Let’s face it, when you think of Timberland, you think of boots and you think of rap music. For the past twenty years, Timberland boots have adorned the feet of some of the rap game’s most prominent figures: Nas, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. Though this association is much celebrated, this fall, Timberland wants to remind the world that their brand has roots that stretch further back than the golden age of rap.
Starting this month, as part of their 40th anniversary, Timberland is unveiling their Fall 2013 Earthkeepers Heritage Collection. The line that promises to deliver “craftsmanship straight from the Timberland vault,” and an aesthetic that blends their “time-tested New England silhouettes with utilitarian style in a rough-cut construction that’s beautiful in its simplicity.” What all this means is that Timberland is tapping into their company’s rich history— and the results are excellent.
The balance of city style with the durability of rugged outdoor wear is on full display in the Earthkeepers PU (short for polyurethane) Coated Abington Jacket, which features a water-resistant waxed finish and would be appropriate to wear to a mountain house in the Berkshires or walking down Bowery on a late October afternoon. For those that spend most of their time in in the urban arena, there is also the Earthkeepers Leather Stratham Bomber, which is made of Italian leather from a Gold-rated tannery (that means supremely eco-friendly). Just zip it up, flip the collar and you’ll have a timeless, windblown autumn look.
The Heritage Collection prides itself on simplicity and there is nothing simpler than both the Earthkeepers Long Sleeve Denim Work Shirt and the Earthkeepers Double-Layer Plaid Shirt. Each one is a cold-weather fashion touchstone and both are must-haves for weekend trips or for a November night out on the town. The former comes in an 18-month wash color with a 100% cotton chambray lining, while the latter comes in wheat, mid blue and military green. These shirts aren’t re-inventing the wheel; they are just reminding you why the wheel is essential.
And of course there are the boots. Besides the classic yellow Timberland, the Heritage Collection features the Earthkeepers Ryker Waterproof 6” Boot that keeps the classic Timberland shape, but adds eco-friendly PET lining made from recycled plastics, and exclusive Gripstick and Green Rubber outsoles. It’s a boot that you’ll be happy wearing on any camping trip. Meanwhile, the Earthkeepers Hookset Handcrafted Leather Chukka falls in line with the recent trend of low-cut men’s boots and is made of leather from a tannery rated Silver for it’s water, energy and waste management practices. It is a good looking boot that you can absolutely feel good about wearing.
The season is changing, and with the oncoming fall, Timberland want’s to change the way you see their brand. And they are doing it by celebrating a long, storied history, item, by well-crafted item.
