Columbia has been merging the worlds of reality and Star Wars with special thematic collections each year since kicking off the partnership in 2016 with a Rogue One-themed capsule. The ongoing collaboration has gone bigger, and badder, than ever before this year by taking inspiration from one of the world's most beloved villains, Darth Vader. Hot off of a Luke Skywalker-inspired pilot collection, the team has spent the past two years reimagining the ominous stature of Vader by converting it into wearable, outdoor-ready gear.
Three distinct outerwear styles guide the collection, incorporating subtle flair with thematic detailing such as lightsaber-shaped zipper pulls that pair with red string and reflective Aurebesh. The 3L Interchange Jacket stands tall with a durable triple-layer waterproof-breathable shell that is backed by a removable inner down layer. A special version of the jacket was also created with unique chest armor detailing, a custom box, and a signature from none other than Darth Vader himself, actor Hayden Christensen. Limited to a mere 25 units, it comes with proof of authenticity while the sum of the entire sale of each unit will benefit Make-A-Wish. From there, a range of hoodies and tees all don Vader-themed graphics while the Tech Half-Zip carries the paneling of Imperial walls across its build. The duo has even produced footwear for the first time, introducing the Vader Boot with Techlite+ cushioning, an Omni-Grip sole and Omni-Heat insulation while arriving in a special Vader-themed box. Not to mention, it also sports special graphics at the sockliner and thematic notes throughout its build. Final bits see a two-pack of hiking socks celebrate Vader alongside a belt, Crossbody Bag, hats, a 750ML water bottle and a packable quilted blanket.
Part of what makes each Star Wars x Columbia collection special is the clear thought and care that designers put into every minute detail. The team's trips to Skywalker Ranch provide them a chance to review costumes in detail, documenting measurements, colors, materials and more to later use as reference. For example, the Interchange Jacket not only recreates Vader's billowing cape with its widened shape, it also features mesh-backed paneling at the chin guard to recreate the mouth portion of his helmet. Additional features include a callout to his castle on the planet Mustafar with thematic graphics accompanied by Aurebesh, as well as a graphic of his chest piece, which is also visible on the hidden layer of the Crossbody Bag, appearing in its Episode V and VI look. Columbia even took its Omni-Heat insulation technology and prepared it in an exclusive shiny red look, as opposed to the traditional silver or gold, to best complement the collection.
You can go ahead and discover more Easter eggs for yourself when the collection drops in unisex sizing on December 5 online and at select Columbia stores. The online drop is scheduled to begin at 12pm EST, however, Columbia Greater Rewards members will be able to shop it 30 minutes early at 11:30am EST. Prices range from $40 USD for the two-pack of hiking socks to $600 USD for the Vader 3L Interchange Jacket and $2,000 USD for the special version that is signed by Hayden Christensen, with 100% of the signed jackets' sales benefitting Make-A-Wish.
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