A surprising piece of news from the fashion world: Haider Ackermann has been appointed the new Creative Director of Canada Goose. The Toronto-based outerwear label has named the Colombian-born French designer, known for his avant-garde luxury fashion and eponymous label, as the brand's first-ever Creative Director. Ackermann is expected to lead the company into a new era and enhance its creative aesthetic. His first collection is planned for Fall/Winter 2024/25.
Ackermann's foray into outerwear stands in contrast to his luxurious roots. He founded his own label in 2002 and presented his last fashion show in February 2020. Last year, he served as a guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier's couture show, joining the ranks of Chitose Abe, Glenn Martens, and Olivier Rousteing. In recent years, Ackermann has garnered attention for dressing celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Tilda Swinton on the red carpet.
This collaboration with Canada Goose is not Ackermann's first experience with performance clothing. In November 2022, he collaborated with Fila on a sportswear collection. For Canada Goose, this long-term partnership follows a series of luxury collaborations, including with Marc Jacobs, Y/Project, Junya Watanabe, and Vetements.
Ackermann will oversee all creative aspects at Canada Goose, working closely with Chairman and CEO Dani Reiss to guide the company into its next era. In a statement, Ackermann said, “What drew me to Canada Goose is not only how they have created a category, but also their authentic reputation and commitment to their purpose. The impact this brand has had on the world around us is meaningful and inspirational.”
To mark the appointment, Ackermann has released a special Canada Goose hoodie in four colorways, retailing at $275, in support of the non-profit organization Polar Bears International (PBI). The designer announced the hoodie on his Instagram, featuring a campaign with himself and long-time climate advocate Jane Fonda. His first full capsule collection will be released in October.
Ackermann's distinctive ability to harness the heritage and authenticity of Canada Goose will shape the brand’s designs. “When it comes to the marriage of craftsmanship and beauty, there’s no one more fitting than Haider Ackermann,” said Dani Reiss. “He intuitively understands Canada Goose as a brand apart from all others, and that authenticity, craftsmanship, and performance are the cornerstones of our brand. I look forward to seeing his impact across our designs.”
Haider Ackermann's appointment as the Creative Director of Canada Goose marks an exciting turning point for the brand. With his unique vision and artistic approach, Ackermann is set to usher in a new creative era and further advance the brand’s development. The fashion world eagerly anticipates how this talented designer will transform the outdoor label.