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From Mountain Peaks to City Streets: The History of The North Face

The North Face, a name synonymous with adventure and outdoor gear, has a fascinating journey that spans over half a century. From its humble beginnings in California to becoming a global fashion powerhouse, this brand has scaled mountains in the literal sense and as well as the business world.

How it Began

In 1966, in San Francisco's North Beach area, Douglas and Susie Tompkins, two outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for climbing and camping, founded The North Face with a modest $5,000 loan from the bank. Their first store, which opened on October 26, 1966, wasn't just any retail space—it was a haven for climbers and outdoor lovers, complete with a grand opening that featured a performance by none other than the Grateful Dead.

The name "The North Face" wasn't chosen by chance. It's a nod to the northern face of mountains, typically the coldest, iciest, and most challenging side to climb. This choice perfectly encapsulated the brand's ethos: embracing challenge and pushing limits.

From Retail to Revolution

Initially, The North Face focused on retailing high-quality mountaineering gear. However, the Tompkins' entrepreneurial journey with the brand was short-lived. In 1967, they sold the company to Kenneth "Hap" Klopp for $50,000, and set off on their travels, shortly after reconvening to cofound Esprit, another fashion powerhouse.

Under Klopp's leadership, The North Face began to manufacture its own line of products. This shift marked the beginning of the brand's journey from a retailer to an innovative manufacturer. In 1971, the iconic "Half Dome" logo was created by David Alcorn, inspired by the Half Dome rock formation in Yosemite National Park—a symbol that would become instantly recognisable worldwide.

Innovation at Its Core

The North Face's commitment to innovation became evident in 1975 when they introduced the revolutionary geodesic dome tent. This design, featuring flexible poles that criss-crossed over the surface, was a game-changer in expedition equipment. It exemplified the brand's dedication to creating gear that could withstand extreme conditions, a philosophy that would drive product development for decades to come.

From Peaks to Streets

While The North Face built its reputation on high-performance outdoor gear, the brand's journey took an interesting turn in the late 20th century. As urban fashion began to embrace functionality and outdoor aesthetics, The North Face found itself at the intersection of performance and style.

The transition from purely outdoor gear to fashion wasn't just a happy accident. It was a testament to the brand's quality and design appeal. Suddenly, The North Face jackets weren't just seen on mountain trails but also on city streets, college campuses, and even fashion runways. In 90s New York, Nuptse Jackets and Mountain Lights were everywhere.

The North Face Today

Today, The North Face stands as a testament to the power of quality, innovation, and adaptability. From its early days of serving climbers and campers to becoming a staple in urban wardrobes, the brand has maintained its core values while evolving with the times.

The company continues to support expeditions and outdoor athletes, staying true to its roots. At the same time, it has successfully carved out a significant space in the fashion world, appealing to a diverse range of consumers who value both style and functionality.

Check out our full The North Face Collection here.

Shop The North Face Jackets Here.

Read our journal post on The North Face Mountain Jacket here.