Kathmandu has teamed up with Australia’s favourite duo, The Inspired Unemployed, in a trans-Tasman collaboration that sees the pair step into fashion design for the very first time.
In their latest chapter as Kathmandu Brand Ambassadors, Matt Ford and Jack Steele go beyond simply wearing the gear, launching two limited-edition Kathmandu Epiq puffer jackets, designed by the duo themselves and built for winter adventure.
Created in close collaboration with Kathmandu’s Head of Design and Head of Product Management, the jackets were developed over a seven-month journey from design workshops and prototyping through to final production.
Using Kathmandu’s new boxy, slouchy Epiq silhouette as the base, Ford and Steele shaped every detail of their dream down jacket, from fabric and lining colours to zips, pockets, patches and embroidery, before putting their own names to the final designs.
The Epiq Falcon marked Ford's first-ever product design, and his bold choice of a bright yellow main fabric was intentional. The standout feature of the Falcon is its carefully curated patches.
“I love colour, and I love wearing colour. It’s fun, it’s vibrant, and it makes me feel happy," said Ford.
"There’s a fine line between too much and just right. The patches make the jacket feel unique and individual, and that’s exactly how I want people to feel when they’re wearing it."
Launching alongside it is the Epiq Steele, designed by Steele, who has worn Kathmandu puffers for over 14 years and never thought something like this would happen.
In contrast to Ford's bold approach, Steele opted for something more understated, creating a timeless colour-blocked design in trail brown and black, with a cold-brew lining and subtle icy blue detailing on the zip pullers.
He also chose to embroider the phrase “life is rare, don’t waste it” across the back, a reminder that adventure, curiosity and good times should never be put on hold. An ethos that aligns closely with Kathmandu’s purpose of inspiring people to get out there.
While visually distinct, both jackets share the same technical credentials. Each is made with 100 percent recycled outer fabric and lining, filled with 600 fill power duck down, and exists to inspire a new generation to get out there and experience the world.
Kathmandu’s Head of Design, April Burrows, was proud to celebrate the personalities through their creative direction, while maintaining Epiq’s technical performance, durability and quality.
“Matt and Jack were extremely thoughtful and took the time to dig into what represents them best," said Burrows.
"As product experts, our role was to support them through the process and provide guidance. A true collaboration that we’re excited to bring to our consumers.”
The limited-edition Epiq Falcon and Epiq Steele will be available online and in select Kathmandu stores across New Zealand from the 12th of May 2026.
