“Research for the collection started with a trip to uncover the archives at the Scottish Mountain Heritage Museum near Fort William."

Kestin Hare’s Autumn/Winter 19 collection titled “In High Places” draws inspiration from British mountaineers in the 1970s. This era was described as “the golden age of mountaineering” with a key group of die-hard British climbers achieving celebrity status due to their pioneering and inspiring efforts.

Kestin commented: “Research for the collection started with a trip to uncover the archives at the Scottish Mountain Heritage Museum near Fort William. We were like kids on Christmas day unpacking those boxes. There we uncovered garments that were worn by the climbers of the 70s, including the renowned crowd of Dougal Haston, Robin Smith, Doug Scott, Don Williams and Chris Bonnington. Inspiration was taken from the fabrics, functionality, details, colours and production of the garments.” 

AW19 MOODBOARD

 The colour palette reflects the natural environment of the mountain terrain in the late 60s/early 70s and is made up of icy blues, off whites, moss greens and highlights of survival yellow. Woven checks, fleece, boiled wool and micro cord are tied into the collection reflecting the styles, textures and fabrics of vintage mountaineering pieces. 

 The Haston Bobble Knit is a key piece to tell the story behind the collection. Inspired by a vintage knit worn by the famed mountaineer, it’s made in Scotland using the highest quality tightly woven three-gauge British wool. The Haston Shirt Jacket, another new style for AW19 is a checked padded overshirt with quilted inner, made from super soft 100% brushed cotton. The Crieff Sweat is an everyday throw on garment, made from a lightweight woven stretch cotton with a waterproof zip. Best sellers have been updated in keeping with the narrative of the climber’s lifestyle. The Haymarket Sweat has been produced in polar fleece and the Neist Collarless overshirt comes in a brushed cotton flannel check.