Fremantle- Clothing innovation of the year
Monday 2nd December 2019, Royal Thames Yacht Club and Henri-Lloyd’s Ross Partridge, UK Performance Manager collects the British Yachting Awards - Clothing Innovation of the Year Award for the limited edition Fremantle Collection. The Fremantle Collection aimed at the Keel and Sports Boat sailor were the first new products from the relaunched and reimagined Henri-Lloyd following a change in ownership and leadership in June 2018. Inspired by the original sailing gear that was created for America’s Cup sailing legend Dennis Conner for his ultimately successful campaign to recapture the trophy from the Australians in Fremantle 1987. These new products were created and produced in the company’s own European based World Class manufacturing plant located in the home town of the company’s founder Henri Strzelecki MBE.
Simplicity and Functionality along with its stunning contemporary looks were the driving force behind the design philosophy. These principles were combined with the selection of high performance fabrics and components such as GORE-TEX PRO, which was chosen as the principle shell fabric. Recognised as the most durable and breathable waterproof fabric on the market, it also features the micro-grid “Slide-Glide” backer, which is not only tough but allows layers to move smoothly against each other to avoid inter-layer grab.
Products also feature the innovative design features such as: The “Breeze Clip” which allows for full ventilation whilst keeping the jacket in a semi closed position.
Spray Skirt – inspired from other performance sports the Spray Skirt does as the name suggest stops water jetting up inside the jacket whilst also keeping warmth to the lower back when stretching and reaching.
Sustainability was also considered in products such as the Fremantle Stripes Crew, an idea that also been taken into new products for 2020 in the form of the MAV Hoody and Crew that will be launched in February 2020. These high wicking and warm hoodies are made from 100% recycled polyester, each piece was created from the recycled polyester from the equivalent of 27 * 1.5L plastic PET bottles. Globally humans buy 1 Million plastic bottles per minute and 91% are not recycled. Each bottle has a 400 year decomposition lifecycle but are easily recycled, so to be able to convert waste into premium products that will last is one of the ways Henri-Lloyd is striving to find a more sustainable business model.
Hans Eckerstom Chairman and Controlling Shareholder of Henri-Lloyd says; “ We are extremely proud to receive this award. The Henri-Lloyd brand has always been built upon innovation and the highest levels of functionality and so to have the Fremantle collection recognised in this way is a great sign that our concept for the future is heading in the right direction.”