So just what went down at the GORE-TEX 50th anniversary event in Soho last weekend?

Last week, surrounded by the great and the good of the outdoor world (as well as the actual guy from Greater Goods Jaimus), I found myself experiencing a real ‘pinch me’ moment. As GORE-TEX had very kindly asked me to be on their panel to discuss the impact of the brand on myself as well as the way it has impacted how we dress up in the North West whilst also joining in on their 50th birthday celebrations. Peering out from the event space (AKA The Lattice Works) onto a busy Soho street, it occurred to me that I had come away since the late 80s when I first encountered that miraculous membrane and the amazing garments it accompanied. Which I hope came across in the stuff I said on the mic, where I gave shouts out to Stockport’s OG outdoor shop Alpenstock, the amazing avian find my mate Barclay discovered in the pocket of his Mountain Equipment Fitzroy jacket and how I think a pair of GTX Desert Treks perfectly represent the contrarian nature of Mancunians. Whilst my fellow panel members head Gore archivist Nedda, Berghaus bigwig Charlie Pyms, menswear legend Professor Andrew Groves and Greater Goods geezer Jaimus spoke passionately about their own relationships with the brand, all expertly hosted by Lynders from ACM. It was a fantastic night with some equally impressive people sitting in the audience,fuelled by ace tunes and delicious cocktails and pies with loads of mind-blowing archival pieces on display to admire. Though the real cherry on the cake came just before I ran off to get my train back to Stockport when I was presented with a GORE-TEX door mat from the legends at All Conditions Media. I don’t think nights out get any better than that do they?

Find out more about the GORE-TEX 50th Anniversary HERE.