cold climates and exploration.

3. Initial Products: The brand initially gained recognition for its travel bags, utilizing waxed cotton canvas borrowed from military field tents. These durable materials set the stage for Napapijri's reputation for quality.

4. First Product: The Bering Bag, a waxed canvas duffel bag, was the first product from the Napapijri brand and remains one of its most popular items today. This bag was named after the famous explorer Vitus Bering.

Expansion and Iconic Designs

Napapijri didn't stop at bags. The brand quickly expanded into outerwear and other clothing, creating some iconic designs along the way.

5. Expansion into Outerwear: In 1990, Napapijri expanded into outerwear with the introduction of the Skidoo Jacket, a lightweight, rain-proof anorak designed for extreme temperatures. This jacket became a staple for adventurers.

6. Rainforest Jacket: The launch of the Rainforest Jacket in 1995 propelled Napapijri into urban fashion, establishing the brand as an iconic presence in the streetwear world. Its unique design and functionality made it a favorite.

7. Diversification: Throughout the 2000s, Napapijri diversified its offerings, introducing the Napapijri Kids clothing line in 2002 and Napapijri footwear in 2007. This expansion allowed the brand to reach a wider audience.

8. First Store: The first Napapijri store was opened in Chamonix, France, in 1997, right at the foot of Mont Blanc, which inspired the brand's early designs. This location was perfect for a brand rooted in adventure.

Corporate Growth and Leadership

Napapijri's growth continued with acquisitions and new leadership, helping the brand reach new heights.

9. VF Corporation Acquisition: In 2004, the U.S.-based clothing manufacturer VF Corporation acquired Napapijri. This acquisition provided the brand with more resources and a larger platform.

10. Current Leadership: In 2023, Silvia Onofri took over as the President of Napapijri, while British Designer Christopher Raeburn became the Creative Director. Their leadership is guiding the brand into the future.

11. Pronunciation: The correct pronunciation of Napapijri is "na-pa-peeh-ree," with the "J" being silent. This unique name often sparks curiosity.

Collaborations and Innovations

Napapijri has a history of exciting collaborations and a strong focus on innovation, particularly in sustainability.

12. Collaborations: Napapijri has collaborated with notable designers and brands such as Karl Lagerfeld (2002), Yoshinori Ono (2010), Martine Rose, Patta, Obey, Fiorucci, and Luisa Via Roma. These collaborations have brought fresh perspectives to the brand.

13. Sustainability Efforts: In 2015/16, Napapijri replaced animal fur in its products with eco-fur made of synthetic fibers, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. This move was well-received by environmentally conscious consumers.

14. Circular Fashion: In 2019 and 2021, the brand introduced a line of circular-based products, pioneering the future of circular fashion by combining design, sustainability, and innovation. This initiative aims to reduce waste and promote recycling.

15. Documentary Collaboration: In 2023, Napapijri worked with marine advocates and conservation filmmakers Alexandra Johnston and Harriet Murphy to create the documentary "Orcas in the Arctic" about the critical role of orcas in the Arctic ecosystem. This project highlights the brand's dedication to environmental causes.

Global Presence and Cultural Influence

Napapijri's influence extends beyond Italy, with a global presence and a strong cultural identity.

16. Global Manufacturing: Napapijri has a global manufacturing and distribution operation, with its headquarters remaining in Italy. This allows the brand to maintain its Italian roots while reaching a worldwide audience.

17. Norwegian Flag Inspiration: The Norwegian flag is a nod to the great Norwegian pioneers from the golden age of exploration, such as Roald Amundsen, who inspired Napapijri's adventurous spirit. This symbol is prominently featured in the brand's designs.

18. Mont Blanc Inspiration: The highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc, was a significant inspiration for the brand's early designs and aesthetic. The rugged landscape of the Alps is reflected in Napapijri's products.

19. Arctic Circle Association: Despite its Italian origin, Napapijri is associated with cold climates and adventure, reflecting its name's origin from the Arctic Circle. This association has helped shape the brand's identity.

20. Iconic Designs: Napapijri's distinct visual codes include flap pockets, diagonal neck cuts, bold colors, and the careful choice of durable premium materials. These design elements make the brand's products instantly recognizable.

Product Range and Store Locations

Napapijri offers a wide range of products and has established stores in various locations to reach its customers.

21. Product Range: The product range extends from coats and jackets to fleeces and sweatshirts, t-shirts, trousers, bags, accessories, and shoes. This variety ensures that there is something for everyone.

22. Store Locations: Napapijri has two stores in the Netherlands: at the Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet and the Designer Outlet Roermond. These locations provide customers with access to the brand's latest collections.

23. Pop-Up Stores: The brand has also opened pop-up stores in trendy districts like Shoreditch in London, featuring the Tribe collection with striking logo designs and bright colors. These temporary stores create buzz and attract new customers.

24. Youth Target Group: The Tribe collection is particularly aimed at the youth target group, using bold colors like purple and yellow to appeal to younger consumers. This collection reflects the brand's ability to stay relevant with changing trends.

25. Martine Rose Collaboration: The Tribe collection was created in collaboration with designer Martine Rose, adding to Napapijri's roster of notable collaborations. This partnership brought a fresh perspective to the brand.

Commitment to Sustainability

Napapijri is dedicated to sustainability, constantly innovating to reduce its environmental impact.

26. Sustainable Materials: Napapijri continues to innovate in terms of materials, especially where sustainability is concerned. For example, the Skidoo jacket is now fully recyclable. This commitment to eco-friendly materials sets the brand apart.

27. Recyclable Jackets: The brand offers a recycling program for its jackets, where customers can return their jackets after a few years, and they will be completely recycled to make new pieces of clothing. This program encourages responsible consumption.

28. Store Manager's Perspective: Anja Wijnja, Napapijri’s Store Manager at Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet, emphasizes the brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability, highlighting that working for Napapijri is a rewarding experience due to its evolving nature and growing popularity.

29. Employee Engagement: Anja Wijnja stresses the importance of employee engagement and input, ensuring that employees feel connected to the brand and can contribute their own ideas, which strengthens the commitment to the brand and to each other.

30. Ethos of Collaboration: The brand's ethos is centered around collaboration and teamwork, with Anja Wijnja constantly applying this approach when training and motivating her colleagues, giving her great satisfaction.

Future Growth and Vision

Napapijri is not just resting on its laurels. The brand is constantly looking for new ways to grow and innovate.

31. Variety in Work: The work of a Store Manager at Napapijri involves a variety of tasks, from selecting products for prominent display to coming up with promotions, making the job both challenging and rewarding.

32. Growing Popularity: Napapijri is becoming increasingly popular with a broader audience, with the number of employees growing from five to seven and soon to nine, reflecting the brand's continuous growth and expansion.

33. New Locations: The brand is looking for new locations in the Netherlands, which will mean even more new colleagues, further expanding its global presence.

34. Recommendation: Anja Wijnja highly recommends working for Napapijri, citing it as one of the best decisions she ever made, due to the brand's dynamic environment and commitment to innovation and sustainability.

35. Brand Identity: Napapijri's brand identity is deeply rooted in its history and cultural relevance, with a focus on revisiting its past to create a modern interpretation that emphasizes sustainability and innovation.

36. Archival Collection: The brand has reintroduced four iconic pieces from its historical archives, transforming them into essential contemporary wardrobe staples, such as the Skidoo jacket, Equipe fleece, Yupik fleece, and Patchwork Sweater.

37. Sustainable Design: The brand's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of responsibly sourced materials, with approximately half of the collection created using such materials, set to increase up to 70% for future collections.

38. Responsible Design: Christopher Raeburn, the Creative Director, emphasizes the importance of "responsible design," focusing on remaking, reducing, and recycling to limit the brand's impact on the environment.

39. Brand Values: Silvia Onofri, the President, highlights the brand's dedication to investing in design pillars and key elements that define Napapijri, ensuring each piece in the collection is recognizable as a Napapijri piece, capturing the essence of the brand's values and vision.

40. Future Vision: Napapijri's future vision is to continue embracing its rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of sustainability and innovation, ensuring that the brand remains a leader in the fashion industry while protecting the environment.

Napapijri's Legacy and Future

Napapijri's journey from a small Italian backpack company to a global fashion icon is impressive. Founded in 1987 by Giuliana Rosset, the brand quickly gained recognition with its Bering Bag and later expanded into outerwear with the Skidoo Jacket. Known for its adventurous spirit, the brand draws inspiration from the Arctic Circle and Norwegian explorers.

Napapijri's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of eco-fur, circular fashion initiatives, and recyclable jackets. Collaborations with designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Martine Rose have kept the brand fresh and relevant.

With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and cultural relevance, Napapijri continues to grow, opening new stores and expanding its product range. The brand's dedication to responsible design and its rich heritage ensure a bright future in the fashion industry.