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Aether x Leica collab: do digital photographers need a dedicated jacket?
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The Aether x Leica Reporter Jacket was developed in collaboration with four of Leica's sponsored 'Ambassador' photographers. Photo: Aether |
US travel/adventure clothing brand Aether has collaborated with Leica and some of its sponsored photographers to develop a jacket with photographer-friendly details.
The Aether x Leica Reporter Jacket is waxed cotton field jacket with pockets designed specifically for camera batteries and SD card holders, with an additional SD card pocket in its collar. The army green jacket is designed to match the color of Leica's 'Reporter' special edition cameras.
There's also a rear pocket that Aether says is large enough for a tablet. Aether's press release describes the jacket as waterproof, which would be highly unusual for a waxed cotton material, despite the provision waterproof zips on its pockets. Perhaps it's is a comment on the dependability of claims of weather sealing in cameras.
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Like a rubber gasket on the back of a high-end lens, the waterproof zips indicate some consideration of weather sealing. Photo: Aether |
But, now photography no longer requires us to lash rolls of film to a khaki vest, do these design details really make the jacket that much more photo friendly? Do you regularly find yourself wishing you could stash a spare memory card in the neck of your jacket? And, if you're going to buy a jacket made in collaboration with Leica, shouldn't it at least have a red top button?
Aether will make just 125 examples of the jacket, which will cost $795 and be available from its website and stores.
Press Release:
AETHER APPAREL AND LEICA CAMERA UNITE TO LAUNCH LIMITED-EDITION JACKET FOR THE MODERN PHOTOGRAPHER
Designed by photographers for photographers, the durable and waterproof AETHER x Leica Reporter Jacket brings together a unique combination of functionality and design to support excellence in the field
LOS ANGELES, October 29, 2024 — AETHER, the Los Angeles-based outerwear brand creating high-end gear for all of life’s adventures, and Leica, the international camera company with a history of excellence in German craftsmanship and design, have partnered to create the AETHER x Leica Reporter Jacket. The special collaboration has produced a limited edition of 125 jackets designed to enhance a photographer’s creative journey. The Reporter Jacket was developed with input from top Leica photographers and is crafted to carry all the essentials needed for a day in the field.
“We’re committed to evolving the craft of photography and making it more accessible for photographers,” says Mike Giannattasio, President of Leica Camera North America. “By partnering with AETHER, we’ve created a product that helps photographers carry everything they need efficiently in the field. The AETHER x Leica Reporter Jacket combines craftsmanship and functionality to truly enhance the photographer's journey—which is what matters most to us.”
Inspired by Leica’s storied ‘Reporter’ series featuring special-edition cameras in army green, the AETHER x Leica Reporter Jacket comes in the same iconic green color. Thoughtful details and design that one would expect from the partnering brands include:
- Waxed cotton to create a natural water-repellent fabric along with seam-sealed construction
- Strategically placed vents for breathability
- Internal battery pocket engineered to fit four camera batteries
- Large soft-lined hand pockets designed to carry a camera or lens
- Hidden SD card pocket on the collar; plus internal chest pocket to fit an SD card case
- Extra-large back pocket designed to fit a tablet and/or extra gear
- Detachable microfiber cleaning cloth
The concept for the AETHER x Leica Reporter Jacket was born from ongoing conversations between leadership at AETHER and Leica.
“This jacket is the result of countless design discussions starting with Steffen Keil at Leica AG, AETHER’s purpose-driven approach to outerwear, field testing, and guidance from an incredible roster of photographers,” says AETHER co-founder Jonah Smith, who also provided input on the design from his own experience as a photographer. “We’re proud to have designed a jacket that perfectly balances the practical features that a photographer needs with the refined silhouette that they want. For me personally, this project is a dream come true, as I’ve been using Leica cameras for 25 years.”
The Reporter Jacket was designed under guidance and input from four Leica camera ambassadors: Mathieu Bitton, Ragnar Axelsson, Cira Crowell, and Misan Harriman. Each lent their experience and expertise to create a jacket celebrating a photographer’s artistry and dedication to their craft.
“Finally having the ultimate jacket to work anywhere in the world and under any condition, with pockets for anything I need to work with, is a game changer for me and any photo enthusiast,” says Bitton. “Working with AETHER has been a very rewarding experience as they truly understand apparel that is not just great looking but extremely useful and of the highest possible quality. The Reporter Jacket is a perfect companion to my camera collection and a tool I will use on all my travels.”
The AETHER x Leica Reporter Jacket retails for $795 USD and is available now in limited quantities at aetherapparel.com and at AETHER retail locations nationwide.
