Outlier’s conceptions is a testament to the uniquely serendipitous moments that life sometimes offers. Abe Burmeister and Tyler Clemens wanted to design a new breed of functional, smartly styled clothing that could stand up to exhausting bike rides as easily as a desk job or night out without the need for a shower and change in between. Neither had any design experience.

Since 2009, Analogue Life has been the destination for contemporary Japanese crafts. But despite its global customer base and strong media coverage, including Wallpaper* Magazine’s reputable Handmade issue and showcase, little has been chronicled about the couple behind the small but impressive and influential shop in Nagoya. Founders Ian Orgias and Mitsue Iwakoshi’s attentive and thoughtful discoveries have exposed many Japanese artisans to the western world. Artisans that may never have been recognized outside of Japan if it weren’t for their shop.

When Jansport introduced their heritage line in 2010, it was a signal to the industry that heritage had made its way to the outdoors market. The backpacks that were once synonymous with the collegiate and back-to-school market was looking back to its roots as an outdoors brand. Kelty, the 50-year-old company followed suit with the launch of its Vintage line in 2011. But as many trends go, its origins were traced back to a small group of fanatics.