Inside their Designs
WITH JULIAN CARR AND RAFA PEASE
Gordini introduces ‘Designed in Partnership’ glove collections in collaboration with our professional athlete team. Our designers consult, test, and refine concepts with our team riders to bring a product from initial sketch to market. Hear Julian Carr and Rafa Pease share their development process and the inspiration behind their styles as we dig in to the making of their respective collections, The Cirque and Front Line series.
Who are Julian & Rafa?
Julian Carr
All Mountain Skier
Gordini Athlete Since: 2015
Widely recognized for the biggest airs in skiing, a former X-games gold medalist, and recipient of the prestigious Sickbird Award and George Mallory Award for a lifetime achievement in adventure, Julian brings legendary freeride status to the team roster.
The Cirque
Widely recognized for the biggest airs in skiing, a former X-games gold medalist, and recipient of the prestigious Sickbird Award and George Mallory Award for a lifetime achievement in adventure, Julian brings legendary freeride status to the team roster.
SHOP CIRQUE SERIES
Rafael Pease
All Mountain Snowboarder, Global Expedition Team
Gordini Athlete Since: 2018
Rafa is a backcountry split boarder, mountaineer and filmer who favors human-powered expeditions. His work on and off snow is deeply rooted in social and environmental activism. New to sport at 17, he is a rising force in snow sports and currently calls both Alaska and Chile home.
The Front Line
Rafa is a backcountry split boarder, mountaineer and filmer who favors human-powered expeditions. His work on and off snow is deeply rooted in social and environmental activism. New to sport at 17, he is a rising force in snow sports and currently calls both Alaska and Chile home.
SHOP FRONT LINE SERIESJulian and Rafa approached their glove collection with distinct values, aesthetics, and function in mind.
They thoughtfully selected materials, features, and form to build an intentionally designed, and purpose-built glove. Here’s a look into their handiwork!
What was the inspiration and aesthetic for the initial concept?
JULIAN: Plain, but recognizable & distinct. I loved the existing Wrangell glove, so I wanted to put a new spin on something similar.
RAFA: The inspiration was simple, efficient, authentic, and sustainable. For me the ideal glove/mitt go much deeper than just their functionality in the mountains, rather it is the purpose of people buying once and keeping it for as long as they possibly can.
Rafa what values are important to you in building this glove?
RAFA: My values are simple; I care more about the planet than I do about snowboarding. So for me it’s crucial that we create products that are as sustainable as possible. From a longevity in the material that is used as well as the functionality and look.
Julian what was a surprising part of the process for you?
JULIAN: I loved the process, pure freedom. It was exciting to learn about the manufacturing process and sourcing along the way. Gordini is a heritage company with incredible responsibly sourced materials, very impressed.
“For me the Front Line is like the bibs in the world of ski pants.”
Rafa logged over 200 field days to test the Front Lines for fit, dexterity, and durability!
What features were most important to you?
JULIAN: Function, quality, comfort, & look. All equally important.
RAFA: Simplicity, functionality, sustainability, longevity.
What was your design purpose for the Front Line Series?
RAFA: To create something with the smallest environmental impact and have it last as long as it possibly can.
For me the Front Line is like the bibs in the world of ski pants. It’s simple and trusting. You can use it anywhere and not be worried about getting snow inside them, while having great dexterity. A longer over-cuff protection that goes a few inches further than your average mitts/gloves to keep things simple, fast, and comfortable. For warmth you can add the liner and are set. Plus, Kevlar for the palm gives you a raspy grip on everything.
Beyond that using bluesign APPROVED® materials and a simple design, the Front Line replaces products out there that aren’t [as] environmentally friendly.
What’s the bluesign® system?
The global textile supply chain is a vast and complex system, and involves countless chemicals, dyes and materials. Regulating this and ensuring we are procuring responsible-made materials can be tricky. bluesign® technologies unites the entire textile supply chain to ensure responsible use of resources and the highest level of worker and consumer safety. The bluesign® APPROVED materials used in our gear are manufactured using only bluesign® APPROVED chemical products and raw materials. The Front Line was our first series to be made entirely of bluesign® APPROVED materials.
Gordini is a bluesign® System Partner.
What makes the Cirque different in the glove market and how did it perform in field testing?
JULIAN: Lobster claw built with responsibly sourced leather and perfect aesthetic. And it performs unbelievably well. Game on! I spent long wet days in the Northwest. Long days hiking to seven huts in the Colorado backcountry. Deep days at Alta, UT. I can go on, didn’t matter, it was a trustworthy badass glove that didn’t get wet or break down.
*The Cirque shell and accents are built with genuine goatskin leather that are responsibly sourced from a certified Leather Working Group (LWG) partner.
Why use responsibly-sourced leather?
Like any other material used in our products, we want to ensure that the leathers we use are produced with minimal impact on workers and the environment. That’s why we’ve sought out suppliers who are members of the Leather Working Group, the world’s leading environmental certification for the leather manufacturing industry. Learn more at: www.leatherworkinggroup.com.
What makes the Front Line different among a handful of competitors and how did it perform in field testing?
RAFA: I spend over 200 days a year in the mountains from maritime to continental snowpacks that are at sea level to upwards of 22,000ft. The Front Line can go wherever the user can go. Skinning, winter camping, fall hiking, big spring traverses, snowboard mountaineering, holding a beer by the fire, etc.
The Front Line keeps it simple in a complex fast paced, trend-focused industry.
Who did you make this glove for?
JULIAN: Anyone under the sun that chases a good time in the cold in the mountains.
RAFA: The user is anyone who is searching for a product that is produced responsibly and that will last forever. From taking snow off your vehicle in the mornings, long dog walks, ice climbing, snowboarding expeditions and more.
If your glove were an animal, what would it be?
JULIAN: It would be a mountain lion, swift & striking when brought out of the shadows.
RAFA: A wolverine. A beautiful animal that keeps to itself, doesn’t show off and is extremely tough. They move through peaks in an effortless manner, searching for survival through winter months.
Perfecting the Cirque’s color, fit and function with Julian’s approval!
Describe your favorite day to date
with your new glove/mitts.
“Everyday, because I know I’m shredding!”
—Julian Carr
“My favorite riding day with my Front Line mitt is any day that my crew and I make it home safely.”
—Rafael Pease
Thoughtfully designed and quality-built gear helps us enjoy our time spent outdoors. Such a small piece of gear can make or break a day in the mountains. We all know cold hands can turn even the best of snow days into a matter of survival for our fingers. Working with Julian and Rafa on these collections, we re-imagined possibility and purpose for essential gloves and gear. We tweaked, tested, and perfected until our gear met and exceeded our collective standards. Happy to have the wolverine and mountain lion of mitts protecting our paws this season!
