Introducing: Ostrya

Calling Montréal home, Ostrya was co-founded in 2019 by Simon-David Fortin and François-Xavier Tétreault. Specialising in creating technical alpine clothing and mountaineering accessories through simple and efficient manufacturing methods, Ostrya’s vision is one guided by an irrefutable connection to the environment. Expressing their Canadian winter expertise alongside a belief that ‘innovation doesn’t stop with creating the best possible equipment’, the outdoor label joins the likes of similar emerging brands such as and Wander, CMF Outdoor Garment and Manastash available here at Always in Colour.

Hailing creative influence from time spent exploring Quebec’s alpine landscape and from an appreciation for environmental responsibility, Ostrya’s advanced design style pays continual homage to classic mountaineering culture. Producing all their apparel and accessories in Canada from remnant, recycled and organic fabrics, the label’s goal of achieving a reduced carbon footprint is one that showcases some of the most advanced innovations in modern craftsmanship. Focusing on functionality first with a keen eye for detail, the brand’s creative colour blocking emanates from a desire to express inclusivity and the overall pleasure associated with outdoor sports. Their simplistic logo is one inspired by Canada’s Ostrya Virginiana native tree, with the spiralling growth rings paying homage to never-ending learning processes and the upcycling processes that fuel a lot of Ostrya clothing and Ostrya accessories. Featured in Go Out Korea Magazine, the same Japanese publication that showcased Uniform Bridge’s Spring ‘20 collection, and supported by collaborations with documentary filmmakers Denali Films and outdoor enthusiasts such as Pemba Sharwa, Christophe Gauvin-Girade and climber Sabrina Thayer-Head.

New Ostrya t-shirts include the Emblem Organic T-Shirt crafted from 100% organic cotton and styled with a classic crew collar, straight cut hemline and printed chest logo. Built to handle both mountaineering and everyday necessity whilst still remaining loyal to the label’s focus on functionality, convenience and usability, heavy duty Ostrya pants include the Hardy Canvas Pants. Designed through a lens that combines early ‘70s climbing reference with a homage to workwear classics, the Ostrya Hardy Canvas Pants feature double layer knee panels, an integrated knife pocket, snap-secured YKK zipper fly and reflective graphics throughout.

Sustainably made Ostrya caps include the Otis Hemp Bucket Hat; crafted from a blend of 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton, whilst everyday bags and travel accessories such as the Crag Canvas Tote Bag feature a water-resistant coating and an inner stuffsack pocket. Ostrya chalk buckets and chalk bags are crafted from remnant polyester.

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