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Testing the Limits of Columbia’s Latest Outerwear in the Land of Fire and Ice

Layering for the extreme weather in Iceland

Jason Harper

7 November 2024

This is a sartorial question we’ve never before asked ourselves: What does one wear when descending into the heart of a volcano? This fall, on a trip with Columbia executives and designers to Iceland to test the Portland, Oregon-based company’s 2024 outdoor gear, this premise wasn’t a thought experiment. We were descending into the Þríhnúkagígur volcano via an open-air mining elevator, where we’d drop through a narrow fissure in the volcano’s maw before settling onto an expansive boulder-strewn bottom some 700 feet below. 

Unlike the very active Sundhnúksgígar volcano less than an hour away by car, this one has been dormant for 4,500 years. So, we needn’t layer for lava. But Iceland’s weather varies to extremes, and this day was wet and foggy and cool—and we were told it would be even chillier inside, with icy water plink-plunking onto our heads from above.

We took care to consult with the apparel experts on hand. Should we don the solar-insulating base layers (no, too hot) or the OutDry Extreme Wyldwood shell jacket and rain pants? (Most definitely, if we wanted to remain dry.) 

The Iceland expedition, which included everything from walking inside thunderous waterfalls to a several-hours-long trek on a glacier glinting in the late afternoon sun, was a particularly keen way to test the company’s latest offerings.

Columbia doesn’t license materials like Gore-Tex, instead relying on its own in-house engineering and design teams. Take the Wyldwood rain gear, with so-called “OutDry Extreme” technology that uses an exterior waterproof membrane. “It is extremely durable and will never wet out,” says Stephanie Beaudry, the senior global director of outerwear. “And this is the most eco-friendly section of the line. The shell never needs to be retreated with chemicals. We’ve worked hard to take the chemicals out.” 

Most importantly, the rain gear served its purpose, keeping us dry even in the extreme wet. We either wore or carried the shell with us the entire trip, and it will become essential on future hiking adventures. The shell and pants are both light and tailored to move along with the body, with welcome stretchiness while still accommodating under-layers or gear on a belt. We found the pieces to be genuinely breathable. We don’t know how many times we’ve been promised breathability and quickly overheated as if we were wearing a black Hefty bag.

Another piece that earned its place in our forever closet: the Vast Canyon Softshell pants. They are water repellent and charmingly elastic. The warmth along the legs was welcome, ideal for navigating the ice on a glacier wearing crampons (the pants are gusseted at the bottoms and have gaiter clips). All of the pockets zip, and the one on the thigh is ideal for keeping a phone secure.  

As for the rest of 2024 line, the new Arctic Crest down jackets with a newer version of Columbia’s solar-capturing insulation called Omni-Heat Arctic, available with a hood or without, are best for more wintry weather, and the Alpine Crux III Down puffer shows how far Columbia has progressed from the purely practical to city-friendly aesthetics. 

The biggest surprise was footwear, a relatively new offering from the brand. Executives acknowledge that the wealth of footwear engineers in the Portland area, where Nike is also based, has proved a boon. The brand calls its new footwear platform Omni-Max for its cushioning and stability technology. We gravitated toward the Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoe, a hiking boot with the soft comforts of a sneaker, but with trustworthy stability around the ankle. We only needed a single hike before the trip to realize we didn’t need a further break-in session. Our feet were dry despite dousing them repeatedly in rivers; and the treads were amazingly tacky, allowing leaps from boulder to boulder.

We’ve previously been to Iceland in summer, and in the dead of winter. Mid-season proves no less beautiful, and no less temperamental. Having gear that weathers that variability can make all the difference.  

Read Design

Test Drive: A Trio of Cars with Presence

On the road in the Jaguar F-Type, Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC All-Terrain and BMW i5 M60 xDrive

Jason Harper

25 October 2024

In many places, cars—even the boring ones—have been replaced with SUVs. The latter tends to be easier to get into and out of, and offers ample storage for both humans and cargo. But here at COOL HUNTING, this reduced attention on cars has stirred the desire to share our love of low-slung, two- and-four-door vehicles. We continue to celebrate their diversity of design; their lighter weights and smaller footprints; and greater degrees of sportiness and handling. In many ways, cars are more fun. We spent much of the summer and early fall driving some of our favorite non-SUV cars to remind ourselves what drivers miss when only driving big vehicles. Here are three that stood out.   

The Joyous Roadster: Jaguar F-Type

Jaguar is justifiably famous for its E-Type coupes and roadsters of the 1960s. While those outrageous, sensuous and slinky designs may never be replicated in the modern age, the F-Type coupe and convertible are spiritual successors. Yet, the F-Type is already passing into history, as the 2024 model year is its final year of production, along with all of Jaguar’s other gas cars. The brand is transitioning to all-EV models.   

Our F-Type came as a convertible in classic British racing green, rear wheel drive, and a very old-school 5.0-liter supercharged V-8. Top down, it is a superb open-air experience, with the wind tunneling over your scalp as you hurtle down asphalt ribbons of road, accompanied by the very authentic burble of the big, gasoline-gulping engine. 

When the F-Type first came out, we initially didn’t feel it was as sharp and nuanced as many sports car competitors like the Corvette C7 Stingray. Now, however, the intersection of power channeled to the rear wheels via a gloriously revving gas engine is a throwback to simpler times. It is essentially a European muscle car, aimed at alighting all of your senses. All joy, and very little utility. 

The Chic European Wagon: Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC All-Terrain

A sports wagon has always been a hard sell in America, and the odds are stacked against them in this era. But a road trip from New York City to the mountain roads of rural Vermont on a camping trip brought out the breadth of practicality of Mercedes’ fantastic wagon. The E450 is long, with the wheels placed as far forward and back as possible, maximizing its wheelbase. This means a smooth, planted ride on freeways, where even high-speed lane changes feel confident and effortless.

That elongated, low silhouette also translates into a sense of solidity and elegance. This is a handsome car—you don’t see anything else like it on the road. With rounded edges and cladding around the wheel arches, it speaks of subtle muscle. The optional 20-inch AMG multispoke wheels give it even more presence. 

Mercedes has always been at the apex of interior technologies, and the MBUX “Superscreen” package lends an extra digital screen that extends to the right seat, with access to a variety of apps and vehicle information. It’s a fun gizmo that entertained our passenger without distracting us from driving. The rear cargo area, meanwhile, swallowed all our hiking and camping gear, and made for a fine place to sit on the rear bed as we changed out of muddy hiking boots.

We spent hours in Vermont’s Green Mountains, simply wandering. Random turns led us onto dirt roads, where we engaged the air supsenesion’s Off-Road mode, giving a full seven inches of clearance from rocks and credibility to the wagon’s “all terrain” moniker. Make no mistake that this is no Jeep Wrangler, but it handles gravel and rutted paths easily.

It is even more home on-road. Skyline Drive is a five mile private toll road that travels up Mount Equinox, rising some 3,000 feet over five miles. We made sure we were first in line early in the morning, and eked every last bit of go from the E450’s inline-six engine. We made it up in record time. Mark down the E450 Wagon as a car we’d happily own.  

The electric sports sedan: BMW i5 M60 xDrive

The M5 has always been the pick of a certain kind of car connoisseur: the lover of four doors, comfort and Autobahn-annihilating speed. BMW still makes the M5, but the new, all-electric i5 M60 is even more interesting given that we think of it as the sports sedan of the future. 

BMW’s modern design language has its share of detractors, but the i5 threads the needle between the M5’s overt aggression and a car that makes pains to announce itself as an EV. The closed front grille and the absence of a phalanx of rear tailpipes brings down the volume overall, and signals its electric heart. 

The differences are far more apparent in the driving behavior. The battery packs run along the floorboards, so the vehicle’s center of gravity is low. Coupled with 21-inch tires, the i5 flows through twisty roads. The ride and acceleration is unerringly smooth. At one point we were stuck on a two-lane road behind an erratic driver in an old camper van: we zipped past in a flash of an instant—the kind of sudden, addicting acceleration that is a hallmark of electric motors. 

At a dead stop, the driver can engage launch control mode, summoning all of the snap from the batteries, before it hurtles toward 60 miles per hour in just over 3 seconds. Before this happens, though, the seatbelts give a short, taut tug on the passengers torsos—a visceral preview of what’s to come. Playful. 

The range here is rated at an EPA of 240 miles, but we quickly saw those estimates dwindle after any amount of aggressive accelerations. Nonetheless, on a level 3 charger we found, the batteries recharged up to 80 percent in less time than it took to order and scarf down food. The electric version of the 5 Series takes a slight bit more planning, especially on extended road trips but the silent treatment is totally worth it. 

Read Culture

The Breezy Partnership Between Land Rover Defender and The Surf Lodge

The official vehicle of the Montauk hot-spot introduces a limited edition “Beach Break” model

Jason Harper

4 September 2024

Essentially a glammed-up motel located on freshwater Fort Pond, The Surf Lodge is defiantly scruffy—a bohemian bolthole with an allure equally drawn from its breezy vibe and the guests who swan here for the nightlife. On any Wednesday evening in summer, the small gravel parking lot swells with luxury vehicles as off-duty New Yorkers come for the live music. As it’s been for the past 16 seasons, many arrive in modern Range Rovers or vintage Defenders.

Lately many of the Land Rovers are instead the new-generation Defender, an entirely redesigned vehicle that arrived in 2020. This generation is still boxy and utilitarian, but with the comfort and modern amenities that serve its price point. The intersection of audiences is obvious, and last summer the Defender became the official vehicle of The Surf Lodge, with a handful on-property for unlimited use by guests as part of a special package. (The price is an extra $375 a day, regardless of room type.) Guests get their pick of the 90 or 110 models, roof-side surf racks already installed. 

“The energy found at The Surf Lodge is perfectly matched to Defender,” says Sam Allen, US Defender Brand Director. “The combination of Montauk surf culture and live music performances aligns with the passion points of owners.”

Leaning even further into the seaside associations, this month Defender announced a 20-run, limited edition “Beach Break” model, citing Montauk, Malibu and Oahu as inspirations. The 110 model gets a special Tasman Blue exterior paint with striped side graphics, white roof and 20-inch white gloss wheels.  

Clearly the partnership with the Lodge also gives the Defender brand an ability to give an unofficial test drive in the most appealing of destinations, a chance for potential owners to cosplay a certain kind of lifestyle.    

“You’re coming from New York, you don’t necessarily have a car, right?” says Jayma Cardoso, The Surf Lodge’s owner. “So you have to rent a car for the weekend. Instead you can now take the train or a Blade, and borrow the car for the weekend, exploring the town, the beaches and go to the lighthouse. The cars are so on brand. Even if you’re not a surfer, it brings out the lifestyle.” 

The Surf Lodge has been known for its nightlife and live and DJ sets since its inception in 2008, bringing in everyone from Willie Nelson to regular DJs like Bob Moses and Sofi Tukker. Says Cardoso, “We use the Defenders to pick up talent. The fact they’re coming to Montauk and we’re picking them up in a Land Rover instead of a huge SUV with dark windows just announces the journey as something different. This isn’t Madison Square Garden—this is a Bohemian place; small, intimate and with great taste in music.”

All hot brands risk becoming passé—a manager playfully wears a baseball cap emblazoned with the line “Surf Lodge is overrated”—and Cardoso says they work to keep the energy alive. Part of the recent reinvention has been a focus on the cuisine at the restaurant, now rebranded Casa Sereña, with a focus on simple Mediterranean food prepared with finesse. And, as summer wraps, Cardoso’s next focus is at her Aspen offshoot, the Snow Lodge, located inside the St. Regis. Last season, Defender also partnered there, allowing the vehicles to show off their skills in the snow. Cardoso hopes the partnership will continue there, as well.

Read Design

Cadillac Comes to Paris With a New EV and a Swanky Showroom

The brand returns to Europe with an all-electric lineup, a more regional approach, and a startup attitude

Jason Harper

18 June 2024

Stroll the wide boulevards of Paris’ 9th arrondissement and it’s hard to miss an oversized billboard covering a building facade near the majestic Opéra Garnier. It reads “Cadillac Est Arrivée.” This is a surprising reemergence of the historic American marque as it returns to the continent with an all-electrified lineup—just as European competitors ramp up their EV offerings, and before Chinese EVs potentially arrive en masse. Cadillac now has a presence in France, Germany, Switzerland and Sweden. The UK, and likely other countries, will follow.   

Recently COOL HUNTING joined a phalanx of GM execs and Parisian people at the opening-night party for Cadillac City, the brand’s experience center. The center is housed in an 1860s building designed by architect Charles Rohault de Fleury across from the opera house. It will serve as the country’s home base for a direct-to-consumer sales model.   

Cadillac also unveiled its entry-level OPTIQ, a compact SUV available later this year. It joins the midsize LYRIQ EV, already on sale. The OPTIQ, which will also be sold in the US and China, offers up an estimated 300 miles of range and a handsome, modern design and a fantastic, fashion-forward interior.

American car brands have historically struggled in Europe. General Motors sold its Opel and Vauxhall brands in 2017, and hasn’t been a major player in Europe since. By introducing Cadillac as its sole brand and offering only luxury EVs GM’s approach this time is of a more agile, less matrixed organization. 

Jaclyn McQuaid, president and managing director of General Motors Europe, says, “When I was first approached for the job, the pitch was, ‘We want to do Europe differently. You’re going to have a blank sheet of paper and will effectively be running a startup.’” McQuaid and some 100 members of a growing team are based in Zurich. 

Cadillac treats each country differently. “People talk about Europe as if it’s a single market. It is dramatically not a single market,” she says. It helps, McQuaid says, to be based in Europe and have a diversity of colleagues who understand the cultural differences. “The product has the breadth to address the different needs of different customers in different countries around Europe. When you look at the French customer, there’s a strong association with legacy brands—they appreciate our 120 years of history, and connections to fashion, film and music.”

“The German customer is a bit more pragmatic. They’re more focused on the specs of the vehicle; the performance attributes of the vehicle. But guess what, we shine there, too. That’s what makes Cadillac the bright brand to come with,” he says. This startup mentality turns the lack of pre-established distribution networks and dealerships to an advantage. (One commonality across cultures: Nobody likes dealerships.) McQuaid says customers often feel they’re passed from hand to hand at dealerships, an alienating experience. The staff currently delivering vehicles to customers in Switzerland are the same people who actually sold them the vehicles. “That’s an innovation as it pertains to the customer, eliminating pain points, and establishing real relationships,” McQuaid says.    

None of that matters if the cars aren’t enticing. In Paris, GM executives and engineers talked extensively about developing a Europe-spec OPTIQ that differs from those offered stateside in crucial ways. “We can’t just take an American-tuned vehicle and put it in Europe,” says McQuaid, who was previously an engineer at GM.  

Chassis tuning is a key difference, says the OPTIQ chief engineer, John Cockburn. “Drive around Switzerland and the twisty roads are demanding, to say the least. Our customers here want maximum grip and performance, so I gave my team permission to make the OPTIQ the best-handling vehicle in its class,” he says. “I promise you, it delivers.” As such, it gets summer tires as standard. The American version lends a cushier ride and sits on all-seasons. 

As for design, both the LYRIQ feels and OPTIQ eschew the standard SUV boxiness for lower, elongated stances more akin to European-style sports wagons. Nonetheless, the LYRIQ feels overly large for Paris’s narrow streets. The more compact OPTIQ will be better suited. “To see the OPTIQ here in Paris, I feel like the car fits really well,” says lead exterior designer, Dillon Blanski. “Our studio space at GM is typically indoors—so it’s fascinating the first time you see a vehicle on the street. The OPTIQ is bold, with a lot of graphic presence.” 

The OPTIQ’s interior is particularly successful, using a mix of leather and recycled materials. The overall effect feels fresh and yet somehow organic. One available leather, an eye-popping blue called Santorni, gives off an especially chic vibe. 

Laetitia Lopez, the Cadillac design manager for colors, materials and finishes, was integral to the OPTIQ’s design. Lopez, who is French, says, “Before we start designing, we look at customers globally and see what they need and what they want. In Europe, the focus is beauty and also functionality—the space is not the same, the streets are smaller. In North America, the priorities are space, storage and comfort.” The importance of luxury, however, is global, she adds. “We are not looking at minimalism. We are looking at beautiful sculpted surfaces with an artistic integration of the technology. And I think this is what makes it different.” 

Read Food + Drink

The Macallan Continues Celebrating its 200th Anniversary With This Most Surprising Collaboration

The whisky-maker pushes the boundaries of experiential with a VIP party featuring Cirque Du Soleil and a tale of the Highlands, drinks included

Jason Harper

13 May 2024

A 200th birthday is a remarkable thing for any brand, and storied whisky-maker The Macallan marks its bicentennial this year, offering up a steady drumbeat of ultra-high-end offerings and events. This month, it launches a collaboration and in-person experience with Cirque Du Soleil—a partnership that would not have been on any whisky aficionado’s bingo card. COOL HUNTING attended the opening night of Cirque Du Soleil SPIRIT at The Macallan estate in Speyside, Scotland.

The experience took place in one of the distillery’s high-ceilinged warehouses, a short walk from both the white-walled Highland manor that its founder Alexander Reid once lived in during the 1800s, and the recently built distillery itself, finished in 2018 and designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, with an undulating, grass-covered roof. With the River Spey rippling nearby, the locale has a deep sense of place.

The 20-some Cirque performers portray a host of Highlanders and magical woodland creatures, and enact a set piece on the importance of protecting nature. There’s even a very miniatured version of the River Spey that runs through one stage. And yes, they get wet. At two separate moments the audience is served whisky, one expression created especially for the event. It was both a party and an example of a newly invigorated sense of experiential experimentation for the whisky maker. The experience runs through the end of May, with 150 guests per night that is open to the public, but skews toward private clients and friends of the brand.

Asked about the genesis of the not-so-obvious collaboration, The Macallan’s Global Creative Director, Jaume Ferràs, laughs and says when he first proposed the idea, it gave everyone pause. But he points out that it falls in line with playful marketing and advertising the brand was known of in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s.  

“We knew we wanted to tell a story about staying connected to nature,” he says. “But as a brand, we are quite playful. Scots have a core quirkiness and sense of humor—they’re not that serious. So how do you create a story about nature, but in a playful way? Now when you put these two things into the equation, the Cirque Du Soleil name almost naturally pops up.”

More importantly, he says, they agreed it should be fun. “It’s actually rather simple: The idea of a spirit is to produce conviviality and open people up to experiences. I could perhaps claim something far more complex, but we just want people to have a great time with us.” This is the third activation of the 200th anniversary celebration. The first was a bottle of 1949 vintage whisky and a red, leather-bound book that chronicles stories about the founder Reid, titled Tales of The Macallan Volume II. (Priced at $89,000.) The second was Horizon, a collaboration with carmaker Bentley, in which the companies co-designed a horizontal bottle wrought in wood and copper. It retails for $50,000. 

By comparison, SPIRIT is a departure. Says Ferràs, “What we want is multiple ways to connect with people—and it doesn’t necessarily have to be led by a specific product.”

Marie-Hélène Delage, Cirque’s creative director, adds “When The Macallan called, they said, ‘Hey, we have a crazy idea. And are you open to listen to it?’ We said, ‘Yep! We want to understand more.’ And what they wanted for the 200th anniversary was something different and unique for their guests.”

In a first for Cirque, at least half of the performance is not seated, so the audience interacts with the performers. The passing of the drinks is similarly integrated in a way that feels natural. Delage says, “This is the first time at Cirque where guests are roaming, discovering and engaging. There are social moments with the capacity to have a conversation and share the discovery together, and not be seated and in a static position. Since there are only 150 guests, it’s quite exclusive and adds a lot of possibilities about proximity interaction. Watching a high level acrobatic act in such a close proximity is quite, quite amazing.” 

Indeed, at various moments performers are doing tricks in the air, directly above the whisky-sipping audience. Add in the barley-scented atmosphere of the distillery itself, and it is a singular, sensory experience. Ruth Wyllie, The Macallan’s Head of Experiential, says, “This was a test platform with one of the biggest artistic companies in the world. There’s a lot more to come from us with experiential. The reasoning is there is a human touch that experiential allows us to bring in. You’re not just looking at something from a distance. You’re part of that: you can touch it, you can feel it, you see the faces of people, you can see the joy.”

Read Travel

Word of Mouth: Marrakech

The most-visited city in Morocco has reopened and is as vibrant as ever

Jason Harper

21 March 2022

Except for a brief two-month period last year, Morocco‘s borders were closed from February 2020 until February 2022. We arrived in Marrakech—the country’s fourth largest and most-visited city—just three days after the country reopened to travelers, and found a place with few tourists, but awash with parties, exhibitions and a visceral vibrancy. The art scene here is in full bloom—as the local creative community used the enforced downtime as an opportunity to cross-pollinate at communal creative spaces—and galleries, stores, bars and restaurants are bustling once more. While there are certain essentials for any visit to Marrakech (including Jardin Majorelle, the YSL Museum and a wander through the medina), here are a few more of our current favorite spots to enjoy the city’s inimitable energy.

Riad Sakkan

Riad Sakkan (which opened only a short time before the onset of the pandemic) provides a tranquil home base in the bustling city. It’s perfectly located inside the old medina walls—take a right out of the heavy twin doors and guests are a one-minute walk to Bab Laksour gate, close to nightlife and restaurants nestled atop the exterior wall, as well as cabs for getting around the greater city. A turn left leads to narrow alleyways and the bright shops in the souk. Owned by a Belgian couple who spent 1.5 years renovating the original building (part of which dates to the 17th century) it comprises 12 style-forward guest rooms, each with a unique configuration and modern Moroccan decor. There’s a pool in the below-ground courtyard, two private terraces with views to the city ideal for taking in the mid-morning sun, and dining on the massive terrace. The property attracts design enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity, including the provocative photographs throughout, by the late Marc Lagrange, many shot on location in Morocco.

Le Jardin

The medina has always been a colorful, chaotic labyrinth, but two years without tourists has meant motorbikes and scooters can be seen careening through its serpentine spaces, leaving pedestrians to scramble out of the way. As such, a moment of respite is even more welcome at the café and restaurant Le Jardin, near the crossroads of the medina’s arteries. Behind a small green wooden door sits a massive courtyard with a huge tree growing at its center and foliage everywhere. Seating is available in the ground-level courtyard and on the twin terraces above. Le Jardin is one of the few places in the medina that serves breakfast, starting at 10AM, and provides an ideal locale for a timeout coffee or before-dinner apero.

Le 18

The center of Marrakech’s art scene was held together over the past two years—local artists often tell us—by the communal, multidisciplinary art space Le 18. Opened in 2013 by visual artist Laila Hida, the three-story riad hosts rotating exhibits of Moroccan films, photography and performance art. Whether or not it is currently featuring a show, Hida and fellow artists keep the space staffed every day and encourage creatives from around the world to come in, present ideas and collaborate. Hida says that the local art scene is best supported by bridging it to the international cultural world, and for anyone looking for a way into the creative world that is Marrakech, Le 18 is the best way in.

Kabana

A rooftop bar and restaurant, Kabana is situated on the exterior wall of the medina near Bab Laksour gate, so it isn’t subject to the nighttime noise ordinances that affect spots properly inside the medina. There’s inside dining, but the heart of Kabana is the outdoor terrace, with views to the west of the setting sun. There’s a small dance floor, with very good local DJs on weekend nights, and music pulsating from early evening until it shuts down around 2AM. The food—an eclectic mélange of Latin, Mediterranean and Japanese dishes—is second to the overall vibe. It’s an ideal spot for the last drink of the night.

Le Kilim

Located in the arts and shopping neighborhood of Guéliz, Le Kilim is an open-seating style restaurant with muted eggshell walls and red-lacquered tables and chairs. Opened by restaurateur and the city’s unofficial mayor, Kamal Laftimi (who also owns other hotspots around town), the venue boasts thick hedges that cut off the street noise and give the light-filled space a sense of privacy. The food is eclectic and excellent—try the roasted cauliflower marinated in red chermoula. Every Tuesday and Saturday day the outdoor space also plays host to the local organic market, selling everything from farm vegetables to oysters and cheeses. These events bring a diverse collection of individuals who appear like characters suited to a 1920s French salon.

Azalai Nomad Living

The industrial neighborhood of Sidi Ghanem is about 20 minutes away from the medina, and has become the epicenter of modern Moroccan design. Azalai Nomad Living is a well-curated home-goods store owned by Khouloud Belkahia. Belkahia used to own a glass-making factory in Morocco, but got bored of the retread of traditional teacup designs and began updating glasses and plates into more contemporary and interesting designs. From handmade bowls with acid-green glazes to modernized Moroccan teacups, the pieces here are covetable. Belkahia also recently opened an intimate restaurant and shop in Guéliz, Azalai Urban Souk. She’ll happily transport goods between the two shops for customers.

Norya ayroN

For colorful kaftans, jumpsuits and abaya-style garments with a decidedly European flair, Norya ayroN opened a second location outside of the medina, this time in Guéliz. Local seamstresses sew the original designs in a bright, airy space downstairs in the new shop. Owner Norya Ayron sources fabrics from all around Africa and Europe, and the shop itself is a swirl of patterns and colors.

Yassab Floral Design

Sabrina Mahi (the floral designer at La Mamounia) recently opened her own shop in a quiet courtyard off a side street in Guéliz. Beside the expected floral arrangements, everything sold here is somehow connected to florals, from recipe books using flowers as ingredients in Moroccan style to soaps and candles crafted using local flowers. It’s a soothing place, and Mahi is super-friendly, a good source of local lore and somebody who is absolutely zealous about local fauna.

Le Palace

At Le Palace, where everything from the French-inspired food (and the prices) are over the top, the opulent decor is matched only by the clientele. The lighting throughout the space is rich and warm, and the owner, Nordine Fakir, credits it for much of the restaurant’s success. Most diners begin the evening sitting inside, but then make their way to the boudoir-esque basement, festooned in photos of Yves Saint Laurent, and where dancing on the furniture goes late into the night.

Hero image courtesy of Riad Sakkan

Read Design

Winter Biking Apparel + Accessories

From garments to gear, everything cyclists need to maintain pedal pleasure through colder months

Jason Harper

11 November 2020

Seasoned cyclists and rookies alike have been riding for practicality and play through the warmer months, but as the weather shifts so must the approach of many bikers. To maintain cycling’s appeal and safety, even in incumbent weather, the right gear is crucial. Here we have gathered some of our favorite products to keep you warm, protected and more comfortable as you pedal through winter.

FS260-Pro Thermo Bibtight

It’s true: many road bikers really do cycle throughout the winter for pleasure. One key product to maintain enjoyment in the biting cold is a set of bibs. Endura’s FS260-Pro Thermo Bibtight II ($170) may not be the most appealing garment, but they encase the legs and lower torso in a layer of thermal stretch fabric. Available in women’s sizes as tights, this item provides insulation and comfort while repelling water and keeping a layer of warm air between your skin and the chilly world outside.

Brevet Long-Sleeve Windblock Jersey

CH favorite Rapha produces high-quality gear that never sacrifices on style, and their Brevet Long-Sleeve Windblock Jersey ($195) promises to keep a cyclist’s upper-body cozy on cold days while still offering a range of motion. Specifically designed for riding in low light, the jersey features high-visibility stripes around the chest, on the left arm and on the back. There are also tons of pockets for your essentials—including one specifically to store the Brevet Insulated Gilet ($180), a padded vest that can be added or shedded throughout a ride as the temperature changes.

Ion 100 R/Flare R City Bike Light Set

No single element increases cyclists’ visibility for drivers more than running lights. One powerful option, Bontrager’s Flare R City and Ion 100 R front- and rear-facing lithium light set ($70) creates a wide, steady beam on misty mornings and austere afternoons. Secured to your bike using a simple bracket, the lights are USB-chargeable through a cable that’s included in the set. Even visible on sunny days, these lights provide riders with an extra layer of protection.

Attack MAG Glasses

During winter, keeping the cold wind out of your eyes improves vision (and enjoyment) but sunglasses won’t always be ideal. For gloomy conditions, Smith’s Attack MAG glasses ($259) with photochromic lenses are ideal—and come in nine color options. The lenses are completely clear on overcast days but shift to a soft gray when exposed to sunlight. Also included are easily interchangeable rose-colored lenses for actively brightening up details on the darkest days.

Pearl Izumi Lobster Gel Gloves

All cyclists, no matter their skill level, will agree that ice-cold hands make a ride unpleasant to say the least. Pearl Izumi (founded in 1950) continues to make cold weather gear with aplomb. For the coldest days, their mitten-like AmFIB Lobster Gel Gloves ($85) prove incredibly effective. The unique designs keeps two sets of fingers paired (akin to the Vulcan salutation) but allows unfettered use of gears and brakes. Available in two colorways, they also feature a 3D gel insert for handlebar comfort and a touchscreen-friendly finger pad.

Chapter MIPS Helmet

Thousand’s latest helmet, the 360-gram Chapter MIPS ($135) boasts a brain protection system that better absorbs impacts to prevent concussions. For even more safety and visibility, the Chapter also comes with a flashing red LED light that magnetically attaches to the back of the helmet and turns on automatically. With a run time of two hours (when flashing) or one hour on solid, the extra light keeps you safer through dark mornings and afternoons. Available in three colorways (black, white or navy), each comes with a small peak to reduce glare.

ELEMNT ROAM Biking Computer

The clever, GPS-enabled Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM ($380) displays pertinent information such as time of day, mileage and speed. Using a third-person app like Strava, users can lay in complicated routes through cities or backroads and the Wahoo gives clear turn-by-turn directions. Paired to your cellphone, the Roam also displays text messages and phone calls. Making sure you are contactable and on the right track (especially when riding unfamiliar routes) is always smart cyclist behavior, especially when the conditions are slippery, dark and more dangerous.

Giro Chrono Pro Neoshell Jacket

Come the wet and windy, Giro’s Chrono Pro Neoshell Jacket ($300)—made in traditional men’s and women’s sizes—proves ideal for commutes or long, leisurely rides. Stretchy and yet impermeable by many winter elements, this garment boasts a media port in the chest pocket (protecting your cellphone from rain or snow) and a soft chin-guard at the top of the zipper that keeps cold skin from becoming irritated. Breathable yet waterproof, this garment also features reflective elements to keep you visible.

Images courtesy of respective brands, hero image courtesy of Rapha 

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Test Drive: 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S

A thrilling drive on a deserted road in the Stuttgart-based company’s extravagant new sports car

Jason Harper

25 September 2020

It’s common knowledge that Porsche 911s are fast—really fast. Old or new, the implicit promise of a rear-engine sports car from the Stuttgart-based company is that it will deliver a thrill. But then there’s the 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S, a car so fast that it warps a driver’s very notion of speed. Porsche says that the coupe version of the extravagant Turbo S (which costs a minimum of $203,000) will race to 60mph in just 2.6 seconds—an almost implausible pace.

Even more inexplicable is the absolute ease with which a driver can rip to upper-speed limits. Climbing in and twisting the left-hand key to activate the 3.8-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine (the most powerful 911 engine currently in production) proves exhilarating enough. But to take this car (and its 640 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque) out to a long stretch of flat, deserted road is a dream for drivers—and one we gladly experienced.

On this type of road, the car needs to be placed into launch-control mode. The driving modes are located on the steering wheel itself, so you simply twist the small knurled dial to Sport Plus mode, turn off the traction-control by depressing a switch and then use your left foot to firmly hold the brake. Pin the gas pedal to the floor until a beep sounds off, and then release the brake. What follows is an infinitesimal moment of stillness before your head jounces back into the leather headrest as all four wheels give a sudden hard twist upon the asphalt.

Normally, drivers tend to stomp on the brake pedal pretty quickly, activating both the ceramic composite brakes and a bevy of active aero features like the front spoiler lip and rear wing that act as air brakes. If desired, the car will stop as abruptly as it launched.

The Turbo S is one smart machine: it takes a big computer brain to deliver just the right amount of torque to all four wheels at all times, allowing maximum traction. The active suspension makes some 200 calculations per second, adjusting the shocks for comfort and suppleness. And this car is comfortable, perhaps surprisingly so. Some of Porsche’s other models (like the 911 GT3 RS) are overly firm and unforgiving; best experienced on a racetrack. The Turbo S features comfortable seats, efficient electronics and a lovely interior that lends itself to longer rides.

Available as a convertible (or “cabriolet” in Porsche parlance), the car is incredibly wide, front and aft, and looks even more compelling with the roof down. Also available is a Sport Design package, which includes side skirts painted in the body color and a reworked, slightly funkier rear wing. Undeniably lavish, the 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S delivers a thrilling ride—albeit a dream one.

Images courtesy of Porsche

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Hiking Gear for Summer Getaways

For outdoor adventures in the warmer months, apparel and boots for all genders

Jason Harper

31 July 2020

Now more than ever, a little respite in the great outdoors feels paramount, and hiking to camp under the stars is a wonderful way to find solace and space. Rookies may be surprised by how cold the woods can be at night even in summer or how quickly a trip can turn dismal when you’re wet and can’t seem to get dry. With the technological strides that outdoor attire has undergone, it’s easy to avoid those issues—and without looking too tech-heavy. Many brands (especially in Europe and Asia) have created functional garments that can easily transition from trail to camp and back into the city.

Räven Lite Jacket

Storied Swedish brand Fjällräven has thrived since its 1960s inception, and the Räven Lite Jacket ($220) is a reinvention of a 1970 classic. The updated iteration uses the brand’s G-1000 Air fabric (a mix of recycled polyester and organic cotton) which is lightweight and fast-drying. Available in three colors, the jacket also features plenty of pockets, resulting in a functional travel jacket, too.

Regular Stretch Chinos

Ultra-comfortable and mosquito-defying, Goldwin’s Regular Stretch Chinos ($250) are perfect for wearing by the campfire after a long hike. Part of the Japanese brand’s summer Outdoor Collection, they are made of nylon and provide a bit of stretch. There’s a zippered coin pocket inside to keep keys and valuables safe, and they come in four different colors.

Ducan High GTX Boots

Engineers at Switzerland-based Mammut designed the women’s Ducan GTX ($199) for a better anatomical fit, rather than just making smaller sizes of men’s boots. A steel spring inside the sole helps the foot roll forward into a smooth, forward gait. Most notable is their light weight and sturdy ankle support. The inner tongue is attached to the body of the shoe so that it wraps around the ankle like a supportive column. Ideal for long hikes, these boots provide enough stability for multi-day forays.

Chain Reaction T-Shirt

Perfect for brutally hot days, Outdoor Research’s Chain Reaction Tee ($49) and Chain Reaction Tank ($42) boast UPF 50+ protection, quick-drying properties and an odor-fighting treatment. Made from polyester and spandex, they are supple and don’t feel heavy or bulky. The brand also sells the Essential Face Mask Kit ($20) which comes with filters for bacterial filtration.

Summit L5 LT Futurelight Jacket

North Face’s Summit L5 LT Futurelight Jacket ($450) is ideal for summer and fall conditions; it’s the tech-forward garment to bring when expecting unexpected weather. Extremely light and super packable, the breadth of capability allows you to wear it through a bewildering array of conditions. The Futurelight proprietary material is surprisingly soft, and the company claims that it beats Gore-Tex for its breathability while retaining full water- and wind-proofing.

Wake ProTech Mask

Social protocols still exist in the wilderness, and outdoors-focused brands like Kitsbow are making quality masks here in the US, like the Wake ProTech Mask ($30). It has four layers and was developed with healthcare professionals. This necessary accessory comes in XS to XXL and this range of sizes yields comfort.

Falketind Flex1 Slim Pants

Norwegian brand Norrøna has existed since the late 1920s, but is still little-known in the US. Their new women’s Falketind Flex1 Slim Pants ($169) are soft-shell trousers that are as comfortable as leggings, but with great durability and a measure of weather-proofing. For colder months, you can fit a base layer under them, but they’re perfect for late-summer and fall hikes.

Power Air Houdi

Ideal for late nights at the campsite, the Power Air Houdi ($250) can be worn in the city, too. Made from 54% recycled polyester, 38% polyester and 8% elastane synthetic, this garment feels super-soft and the fit is athletic but comfortable. Stockholm-based Houdini calls itself a “progressive outdoor company” for its attention to environmentally conscious materials, and this hoodie is available for all genders, in various sizes and colorways.

Westalpen Softshell Pants

German brand Ortovox is known for its emergency avalanche equipment as well as hardcore mountain gear. Their new softshell Westalpen Pants ($400) promise to be extremely tough and rip-resistant, but are layered with fine merino wool on the interior, so they’re comfortable and breathable. The women’s version has adjustable cuffs that fit over boots. With reinforced knee patches, these water- and scuff-repellant pants are robust enough to survive many outdoor adventures.

Lodge Flannel Shirt

Made from 100% merino, Icebreaker’s Lodge Flannel Shirt ($190) is impeccably tailored, making it an ideal option for camping or back in the city. Lightweight and soft, the fabric helps regulate body temperature so you won’t feel overheated or clammy.

Breeze LT GTX Boots

The Breeze LT GTX ($180) from Minnesota-based brand Vasque are some of our favorite hiking boots. Available in women’s and men’s sizes, the ankle-high, sneaker-like boots are so lightweight that you can speed-hike, even with a backpack. Water- and abrasion-proof, these boots are now also available in more colorways—including tan and all-black.

Images courtesy of respective brands, hero image courtesy of Fjällräven

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Test Ride: The Santa Cruz Tallboy Mountain Bike

Light but tough, a bike that promises adventure

Jason Harper

25 June 2020

Going downhill, almost too fast for comfort on the new 2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy, the tight trail slips between two trees so close together that the bike’s handlebars touch bark. The trail dives straight down a steep slope lined with sharp stones. This descent is simply too gnarly for us. Yet, another rider—co-founder of Pocono Bike Company, George Halas—on the exact same bike descends with skill and grace.

When searching for the ideal mountain bike for an intermediate rider or somebody as advanced as Halas, we came across the Tallboy—engineered and assembled by hand by the team at Santa Cruz. The full carbon unit we tested, the X01 Reserve, uses SRAM Eagle components and comes in at $7,000. The entry-level model is made of aluminum and uses basic SRAM SX Eagle crankset and shifters, and costs $2,700—still a lot of money, but certainly more accessible.

The Tallboy is available with ultralight carbon fiber and employs a sophisticated front-and-rear suspension that the company calls Virtual Pivot Point. Essentially the bike’s geometry puts the front wheel far in front of the center of the handlebars, allowing for stability at speed—and keeps riders from feeling like they’re going to flip over the front of the bars. Simultaneously, the suspension travel soaks up big bumps and impacts, allowing the Tallboy to handle the type of “Enduro” ski-style, down hill runs once only capable by taller and heavier bicycles.

Those bikes are great going down slopes, but are a literal drag to cycle back up hills. The relative lightness (just under 29 pounds) and lower center of gravity on the Tallboy means that it is buoyant enough to sprint up hills and nimble enough to thread through winding paths in the woods. That result is a cross-country bike that isn’t afraid of steep drops (even if its rider is).

Older mountain bikes typically had 26-inch diameter wheels, whereas the Tallboy has 29-inch tires. While it takes more effort to get these tires moving, once you do, you can roll easily over small logs and rocks. Keeping up your momentum is key. As instructed by Halas, we stay off the brakes when bounding over an obstacle, trusting the bike to make its own way through. The difficulty with the bigger wheels and wheel-forward geometry is that the bike doesn’t take to sudden turns of direction as readily as a smaller bike.

The answer to that is liberal use of the dropper post—another technology of the modern mountain bike era. Trigger the left-hand handlebar lever and the seat drops out of the way, allowing you to crouch on the bike, lowering the overall center of gravity. It takes some getting used to, but the bike becomes a more lithe and lively creature with the seat out of the way.

The great joy of the Tallboy (or any bike) comes with finding the kind of terrain that best works to your skill and comfort levels. We wanted to be challenged and improve ability, and did so in the Pocono mountains, less than two hours from New York City. The steep hills of Glen Park, where we were off the bike as often as not, just isn’t ideal for an intermediate rider. But we found an ideal mix of downhills and winding single-track trails at West End Park, which proves itself to be a rather hidden web, offering a combination of terrains including an obstacle course called Fun Stuff, where riders can roll over log obstacles and through trees. The difference of tackling hurdles like that here versus elsewhere in the mountains is the level of threat—falling while on this course is much safer, thanks to a carpet of soft nettles.

Swooping down and back up over a crest, we avoid our brakes entirely, allowing the suppleness of the Tallboy’s suspension and the knobby Maxxis tires to carry us through. During a series of switchbacks down a gully, with dirt spraying from tires, and nobody else around, the feeling of freedom is almost overwhelming.

Images by Jack Arnold