Haider Ackermann named creative director of Canada Goose

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Haider Ackermann has been appointed as the first-ever creative director of premium outerwear brand Canada Goose, the company announced today.

The Colombian-born French designer, better known for avant-garde luxury fashion and his eponymous label, will oversee all creative at the outerwear brand, which specialises in heavy-duty goose down parka jackets. He will be based in Paris and work alongside Canada Goose chairman and CEO Dani Reiss “to guide the company into its next era”, the brand 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,” Ackermann said in a statement.

To mark the appointment, Ackermann has released a special Canada Goose hoodie in four colourways, retailing at $275, in support of non-profit Polar Bears International (PBI). The designer announced the hoodie on his Instagram, with a campaign featuring himself and long-time climate advocate Jane Fonda. His first full capsule collection will be released in October, according to the brand.

High-performance outerwear is a far cry from Ackermann’s luxury roots. But the designer’s eponymous label has stalled in recent years (the website closed in 2021), except for his high-profile celebrity dressing of names like Timothée Chalamet and Tilda Swinton. And this isn’t Ackermann’s first foray into performance-wear since rolling back his own brand: in November 2022, he collaborated with Fila on a sportswear collection and accompanying show in Manchester, England.

For Canada Goose, this long-term appointment follows a suite of luxury collaborations, including Marc Jacobs, Y/Project, Junya Watanabe and Vetements, as the brand aims to compete in the booming outerwear market amid growing competition from challenger brands like Arc’Teryx, and even techwear players such as Stone Island or CP Company.

“When it comes to the marriage of craftsmanship and beauty, there’s no one more fitting than Haider Ackermann,” said Canada Goose’s Reiss in a statement. “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.”

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