Toronto-based outerwear manufacturer, Canada Goose, has appointed Haider Ackermann as the company’s new creative director. Ackermann will operate from Paris, working closely with Chairman and CEO Dani Reiss.
Reiss expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, "When it comes to the marriage of craftsmanship and beauty, there’s no one more fitting than Haider Ackermann. He intuitively understands Canada Goose as a brand apart from all others, and that authenticity, craftsmanship and performance are the cornerstones of our brand. With his distinct ability to harness the energy and potential of our authentic heritage, I look forward to seeing his impact across our designs."
Alongside announcing Ackermann's appointment, Canada Goose also launched a new style in support of Polar Bears International (PBI), an organization dedicated to studying and protecting polar bears and their habitats. The PBI Hoodie is a limited-edition sweatshirt where all proceeds from sales will be donated to PBI to further its research, conservation strategies and educational initiatives on Arctic protection.
Ackermann shared his motivation for joining Canada Goose in a news release dated May 15. He said, "What drew me to Canada Goose is not only how they have created a category but also its authentic reputation and drive to stay committed to its purpose. The impact this brand has had on the world around us is meaningful and inspirational. I consider myself a student of the environment and my trip to Churchill lit a fire to do more and be more. My hope is that by coming together with the extraordinary climate champion Jane Fonda, we can help drive people to act – and to do it now."
Canada Goose was originally founded as Metro Sportswear Ltd in 1957 by Sam Tick. Initially specializing in woolen vests, raincoats, and snowmobile suits according to company history records. In the 1970s David Reiss joined the company establishing the Snow Goose Label. Notably, in 1982, Laurie Skreslet became the first Canadian to summit Mt. Everest, clad in a custom-designed parka by Metro Sportswear. Dani Reiss joined the company in the 1980s. In 2004, Canada Goose products featured in two Hollywood films, "The Day After Tomorrow" and "National Treasure." The company launched two flagship stores in 2016 and went public on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges in March 2017.