DEEP DIVE : AW24 FABRICS

The third chapter of Purple Mountain Observatory, Excavation, delves deeper into the PMO story, unfolding our vision of the modern explorer. With the introduction of new styles comes the introduction of innovative fabrics, integral to how we craft each garment. While it might be easier to select an existing fabric and move forward, that’s not our approach. We develop, test, refine, and test again—long before applying anything to a silhouette.

So when you wear our pieces, you can trust the fabric choices. Or not. The decision is entirely yours.

For Autumn Winter, we sought fabrics that go beyond protection—textures that offer more than just functionality. We wanted our jackets to evoke a new sensory experience, something different, something unexpected. Let’s take you through two standout fabrics and the jackets they shape.

Introducing our specially designed Barnacle Mesh, a laminated bonded mesh with a precise ripstop weave. It delivers the necessary defense against wind and showers while remaining versatile across our designs. But there’s more to this fabric than performance.

Its name pays homage to the 18th-century copper trade, when Parys Mountain stood as the world’s largest copper mine. Copper sheets from this Welsh terrain were sold to the British Navy, shielding their ships from timber worms and barnacle growth. This rich legacy is woven into the very essence of our collection.

You’ll find Barnacle Mesh featured in our Ridge Jacket and Shield Puffs. Some say it’s reminiscent of the Kevlar used in Formula 1 Ferraris—which came first? We’ll let you be the judge…

The Arcus Shell is another jacket which saw special priority. We really wanted to develop a jacket which could provide the same protection as our 3L shell, but work as a lighter alternative.

Drawing inspiration from the Arcus cloud—often seen ahead of thunderstorms—this jacket is designed for high-performance water resistance, whilst being as light as a cloud. 

Made from a Textured Nylon, the fabric’s distinct raised texture comes from a specialised weaving process that enhances both it’s handle. This 2-layer fabric provides a strong barrier against wind and light rain, ensuring comfort in varied conditions. 

We usually like to experiment with our fabrics – push them to their limit’s and see how they can be us, but with the Arcus 2L fabric we’re pretty happy, and I’m sure you’ll be seeing it on new silhouettes in the near future.