CANADA GOOSE, FOR PIONEERING WOMEN WHO WALK ON THE WILD SIDE.

Canada Goose, with a reputation for making beautiful and high-quality fur coats and known for its lines of women's outerwear, is an indisputable reference in extreme weather ready-to-wear. If you have to face the sub-zero winters of the Far North, you might as well do it in style and with a little distinction.

THE BRAND 100% MADE IN CANADA.

The Canadian brand used to go by a much less evocative name. When Polish immigrant Sam Tick decided to move to Toronto, he brought with him an entrepreneurial instinct that spurred him on to founding Metro Sportswear Ltd in 1957. The factory manufactured weatherproof outdoor clothing, designed to protect wearers from the cold. The items, made of wool, were a success. In no time at all, the company developed new ranges, thanks to a revolutionary technique for down padding developed by David Reiss, Sam's son-in-law and future director. The company, which changed its name to Snow Goose in the 1980s, then Canada Goose, found its way into the wardrobes of Canadian policemen and forest wardens, as well as being adopted by high-achieving adventurers.

There was Laurie Skreslet, for example, the first Canadian to climb Mount Everest in 1982, and Lance Mackey, seven-times winner of dog sled races in the 2000s. American cinema has also been very happy to feature Canada Goose designs, notably worn by Nicolas Cage, Dennis Quaid and Daniel Craig. After Levi's and Concepts, it was the turn of the young nonconformist brand Vetements to collaborate with Canada Goose in 2016, on a collection of bold, oversized coats and parkas. Even though the label, which is today run by the founder's grandson Dani Reiss, has moved into foreign markets, Canada Goose clothing is still made in Canada.

A MARRIAGE OF AESTHETICS AND FUNCTIONAL WEARABILITY.

The quality of Canada Goose jackets is derived from the care that goes into selecting the materials and the expert way the clothes are put together with minute attention to detail. The brand's pieces, which keep wearers warm even in the coldest temperatures, are designed to be practical as well as stylish. Eight different materials are used, chosen because they are durable, lightweight, stretchy, breathable and weatherproof. The duck and goose down which makes up the padding in the coats, with highly insulating properties, comes from the necks of the birds. As for the hoods, they are covered with genuine coyote fur, which is resistant to freezing temperatures and does not retain water. Designs from the House range from the very practical Expedition parka and the chic Victoria coat, to the belted Shelburne jacket and the military overtones of the Montebello style.

From padded jackets to parkas, the appeal of Canada Goose coats has widened considerably in just half a century. It is no exaggeration to call them must-have fashion items. Amongst the most beautiful feathered garments by the Canadian brand:

• Black Victoria coat;
• Montebello parka in polyester;
• Mystique padded jacket in polyester.