The K-Way windbreaker brand enters a new modern market with a line of research and development

The Milan-based brand has been dabbling in the space with collaborations for fashion houses like Fendi and YSL, DSquared2 and Comme des Garcons. But she is also looking for her own profile in the streetwear/sportswear scene with designer Monica Gamberoni.

The combined men's and women's collection for the coming fall and winter that was shown on Monday uses high-end materials, including recycled sheepskin that is treated and colored for vibrant jackets and pants with a sexy sheen. Recycled nylon was used for quilted garments and padded jackets filled with recycled down. The technical wool for knitwear was partially obtained from the main producer Loro Piana.

Dubbed R&D, for research and development, the collection draws on both style and technical experimentation that departs from the brand's legacy as a maker of high-quality jackets and jackets, founded in Paris 57 years ago but since long time in Italian hands.

Models wear creations as part of K-Way's Fall-Winter 2022-23 collection for men. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Vice President of Sales Lorenzo Boglione, whose family controls BasicNet's parent company, said he expects many looks seen on the runway to make it to stores and that participation in fashion weeks has helped the brand position the new line between consumers.

"We always want to twist and interpret our iconic product, but we don't want to become a fashion company," he said. “We are a sportswear company. But we want to be contemporary and modern, and that also means being on these kinds of stages.”

K-Way took the first step two years ago by showing up at the Pitti menswear shows in Florence in January 2020, just before the pandemic hit. Last year it had a digital presentation during Milan Fashion Week.

A model puts on makeup backstage ahead of the start of K-Way's Fall-Winter 2022-23 menswear show, presented during Milan Fashion Week. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

The silhouette for the coming winter has a youthful appeal. It featured cropped shearling jackets with hoods and utility pockets in a bright, vibrant orange, paired with slim-fitting yellow pants with zipper hem details; leather midi or mini skirts with matching puffer-sleeved jackets with shearling details; and long padded skirts with nylon cropped jackets. Knitwear can be oversize or slim, sometimes with the season's motif, diamonds.

The season's anoraks are roomy, almost fluid like dresses, and the famous pocket to store the jacket is hidden.

“This R&D label gives us the ability to go beyond our classic or standard look,” said Gamberoni. "K-way is still more sporty in spirit than the sport itself."

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