Outerwear label Arc’teryx has announced New York-based designer Nicole McLaughlin (who is also a climber) as a brand ambassador, a move reflecting the Canadian’s brand’s goal of placing an increased focus on sustainable practices. Formerly a designer for Reebok, McLaughlin became a break out upcycling design star on Instagram with designs projects equal parts unexpected, clever and humorous.
The company’s first designer ambassador, McLaughlin joins a longstanding group of brand reps including surfer Peter Devries, author Florence Williams, runner Brendan Leonard, mountain biker Katie Holden, and climber Shelma Jun.
“As a climber and designer, I’m excited to partner with Arc’teryx,” said McLaughlin in a press statement. ”I’m looking forward to shared learnings and connecting our communities so that together we can amplify the value of circularity, including repurposing garments to keep waste out of landfills.”
Arc’teryx brand experience director Jurgen Watts added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Nicole to the Arc’teryx team. We look forward to helping her share her passion for upcycling as we grow and evolve our initiatives in circularity and increasingly offer our guests more sustainable choices.”
As part of her new roll, McLaughlin has created a Mini Tent and Arc Cart, both of which make use of Arc’teryx pieces and other upcycled materials. The tent is made from Arc’teryx GORE-TEX scraps, strike-off patch logos and a used mini display tent purchased online. The cart is constructed from two Bora 62 backpacks and a used cruiser purchased on eBay.
Starting in fall 2021, McLaughlin will lead a series of upcycling workshops that will provide guests the opportunity to create a recycled design from their own items slated for landfill.
Check out her upcycled Arc’tyrex tent and cart below.
