Canada Goose Hood Trim Collective: Redefining Seasonal Protection and Self-Expression
In the fashion world, innovation often leads to the creation of iconic pieces that stand the test of time. Canada Goose, known for its commitment to craftsmanship, performance, and heritage, has embarked on an exciting journey in collaboration with three remarkable designers – Mira Mikati, Collina Strada, and Thebe Magugu. Together, they are introducing the Hood Trim Collective, a limited-edition capsule that redefines seasonal protection against the elements while celebrating the beauty of self-expression.
The Hood Trim Collective is a groundbreaking initiative that pushes the boundaries of traditional outerwear. At its core, it offers versatile and interchangeable Hood Trims, accessories that trim the hood of several Canada Goose jackets. These Hood Trims not only provide further protection around the face but also serve as a canvas for the creativity and unique design philosophies of the collaborating designers. We spoke to all three designers to hear about their process when designing this innovative collection.
MIRA MIKATI
How did you approach redefining the concept of seasonal protection while maintaining the iconic elements of Canada Goose’s outerwear in the Hood Trim Collective?
The enduringly popular Canada Goose Chilliwack Bomber was developed as a nod to post-war bush pilots in Canada’s North, and celebrated for its durability, warmth, and mobility.
Designing the Bright Sky Chilliwack Bomber was like revisiting childhood wonder, stargazing during family camping trips inspired me to capture the sky’s magic. It was the perfect canvas to add something unexpected to seasonal protection and I have injected this classic product with new life by adding a joyful, whimsical touch.
The Bright Sky Chilliwack Bomber, with a unique quilt design, captures the mesmerizing beauty of the sky at sunset and sunrise. It’s all about blending Canada Goose’s legendary practicality with a dash of daydream.
Self-expression is a core theme of this collaboration. Could you share how your design philosophy and unique aesthetic align with this concept in the creation of the Hood Trims?
Happy, positive and colourful, this collab with Canada Goose is designed to bring a burst of happiness to all kinds of adventures and make people smile wider and live brighter. And you can see that through the different Hood Trims that were created.
The Rainbow and Stay Sunny Hood Trims are all about spreading joy. They’re crafted not just to make the wearer feel happy, but also to brighten the day of everyone that passes on the street. The Rainbow Smiles Hood Trim is a crochet-inspired knitted hood trim which is a design aesthetic signature to the Mira Mikati
brand. I wanted it to feel like wearing a little beacon of positivity and smiles should the consumer decide to add some flare to their outfits, the Hood Trims are also compatible with a variety of Canada Goose parkas.
Canada Goose is renowned for its craftsmanship and performance. How did you integrate these elements into your design process to ensure functionality while offering a fresh take on traditional outerwear accessories?
Both Canada Goose and Mira Mikati brands have a profound appreciation for nature. I have incorporated CloudTH, down-alternative insulation with advanced thermal properties, throughout the collection as well as PrimaLoft® insulation, an alternative to natural down made of 96% recycled materials for added warmth.
It’s like mixing practical magic with a burst of color, that balance is what I’ve poured into every stitch of these vibrant Hood Trims. Both the hood trims in the collection not only fit the jacket perfectly but are also adorned with high-octane colours, rainbow designs and the phrase ‘Stay Sunny’ which brings in the positive and joyous touch of the Mira Mikati brand.
COLLINA STRADA
Your brand is known for its commitment to sustainability and activism. How did these values play a role in your creative process for the Canada Goose Hood Trim Collective?
The Collina Strada brand is purpose-led, with a strong stance in creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. Aligning my brand with a partner like Canada Goose that shares the same values, beliefs and perspective is crucial and what I make sure we look at first and always.
This partnership was really exciting to me as Canada Goose, myself and the Collina Strada brand see eye-to-eye and want to create quality and well-crafted products that make consumers look good, feel good and also proud of the brands they support through their fashion choices. I chose to use the Shelburne Parka, an iconic Canada Goose silhouette, as my canvas – which allowed me to fuse my original hand-drawn designs into eco-friendly materials. I also love being able to tie in my AW23 collection “please don’t eat my friends” with the hood trim with animal ears. It was a great add to the coat.
Celebrating self-expression is a significant aspect of this collaboration. How did you ensure your designs reflected a sense of individuality and freedom while aligning with Canada Goose’s craftsmanship and performance?
The design process was much easier than I’ve done in the past as I was using a blank canvas to create the two ‘Be Me Shelburne Parka’ prints, and a parka that already infuses luxury and sustainable materials like luxe Performance Satin, Nylon lining from 100% recycled Polymide, and CloudTH Down-alternative Insulation that comes from 100% recycled Polyester. I didn’t have to spend countless hours and time sourcing those materials myself – Canada Goose alleviated that step, as the Shelburne Parka already has those elements which I appreciate and value. The prints and these materials were the perfect pairing.
The Hood Trim Collective merges innovation with functionality. Could you discuss any unique features that showcase this balance between creativity and practicality?
This collection is a dramatic mix of maximalist and eco-conscious elements, and the Fuzzy Hood Trim was a fun way for me to enhance the ‘Be Me Shelburne Parka’.
In addition to the playful fall/winter-oriented prints, the Fuzzy Hood Trim offers a reimagined Canada Goose classic hood trim for a warm, soft and luxurious look. The wearer can opt for this Hood Trim to express themselves while continuing to support the natural world through sustainable purpose. The whimsical Cat Ear Hood Trims offer a daring and fun alternative, nodding to Collina Strada’s trademark ‘Animalistic’ style. Creating these unique hood trims was so fun and I love that you can mix and match.
THEBE MAGUGU
In what ways did you leverage your background and cultural influences to contribute to the innovative reinterpretation of the Hood Trims in the Canada Goose collaboration?
I love taking inspiration from things happening around me. I like to take the things that have happened in South Africa culturally and historically and translate them into a fashion lexicon so people can see my clothes as modern relics or something encyclopaedic.
In collaboration with Canada Goose, we have reimagined the Heirloom Mystique Parka, which features a print honouring the Sotho heritage from which the Thebe Magugu brand was founded, merged with the precise and technical craftsmanship the Canada Goose brand is known for. My family is from Lesotho, and we wear heavy wool blankets that carry this special print motif – I enjoy the idea of expanding the various forms this ‘blanket’ can take, now formed into a long-line parka with a detachable hoodie-tie scarf, made to last and made to fair the harshest conditions.
The Hood Trim Collective aims to push the boundaries of traditional outerwear. Can you describe how your design approach challenged conventions while staying true to Canada Goose’s heritage?
The considered balance of form vs. function has always been an important cornerstone of my brand, and with a shared sentiment, the collaboration with Canada Goosefelt very natural. We took the same silhouette and functional details of the Mystique you love to create the Heirloom Mystique Parka and reimagine it in a print inspired by the Sotho heritage.
I think instead of challenging conventions, the two had aligning beliefs – I think the same tenets of quality and luxury that govern Canada Gooose are the same ones that govern my own brand and heritage. The Sotho people are known for their storytelling, their practicality, their precision – these are also all the markings of general luxury as well. It being on the continent of Africa makes it no different.
Sustainability and ethical practices are increasingly important in fashion. How did you infuse elements of sustainability or conscious design into your contributions to the Hood Trim Collective?
I think South Africans and Africans in general tend to reuse things for their extended use. We are naturally sustainable by nature. I’ve seen a simple blouse be transformed into many different styles by people in my family to create a new outfit.
Making a more sustainable product begins with innovation and based on Canada Goose and Thebe Magugu’s shared values and unwavering commitment to the environment, we were able to implement this in the product we have created. The Heirloom Mystique Parka reimagines the jacket in a print inspired by the traditional Basotho blanket and features a removable hood trim that acts as a down-filled scarf with multiple styling options, allowing the consumer to change up a look while being sustainable and fashionable.
I think conscious design also played an important role in the creation of this jacket. When I started my brand in 2016, I wanted to it act like an Encyclopaedia, capturing key moments, peoples and events and making their story heard, remembered and documented. I love the idea that there will be people hearing and learning about the Basotho people and the Kingdom of Lesotho, which is interestingly its own country within the country of South Africa. It is an education – a lesson packaged as a beautiful yet functional coat.
Shop the Hood Trim Collective here.