In Respect of the Expedition's 60th Anniversary

When asked why he was drawn to the Trans-Antarctic Expedition, Nigel Cabourn explained, "First, Edmund Hillary, who succeeded in the first ascent of Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953, also participated in the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition sponsored by Britain in 1955. Furthermore, he pioneered a new route across the Antarctic ice sheet plateau, reaching the South Pole using a modified agricultural tractor. I also respect the fact that they brought motorized vehicles to Antarctica."

He continued, "It's also remarkable that Vivian Fuchs and Edmund Hillary, who would later receive a knighthood, formed separate teams and aimed for the South Pole from the north and south of Antarctica, respectively. Such stories deeply fascinate me."

The Meaning Behind the Catchy Orange Hue

The expedition's supplies, including food and materials for establishing base camps, were sourced from British Royal Air Force and American military aircraft of the time, and many of the expedition members were serving military personnel. They wore cold-weather gear customized from military uniforms.

This season's collection features many pieces inspired by military designs of the era, such as navy jackets, olive pants, and knit caps, but the use of orange is particularly striking. Regarding this, Nigel explained, "The key color orange, for example, is an important color for preventing accidental shootings in American brands like Filson. Similarly, orange was vital in the Antarctic expedition as a color that could be easily spotted."

Why Nigel is Drawn to Tales of Male Adventure

"Just like the ascent of Everest, the Trans-Antarctic Expedition must have been an incredibly arduous adventure, and I have nothing but respect for those who undertook it. Their names will be told forever, but it was their clothing that protected them, and their existence moves me. While the clothing of that era was made with inferior materials compared to today, the adventurers of the 1950s had access to Ventile fabric, which emerged in the late 1930s. This densely woven cotton fabric, used by the military, was waterproof and impermeable. I can only imagine how much it helped them. Ventile is a timeless key material for Nigel Cabourn, and I want to continue conveying its enduring quality, created to protect people."

Nigel's ideas are sourced from his extensive archive of vintage clothing, which he has been building for 35 years since 1979, now comprising 4,000 pieces. "My collection, spanning World War I, World War II, explorers, military, and sports, continues to grow," he says with a smile.

When asked about Nigel Cabourn THE ARMY GYM London, which opened in Covent Garden, London, last September, he commented, "It's been a year, and it's shaping up nicely. The interior is fitting for a place to train, like a 'gym,' and it resembles the shop in Tokyo."

He concluded with a message: "Through this season's collection, I want people to feel the passion of men."

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