This season, Gap Inc. launched a new brand focused on the merger between high-performance wear and menswear, and it's called Hill City. The line includes heavyweight fleece hoodies and crews, sherpa pullovers, and windbreakers, but they're the kind that are equally appropriate wearing while walking around the city as they are, say, hiking mountains.
"We are all former athletes, but we are also fans and participants of menswear," explains Calvin Leung, head of creative at Hill City, who we connected with to get a better understanding of the brand's ethos and what inspired its design team. "What we feel is missing is that perfect juxtaposition between high-performance and style. Oftentimes, one is sacrificed for the other. In our case, we’re trying to strike the perfect balance."
Fall 2018 marks Hill City's debut collection and Highsnobiety shot a custom loobook to get up close and personal with it. Check out the images below and shop our favorite pieces from the line.
Calvin LeungOur design mantra is this idea of 'Everything on Purpose,' which at its core means if it’s not value-add don’t do it. That goes for everything from fabric choice to design and functionality. This manifests itself in us often removing things rather than adding them.
In addition to rounding up our favorites, we also asked Leung what he's been eyeing: "I’m a uniform guy, so I’ve been wearing the Thermal Light Shirt Jacket and Everyday Pant almost every day. And, no, I have not washed them either. I love a good shirt-jacket; it’s timeless and sporty. Since ours is lightly insulated, it’s the perfect jacket as I transition between the microclimates here in the Bay Area. For the pants, I’m often going from taking care of my newborn to commuting to styling a photoshoot. I need pants that I can beat up and still be presentable in. Our pant does all of that. And they’re water-resistant so you can spill your beer on me and it’s all good."
Calvin LeungSo much of what we do is just guided by what we like. It’ll be cool to see what people are actually responding to and continue to build from there.
For more, check out our interview with Noah Palmer, Hill City's general manager.
