Columbia Takes on Star Wars with Latest Collection
Since their partnership began in 2016 with a Rogue One-themed capsule, Columbia has been bringing the worlds of reality and Star Wars together with their special thematic collections. But this year, they’ve taken it to a whole new level by drawing inspiration from one of the most iconic villains of all time: Darth Vader.
Following their successful Luke Skywalker-inspired pilot collection, the team has spent the past two years reimagining the ominous stature of Vader and turning it into wearable, outdoor-ready gear.
Outerwear Styles with a Galactic Twist
The collection features three distinct outerwear styles, each incorporating subtle flair and thematic detailing. From lightsaber-shaped zipper pulls to red string and reflective Aurebesh, these pieces are perfect for any Star Wars fan looking to add a touch of the dark side to their wardrobe.
The standout piece is the 3L Interchange Jacket, which boasts a durable triple-layer waterproof-breathable shell and a removable inner down layer. But for the ultimate fan, there is also a special version of the jacket with unique chest armor detailing, a custom box, and a signature from none other than Darth Vader himself, actor Hayden Christensen. Limited to just 25 units, each jacket comes with proof of authenticity and the entire sale of each unit will benefit Make-A-Wish.
But the collection doesn’t stop at outerwear. There are also hoodies, tees, and a Tech Half-Zip featuring Vader-themed graphics. And for the first time, Columbia has even produced footwear, introducing the Vader Boot with Techlite+ cushioning, an Omni-Grip sole, and Omni-Heat insulation. It even comes in a special Vader-themed box and features thematic graphics throughout.
Attention to Detail
What sets this collection apart is the clear thought and care that designers put into every minute detail. The team’s trips to Skywalker Ranch allowed them to review costumes in detail, documenting measurements, colors, materials, and more for reference. For example, the Interchange Jacket not only recreates Vader’s billowing cape with its widened shape, but also features mesh-backed paneling at the chin guard to mimic the mouth portion of his helmet.
Other features include a nod to Vader’s castle on the planet Mustafar with thematic graphics and Aurebesh, as well as a graphic of his chest piece, which is also visible on the hidden layer of the Crossbody Bag. And to top it off, Columbia even created an exclusive shiny red version of their Omni-Heat insulation technology to best complement the collection.
So whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or just looking for some stylish and functional outdoor gear, the latest Star Wars x Columbia collection has something for everyone. And with hidden Easter eggs throughout, it’s a must-have for any fan of the galaxy far, far away.
