Arc’teryx names new global design ambassador with sustainability focus

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
May 6, 2021

Canadian performance outerwear and equipment retailer Arc’teryx on Wednesday named Nicole McLaughlin as the brand’s first-ever design ambassador.

McLaughlin is a New York-based designer with a focus on sustainability, who has developed a captive audience of 600,000 instagram followers through her artistic vision of repurposing and reimagining the potential of products otherwise seen as waste. 

Through the multi-year partnership, Arc’teryx will support McLaughlin’s mission for more sustainable design by providing resources and developing opportunities for her to showcase and share her talent.

In particular, she will host a series of workshops and guest-facing  Arc’teryx Academy events over the course of the partnership. Kicking off with design and upcycling workshops in NYC this fall, these events will offer guests hands-on opportunities to create something from their own ‘waste’ materials, engaging them in the process toward a more circular garment industry. 

To mark the announcement of the partnership, McLaughlin has equally unveiled two unique designs created from used Arc’teryx pieces and other upcycled materials. 
 
“As a climber and designer, I’m excited to partner with Arc’teryx,” said McLaughlin. “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.” 
 
“We’re thrilled to welcome Nicole to the Arc’teryx team,” said Jurgen Watts, director, brand experience. “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.” 

McLaughlin joins the brand’s many notable athletes, climbers and thought leaders including Peter Devries (Surf), Florence Williams (Author), Brendan Leonard (Run/Author), Katie Holdlen (MTB), Shelma Jun (Climb / Inclusion). 

Arc’teryx is a Canadian company based in the Coast Mountains. Its products are distributed through more than 3,000 retail locations worldwide, including over 80 branded stores.