Honoring the past, designing for the future: Why Olmsted builds on the world’s most iconic coats

Honoring the past, designing for the future: Why Olmsted builds on the world’s most iconic coats

Olmsted's collection is not driven by trends, but by the architecture of the world’s most iconic silhouettes, re-edited, refined, and insulated with the gold of down: Canadian eiderdown.

These staples have survived decades because they were born from real needs: military necessity, weather protection, urban functionality, and human ingenuity. Their strength lies in their origins, and their relevance lies in how we reinterpret them today, ethically, sustainably, and with deep respect for the land that inspires us.

Between honoring the past and protecting future generations, Olmsted’s design language is built on these foundational classics.

The Mac
Created in the 1820s, the Mackintosh coat was engineered to keep people dry using Charles Macintosh’s rubberized cotton. Clean, minimal, and sharply structured, the Mac became a symbol of intelligent, weatherproof design that never needed embellishment.

The M-65
Introduced in 1965 for the U.S. Armed Forces, the M-65 is one of the most functional and recognizable jackets ever made. Its signature elements include angled front pockets, a fishtail hem, and a drawstring waist, all designed for mobility and rapid adaptability in shifting terrain.

The Bomber
Created for WWI pilots exposed to freezing open-air cockpits, the bomber jacket prioritized insulation and mobility. Ribbed cuffs, a close-fitting collar, and a cinched waistband helped retain warmth, giving rise to a compact silhouette that became a cultural staple far beyond aviation.

The MA-1
Developed in the 1950s for the U.S. Air Force, the MA-1 introduced lightweight nylon shells and high-performance insulation designed for dramatic temperature shifts at altitude. Clean, technical, and modern, it remains one of the most streamlined jacket shapes in contemporary outerwear.

The Trench
Born in the trenches of WWI, the trench coat was engineered with storm flaps, epaulets, durable gabardine, and a belted waist. Designed for officers moving through rain, wind, and mud, its long protective lines made it a wardrobe icon for generations.

The Duster
Originally worn by riders, ranchers, and early motorcyclists, the duster protected clothing from dust, wind, and long travel. Full-length and light-moving, it became synonymous with freedom, open roads, and endurance.

Why These Silhouettes Endure
These silhouettes endure because they were never ornamental—they were built for survival, performance, and real human needs. At Olmsted, those values align naturally with our mission:

• protecting natural ecosystems through sustainable harvesting
• crafting pieces made to order to reduce waste
• designing outerwear that stands the test of time rather than the pace of fashion

Re-editing these icons with Canadian eiderdown, the rarest and kindest insulation on earth, creates a bridge between past and future. We honor the origins of each silhouette while caring for the generations who will inherit our land, our choices, and our design legacy.

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