Los Angeles-based clothing brand Aether Apparell has teamed up with Leica to produce a limited edition of its photographer’s jacket in small quantities. Dubbed the “Aether x Leica Reporter Jacket,” only 125 pieces will be produced and will cost $795.
As reported by DPReview, Aether will be releasing the jacket tomorrow, October 29th at 9am ET. The Reporter Jacket was developed with input from Leica’s top photographers, including Leica ambassadors Mathieu Bitton, Ragnar Axelsson, Sheila Crowell, and Misan Harriman, and is an essential item for the day. It is designed to be carried. In the field.
“This jacket is the result of countless design discussions that started with Steffen Keil at Leica AG, AETHER’s purpose-driven approach to outerwear, field testing, and guidance from our incredible roster of photographers. ” said Jonah Smith, co-founder of Aether. He also said he provided design input from his own experience as a photographer.
“We are proud to have designed a jacket that perfectly balances the practical functionality that photographers seek with the sophisticated silhouette they desire. Having used Leica cameras for 25 years, I For me, this project is a dream come true.”
According to Aether, the jacket was inspired by Leica’s Reporter series of cameras, which have a distinctive “army green” color. The same colors are also reproduced on the Aether jacket. Additionally, the company says it used waxed cotton, which was combined with a seam-sealed construction to give the jacket natural water-repellent capabilities. Aether also included vents in “strategic” locations to provide ventilation.
Promised to carry essentials, the Reporter Jacket features an internal battery pocket designed to hold four camera batteries (the company doesn’t specify that they have to be Leica batteries) and a soft lining. Features hand pockets. It features a camera or lens, a hidden SD card pocket in the collar, and an internal chest pocket for storing an SD card case. The back of the jacket has an oversized pocket for carrying a tablet or “extra gear.” A removable microfiber cloth is also included for lens cleaning.
“Leica Camera North America President Mike Giannattasio said:
“By partnering with Aether, we have developed a product that allows photographers to efficiently carry what they need in the field. The Aether x Leica Reporter Jacket combines craftsmanship and functionality to deliver the most important It truly enhances the photographer’s journey.”
This is a pretty expensive jacket at $795, but it’s not significantly more expensive than Aether usually charges for a heavy-duty jacket. In other words, although quantities are limited, the price is not necessarily high just because it is a collaboration with Leica. For example, a new down jacket costs $750 and a snowshell jacket costs $895.
Aether isn’t the only company making quality outerwear for photographers these days. That’s basically Hawkland’s entire business model.
A limited edition of 125 units of the Aether x Leica Reporter Jackets will be available starting tomorrow, October 29th at 9am ET online at aetherapparel.com and in Aether stores in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Aspen. The company did not say how many units would be available at each location.
Image credit: Aether Apparel
