A ETH ER
[ē-ther]
The upper air, pure air of the sky; the ancient Greeks believed it to be the air the Gods breathe. AETHER was founded in 2009 in an effort to create something that didn’t previously exist in the market. Obsessed with all things design, founders Palmer West and Jonah Smith sought to merge outerwear technicality with an urban aesthetic. The goal was to create pieces with the same protection someone expects out of mountain wear but in silhouettes that felt at home in the city. At every turn, great design was the guiding principle. Simply put, AETHER is always Better By Design.
Dakota Jacket, $495; Cooper Sweater, $250.
On Location
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2018-19 Hokkaido to Tokyo
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Photography by Dove Shore & Jonah Smith
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Japan (Below) Nordic Jacket, $650. (Opposite Page) Snowcats in the Niseko backcountry.
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On Location
For Fall/Winter 2018, we chose a destination both far and exotic: Japan. We decided to begin our journey on the famed island of Hokkaido, a bucket-list spot for die-hard skiers and snowboarders. We were focused on putting our gear to the test in Japan’s legendary snow, known for being incredibly light and—most importantly— deep. Starting our adventure in Niseko, we experienced heavy snow almost every day of our stay. Large flakes fell from the sky from morning til night, at times creating giant snow walls that nearly prevented us from leaving the house we were staying in, located just blocks from Niseko’s main drag. Snow-removal crews seemed (c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 0 8 )
Snowboarding in Hokkaido’s legendary bottomless powder.
(Clockwise From Top) Omega Jacket, $375; Nell Jacket, $295; Backcountry skiing with Rising Sun Guides; Niseko’s Bar Gyu, aka “The Fridge Door Bar.” (Opposite Page) W Nordic Jacket, $495, Descent Snow Bib, $425.
to work around the clock, creating a path for us to escape to experience Japan’s legendary skiing. While Niseko has resort skiing, we chose to head into the backcountry with Rising Sun Guides. A day of face shots and bottomless powder stashes left the crew with grins stretching from ear to ear and snow covering every inch of our gear. Experiencing snow as deep as any we’ve ever skied, we reveled in the fact our collection kept us warm and dry while holding up to the intense elements. Cold days were followed by delicious meals in some of Niseko’s renowned restaurants, followed by nightcaps of Japanese whiskey in cozy bars. Thoroughly satisfied from our several days in Niseko, we flew to Tokyo to experience the bustling city, full of lights and people and historic sights. We took our urban-minded pieces and transitional coats and layers for a tour of the city. Starting in (c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 1 2 )
On Location
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The snow-removal crew at work in Niseko.
Mario Kart on the streets of Tokyo.
Japan
the visually electrifying neighborhood of Shibuya, we made our way through the famous Crossing, arguably the busiest intersection in the world. We explored the narrow alleys of Nonbei Yokocho, lined with tiny restaurants and bars, all rich in character but small in space. Tokyo is thick with history, which we witnessed first-hand at the verdant Meiji Jingu Shrine—a park of tree-lined pathways dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji and his wife—and the beautiful Akasaka Shrine, which dates back to the 1700s. Our last location was the Myojuji Temple, a picturesque spot with its own tiny bamboo forest just outside it. Japan proved to be an endless well of exploration and adventure, both in the city and in nature, making it the perfect backdrop for Fall/Winter 2018-19.
(Above) Meiji Jingu Shrine. (Below) Dakota Jacket, $495. (Opposite Page) Scenes from Tokyo.
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MEN’S WINTER-ADVENTURE PACKING LIST
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01. Long-Sleeve Slub Crew, $75
04. AETHER x SALT. Voyage Sunglass, $650
07. Bedford Sweater, $275
02. Merino Long-Sleeve Henley, $110
05. AETHER x SALT. Sunglass Case, $35
08. Station 5-Pocket Pant, $225
03. Long-Sleeve Henley, $75
06. Holden Hoodie, $195
09. AETHER x Mystery Ranch Backpack, $235
Fall / Winter
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10. Nordic Jacket, $650
13. Dean Jacket, $425
16. Sierra Hooded Sweater, $225
11. Merino Long-Sleeve Crew (inside coat), $110
14. Approach Snow Pant, $420
17. Ghost Jacket, $325
12. Core Vest, $195
15. Arlo Skye Polycarbonate Check-In, $495
18. Kelso Pant, $225
Fall / Winter
Nordic Jacket, $650; Apprach Snow Pant, $425.
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WOMEN’S WINTER-ADVENTURE PACKING LIST
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01. Nell Jacket, $295
04. Luxe Scarf, $150
07. W Eden Premium Fleece Pant, $250
02. Descent Snow Bib, $425
05. Luxe Beanie, $95
08. W Eden Premium Fleece Hoodie, $275
03. Ajax Sweater, $225
06. SALT. Lopez Sunglass, $430
09. AETHER x Miir Vacuum-Insulated Bottle, $34
Fall / Winter
03. 08. 04. 05.
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10. Racer Sweater, $195
13. Luxe Sweater, $325
16. W Waffle Henley, $85
11. Zurich Anorak, $350
14. Chelsea Jacket, $525
17. Capitol Pant, $145
12. Chelsea Vest, $295
15. Jersey Henley, $85
18. Arlo Skye Polycarbonate Check-In, $495
Fall / Winter
Zurich Anorak, $350; Descent Snow Bib, $425.
Ozone Jacket, $325; Cashmere Hat, $95; Descent Snow Bib, $425.
H OW WE WE A R IT Photography by Dove Shore Styling by Jill Lincoln & Jordan Johnson
Fusing current-collection standouts with a few classic pieces every woman likely has in her closet, these are some of the best looks for the AETHER woman this season.
How We Wear It
(This Page) Chelsea Jacket, $525, Luxe Sweater, $325. (Opposite Page) Luxe Beanie, $95; Luxe Scarf, $150; Luxe Sweater, $325.
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Japan
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(Clockwise From Top) Ajax Sweater, $225; Chelsea Vest, $295, Racer Sweater, $195; Luxe Sweater, $325.
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Fall / Winter
How We Wear It (Clockwise from Top Left) Boiled Wool Bomber, $225; System Pullover, $225; W Nordic Jacket, $495, Luxe Sweater, $325; Luxe Scarf, $150, Racer Sweater, $195, W Eden Premium Fleece Pant, $250.
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How We Wear It
(Above) Madison Jacket, $495, W Eden Premium Fleece Hoodie, $275, Sweater Pant, $225. (Below) Luxe Scarf, $150, Racer Sweater, $195. (Opposite Page) Luxe Beanie, $95, Ajax Sweater, $225, Descent Snow Bib, $425.
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Porsche
THE
FAST
TRACK Amateur Porsche racer Sean Neel drove the first-ever AETHER Porsche to a winning season. Photography by Lionel Koretzky
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Amateur Porsche racer Sean Neel in his 911.
The Fast Track
(Above) Neel in the District Jacket in front of the AETHER Porsche. (Opposite Page) A detail of the customized 911.
It’s no secret we at AETHER have a passion for all things motorized. That passion was fully realized when we had the opportunity to sponsor amateur Porsche Club of America (PCA) racer Sean Neel this season, creating a design for his car that transformed it into the first-ever AETHER Porsche. Neel has made his presence felt in the five years he’s been on the circuit, quickly earning a name for himself through superior racing and top-place finishes. “As a kid, Porsches were the only cars I found fascinating. My mom and dad both loved drag racing, so I was around racing early, but I loved to watch road racing,” says Neel, who in his day job owns an equipment-rental company that services the entertainment industry. “After establishing my business, I decided to pursue a passion, which was racing. Porsche 911 was the only choice.” (c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 3 6 )
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The fully customized AETHER Porsche.
Neel’s Porsche 911 on the track at Rennsport Reunion.
Porsche
Neel says his current Porsche “started its life as a 1981 911SC road car” before he modified it to be the winning model it is today. “Everything has been taken out of the car,” says Neel. “Basically, the only original parts on the car are the dashboard and body—and those parts have been modified.” Neel generally competes in 10 to 14 races a season, often making the podium. (At press time, he was second in the nation in his class.) This year, he has competed in major events including California Festival of Speed and Rennsport Reunion—the largest Porsche event in the world—where he took home the top prize. “Each track has very different speeds,” says Neel. “Straight-line speed is anywhere from 120-140 mph, and at certain tracks we are over 100mph in the turns. My car is what’s known as a momentum car. That means I need to carry my speed through the turns— that’s where the fun is.”
(Both Pages) The AETHER Porsche at the California Festival of Speed at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA.
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The Fast Track
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THE
BEDFORD SWEATER Made from an extra-fine merino wool, the Bedford Sweater is a slim-fitting rib knit that goes from the city to the mountains with ease.
Bedford Sweater, $275.
Luxe Sweater, $325; Luxe Beanie, $95; Luxe Scarf, $150.
THE
LUXE COLLECTION Constructed of a super-soft wool-cashmere blend that looks and feels incredible, our Luxe collection of sweaters, scarves, and beanies earns its name.
Alaska
SCOT T SPEEDM A N & A ETH ER in Alaska
Photography by Ian Allen
When we met actor Scott Speedman— known for his iconic role in Felicity, as well as the television show Animal Kingdom and films such as Underworld and The Strangers—it was obvious our passion for the outdoors meshed with his. 42
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Scott Speedman in the Dakota Jacket.
Scott Speedman
(This Page) Scott in the Ghost Jacket with his friend Josh Meyers. (Opposite Page) Adventures in the Alaskan wilderness.
We approached him about traveling with us on one of our far-flung adventures, and it quickly became clear he was game for anything. A competitive swimmer when he was growing up, Scott still takes any and all opportunities to be in nature and be active. Numerous discussions about our adventure bucket lists led us to settle on a destination both vast and wild: Alaska. Scott had never been and was as excited as we were to venture into the backcountry to experience the state’s spectacular landscapes and endless opportunities for exploration. (c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 4 8 )
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Dog mushing on the Trimble glacier.
Alaska
After some research, we settled upon the decidedly off-the-grid Winterlake Lodge, an hour’s floatplane from Anchorage, so remote it is identifiable only by coordinates. One of the Within The Wild lodges, Winterlake Lodge sits on 15 acres of the historic Iditarod Trail and is a destination for both summer and winter. We ventured there in late summer, which meant that our several-day stay brought us a taste of nearly every season and weather, from extreme heat to blustery snow and bouts of rain. A helicopter serving as our main source of transportation, we made our way to the Trimble glacier where we scaled icefalls, let Scott try his hand at dog mushing, and trekked around the slippery terrain. Outside of the lodge, we hiked, took to the lake on boats and paddleboards, and swam laps from one edge to the other. On some days we went from ice as far as the eye could (Above) Alaskan ice falls, as seen from a helicopter. (Below) Scott glacier trekking with a “blue hole” in the background. He wears the Omega Jacket and Station 5-Pocket Pant. (Opposite Page) Hiking among epic scenery in the Core Vest, Crew Pullover, and AETHER x Mystery Ranch backpack.
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(c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 5 2 )
Fall / Winter
Scott Speedman
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Alaska
see to endless green expanses only a few miles away, proving just how spectacular Alaska is. Stunning vistas waited for us around every corner, as did opportunities for Scott and our crew to dive into the countless outdoor activities the 49th state has to offer. We documented the adventure with Scott all along the way, resulting in a series of epic images, a selection of which can be seen on these pages.
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(Below) A Robinson Helicopter serves as the transportation to the glacier. Scott wears the Pinnacle Jacket. (Opposite Page, From Top Left) The Alaskan landscape is constantly changing from pure ice to green and lush; Scott wears the Sierra Hooded Sweater and Fairfax Pant fireside; hiking with the AETHER x Mystery Ranch backpack.
Fall / Winter
(Clockwise from Top Left) Eden Premium Fleece Pant, $250; Pinnacle Jacket, $450; Dean Jacket, $425, Merino Long-Sleeve Henley (underneath), $110; Dune Hoodie, $425; Eden Premium Fleece Hoodie, $275; Cashmere Scarf, $165; Cashmere Hat, $95; Omega Jacket, $375.
COLOR STORY Whether you lean toward bold hues or prefer to keep things neutral, our Fall/Winter collection has it all.
(Clockwise from Left) Omega Vest, $265; Realm Jacket, $295; Premium Merino Henley, $225; Access Shell, $650; Athletic Hat, $34; Sierra Hooded Sweater, $225; Station 5-Pocket Pant, $225; Core Vest, $195.
(Clockwise from Left) W Nordic Jacket, $495; Nell Jacket, $295; Racer Sweater, $195; Descent Snow Bib, $425; Luxe Sweater, $325; W Waffle Henley, $85; Luxe Scarf, $150.
(Clockwise from Top Left) W Nordic Jacket, $495; Descent Pant, $375; Racer Sweater, $195; Jersey Henley, $85; Luxe Sweater, $325; Ozone Jacket, $325; Luxe Scarf, $150; Luxe Beanie, $95.
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NEW YORK
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415.437.2345
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For more AETHER adventures and stories, check out our online journal at: aetherapparel.com/journal.
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DENVER (AETHERoutpost)
161 S La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036
105 Fillmore St, Suite 106 Denver, CO 80206
323.746.5147
Open from October 2018 to February 2019.
Mon - Sat: 11 - 7 Sun: 11 - 6
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