Rev up your engines or hop on your saddle because Woolrich is about to take you on a dusty, heritage-heavy dirt-path adventure with racer Trevor Stewart and Compton Cowgirl Keiara Wade.
The American giants are synonymous with the outdoors, that’s just a fact (check out their FW22 Outsiders campaign to see why), and with the ever-growing population of avid outdoor enthusiasts, nature experts, and millennial explorers showing no signs of slowing down, it’s fair to say we need our seasonal dose of reliable and rugged wilderness attire.
Whether on railroad tracks, skating through cities, or at queer rodeos we’ve seen Woolrich express its love for the great outdoors (and its American roots) in almost every way possible — and its building momentum isn’t plateauing this year. SS23's Unorthodox Outsiders sees archives, Americana, and authenticity come together in three unique sartorial storylines, Pennsylvanian Walk, American Road Trip, and Lakeside Summer, as the collection traverses through the flow of the seasons, from pre-spring excitement to the hot heights of summer.
Pennsylvanian Walk
Pennsylvanian Walk is a modern take on Woolrich’s past, but with an eco-friendly twist thanks to the use of conscious materials and natural dyes. Celebrated icons like the Aleutian Vest, which gets its name from the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska (a Woolrich heritage site), gets a revival alongside quilted Flannel Check Overshirts, while Pennsylvania’s national state flower, the Mountain Laurel, is incorporated into the capsule’s patterns next to patchwork craftsmanship.
American Road Trip
American Road Trip is the windows rolled down and radio turned up part of the capsule — a more classic approach to the Woolrich staples we know and love. Think camouflage prints, grungy tones, and vibrant colors on top of archival pieces like the Utility Jacket.
Lakeside Summer
If you didn’t know that nestled on Zavikon Island off the coast of Ontario was the Woolrich Lodge, well, now you do. Drawing from typical lakeside activities like kayaking and fishing, the final summer capsule brings light fabrics like linen and cotton into the mix with madras checks and geometric stripes.
It’s safe to say the SS23 collection dives into the deep-rooted identity of Woolrich and what it stands for in relation to heritage and the outdoors. Hence, it’s only right that to put it to the test, we called upon two different individuals, Stewart and Wade, who not only build on the historical side of their crafts but spend a lot of time in the fresh air while doing so.
You may not know much about horse barrel racing or dirt biking. Both high-adrenalin activities are pretty niche, with a special community of followers and a strong appreciation for the outdoors. Stewart and Wade are doing something different. You could say that this makes them unorthodox outsiders in their own right, so let's unpack why its important to follow the road less traveled to unlock your own unique adventure.
Keiara Wade, The Compton Cowgirl of The Compton Cowboys
You first got on a horse when you were eight months old. What about horseback riding interested you when you were younger?
I've been riding horses all of my life, so this has become the second nature to me. I try different sports, but the connection that humans and horses have is what keeps me drawn and connected to them.
You’re a barrel racer. For those that don’t know what that means, can you explain it and also tell me why you ride horses?
Barrel racing is a timed event for a three-barrel cloverleaf pattern, so it's like the fastest time wins, and typically it can go from 16 to 13 seconds. It’s not just the racing for me, though, I love the peace and calmness that being on a horse brings me. It’s a different perspective on life that I in turn, adapt to my everyday life.
What does being a cowgirl mean for you?
Being a cowgirl means being resilient. It means to be hardworking and to have integrity.
So tell me a little bit about little about the Compton Cowboys. When did this start, and what do you all do as part of this collective?
The Compton Cowboys was initially just a group of kids who started with the Compton Junior riding Posse. As we got older, we were able to create our own lane and come together as a unit to make riding horses and cowgirls something that was deemed as cool. It was about encouraging representation of who you truly are, cowboy or cowgirl, and not what society says you should be.
Do you think there are any changes to be made within cowboy culture?
I’m the only female within the Compton Cowboys, so I bring my different identity and free spirit to the group of guys so that we can continue to touch the world in different ways to improve it. I don't think there are any changes to be made, but I’d like to see more female recognition and more women evens in this field. Actually, I’ll be making a change when I become the first Black barrel racer to make it to the National Finals Rodeo.
Growing up, did you face any stigmas when it came to riding?
I did face some issues because this is a predominantly white sport, and growing up I was the only Black female child doing it. So initially, I wasn't accepted until I was able to start winning and showed my resilience once I walked into the arena.
Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for people that look up to you or anyone that wants to go into this sport?
What I would like to say to anybody is always to follow your heart and trust your instincts. Do what feels right for your heart and soul, and don't let anyone discourage you because of what they may or may not think you can or cannot do. Make sure you have a purpose for anything you're doing because that will leave a positive legacy at the end of the day.
Trevor Stewart, Dirtbike Racer
How much time did you spend outdoors as a child? What do you remember about that period of your life?
I grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, about 40 minutes east of LA — and I spent all my time outdoors. Traveling to races, and camping in the desert, it always revolved around motorcycles and family, sometimes the whole family, but mainly just my dad and I.
I remember seeing a lot of open roads and fondly remember the smell of race fuel, mostly because I’m still around it constantly. It’s a distinct smell, and most, if not all, racers would probably say the same thing. I remember hearing the sound of the intercom coming from the stands where you watch races. Every weekend I’d be at the top of them with my brother and friends, watching the pros— hoping I could do the same shit one day.
What do you love now about being outside so much?
The comfort of being alone and feeling alone— or at least trying to find comfort with it. The thought of being the only person to put wheels or feet in a certain area and just being somewhere others haven’t, I love that.
How old were you when you started riding your dirt bike? What was the first bike you ever had?
I got my first bike for my third birthday. It was a PW50. We had a little track in my backyard, and I spent every chance I could out back with my brothers.
What pushed you in the direction of becoming a motoracer?
I’ve always been drawn to anything with wheels. I tried everything— but motorcycles were the only thing that truly captivated me I think what initially pushed me into racing them though was my dad and brothers. I just wanted to be like them, as I was the youngest in my family. When it got time to take it more seriously, it was the competition that drew me in. I’ve always had that spark to win.
Does the fear of danger hold you back?
I feel that I handled the fear better when I was younger. As I’ve gotten older, it’s definitely become more to deal with. You can’t really be scared to do this type of stuff, because if you are, you will end up getting hurt. It doesn’t hold me back, though.
Have you had any bad injuries?
Yeah— a ton. I’ve broken my neck, femur, both wrists, collarbones, hip, and some other stuff. I have a broken wrist right now actually.
Describe the sensation when you’re on the track. What do you feel?
It’s hard to explain, really. I look at riding almost more as performance art because everyone has a different style. Everyone’s got different goals, but at the end of the day, I feel free, I feel adrenalin, and I’m able to escape reality.
What inspires you when it comes to racing?
To innovate and carve out a path for people in my world that don’t see it the way I see it.
What do you see for your future?
It’s hard to say. Love, labor, and doing things that actually matter, and of course, a lot of dirt bikes. Mostly impacting the sport I love in a positive way and showing kids in this field that you can do whatever you want, as long as you work for it.
Shop the Woolrich SS23 collection here and in select Woolrich stores worldwide.
