TERRACEA is an outdoor apparel brand crafted for those who love adventure but don’t want to sacrifice quality or style. I had the pleasure of attending the preview of TERRACEA’s F/W 24/25 Collection and was especially intrigued by their expansion into luxury jackets. Beauty News NYC‘s exclusive Q&A with Eric Hui, TERRACEA’s founder, covers the brand’s inspiration, details on their exciting pre-sale for luxury jackets, and more!
Could you share with us the personal inspiration behind founding TERRACEA and the mission that drives the brand’s focus on technical apparel designed for outdoor activities?
The inception of TERRACEA stemmed from my observation of the remarkable versatility of outdoor apparel technology. Characteristics such as hardshell waterproof fabrics, wind-resistant materials, high collars, and insulation, originally designed for rugged environments, proved to be exceptionally functional for everyday travel and commuting. Being from Hawaii, I sought attire capable of withstanding the unforgiving elements of the Northeast. Drawing inspiration from ski and snowboard apparel, which I found myself wearing during my daily commute, I envisioned a brand that catered to the demands of year-round elemental conditions, right here in New England.
What motivated TERRACEA’s expansion into luxury jackets?
When it comes to our new Bearhug and Catnap jackets, we emphasize a premium outdoor performance essence with a significant lifestyle focus rather than simply, luxury. Each of these products was conceived with the primary objective of being robust outdoor jackets capable of braving the elements, hence the incorporation of top-down waterproof blocking and traditional features akin to performance coats/parkas. However, we opted for a ‘hybrid’ strategy by blending this conventional mountain apparel technology with a lower half that prioritizes comfort, warmth, and a premium feel. This unique approach defines our direction for all upcoming products.
Could you discuss the sustainable practices integrated into the production process of TERRACEA jackets and how these align with your vision for the brand?
We have been conscious of being as eco-friendly as we can with all our steps in material selection and production for our garments. With our business being in technical outdoor apparel, the fine line of balancing waterproof/windproof/warmth in terms of pure garment performance vs. staying as sustainable as possible is always there. Since 2022, we have been utilizing C0 PFC-free DWR across all our products, a change that prevents the harmful effects of PFCs on our health and environment at the slight cost of worst oil-repellency. Our insulation materials are also all made from recycled materials, or in the case of the Bearhug/Catnap, re-sourced down feathers sourced from discarded products (duvet covers, pillows, other jackets), resorted and refilled to be used in these garments. We only partner with vendors that align with this vision.
TERRACEA’s jackets are renowned for being both functional and stylish, inspired by and tested in extreme weather conditions. How do you personally ensure that each design meets these dual requirements?
In addition to rigorous internal testing, where our team extensively wears and evaluates our products across various environments and scenarios, we collaborate with a curated group of outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, skiers, and others, to thoroughly assess our gear. These ambassadors rigorously test the waterproofness, breathability, warmth, mobility, and durability of our products, ensuring they meet the demands of real-world outdoor activities. Moreover, for extreme weather evaluation, we engage with field experts who operate in harsh environments characterized by frigid temperatures and intense wind chill, providing invaluable feedback under such extreme conditions.
TERRACEA’s jackets are often described as “simple, yet high-end, lux.” How do you balance simplicity with luxury, and what do you believe sets TERRACEA apart in the market?
To us, simplicity lies more in the streamlined look that we incorporate into our styles for everyday wear (beyond the mountain). We aren’t ostentatious in how we promote the brand and feel that being slightly understated in our branding makes the most impact. Our apparel technology comes with our continual focus on making things more functional and user friendly…for example, quietness and ease of use when thinking about pocket and zipper designs. We also focus a lot on fabric quietness and softness, which gives us a higher-end feel to all our products.
The ongoing pre-sale collection for TERRACEA is generating excitement. Can you provide insights into the design innovation and performance features customers can expect from this collection?
The Fall 2024 collection has been sparking considerable excitement not for its reinterpretation of traditional outdoor apparel, but rather for our quest to carve out new territory, introducing shapes and styles not commonly seen in today’s outdoor brands. We’re committed to breaking away from the norms of typical outdoor players, shifting our focus beyond the conventional trail and woodland aesthetics to embrace the coastal inspiration that surrounds us daily.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for TERRACEA in terms of product development and its broader impact on the outdoor apparel industry?
We’re excited to advance towards our goal of integrating outdoor technology into everyday attire! Expect to encounter a wider array of unconventional materials in our products, alongside a progressive approach to defining ‘outdoor’ apparel. Drawing from our founding ethos, we believe the outdoor experience begins the moment you step outside – a concept we’ll be fully embracing in our future endeavors. Additionally, we’re exploring the rich coastal heritage, inspired by both our founding narrative and our location on the seacoast of New Hampshire, as we endeavor to bridge these elements into our brand identity.
Shop Bearhug online HERE. And shop Catnap online HERE.
