The rebirth of the North Face puffer jacket

Stop using your North Face puffer as a substitute for your personality

by Liz Tong
on 29 January 2021

in Issue 1763

Around the world, plastered all over Instagram, The North Face Nuptse puffer jacket has become a staple amongst influencers, teenagers, and dads - who actually are freezing cold. Named after the towering mountain next to Everest, the Nuptse puffer jacket is a winter essential amongst many—perhaps too many.

The Nuptse can be spotted across campus and around London. Normally paired with classic white Air Force 1 and a silver chain (yes lads, I'm talking to you). My only question is, when will this trend end? For me, the North Face Nuptse trend has come and gone, and now it needs to go again. If I see another Londoner sporting a black North Face puffer, I will no longer pride myself on living in the fashion capital. Please, at least wear some form of colour.

Seen on models such as EmRata and the infamous brown puffer worn by Kendall Jenner. The North Face puffer has become the most searched item on Depop, selling for around £200, as demand grew by 71% on the brand's website.

But this is not the first time we have seen the infamous Nuptse. The jacket hit the headlines in the '90s, where East Coast rap artists such as Method Man started the streetwear trend. Originally, an outdoor clothing brand designed for backpackers, hikers, and general outdoor enthusiasts, The North Face has become more than just that and is now seen as credible streetwear.

Earlier this year, Gucci released their collaboration with The North Face, showcasing Nuptse-like puffer jackets, and combining Gucci's classic vivid florals with The North Face's performance gear. The partnership may come as no surprise as Gucci has recently revamped their sustainability strategy, with goals to reduce 50% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. The collection makes use of ECONYL fabric, which is made from regenerated materials. It's great to see these big industry players striving towards a more sustainable future and setting a precedent for the many more collaborations to come.

And on that note maybe I have been a bit too harsh on you North Face wearers, considering I might have one in my wardrobe myself…

Look out for a Gucci x The North Face jacket on an Exhibition Road near you.

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