In its third year – This classic insulation piece has been one of Finisterre’s most popular garments and has been hailed as a ‘design classic’ amongst industry experts, athletes and customers alike. This year’s Etobicoke builds on the functional design of the original, with some added extras and in great new colours.

The original Etobicoke succeeded in providing minimum weight, with maximum warmth. Finisterre’s two designers have worked hard to make this years Etobicoke warmer than ever before with warmth to weight ratio three times higher than any other jacket in the Finisterre range. Advances in recycled fibre technology have allowed for a lighter shell fabric, which still maintains the key strength the Etobicoke is famed for. Lined pockets, and a re-enforced collar are featured again this year along side an advanced elasticised waste. As an added bonus, it folds into a pillow and packs easily into the spare space in your bag or glove compartment.

This year Finisterre has had a number of great product testers pushing their garments to the limit, so you can be assured that your Finsiterre garment is expedition tested in some of the harshest conditions. The Etobicoke has seen action across the world, and has become a staple for a number of key athletes and explorers. Recently James Bowthorpe smashed the round the world cycle record by three weeks with the Etobicoke in his bags, and ambassador Ian Battrick has been breaking out the Etobicoke after some very cold sessions in the artic circle.

Tom Kay, Finisterre founder stated that, “customers have hailed the Etobicoke as the ‘perfect jacket’, it’s lightweight, warm and has every feature you might need whether you’ve been caught out on the mountain or on the street cycling to work.”

The jacket comes in two great new colours, Raven Black and Olympian Blue for Men and Jasmine Green and Raven Black for Women. Get one now at www.finisterreuk.com

“We won the Observer Ethical Award last year and that was a milestone for us, in terms of what six people in a little workshop can do. To be recognized for the RSPCA Good Business Awards take it all that much further, we’re absolutely stoked to have been chosen as one of the finalists’, said Tom Kay – Finisterre Founder.

One of the judges3, designer Wayne Hemingway, says: “We are genuinely impressed by the calibre of entries this year, not only from the smaller, ethically minded companies but also from the growing number of high street retailers who are listening to customers and making huge steps forward for animal welfare.

“When retailers on this scale address these issues, you really do have to be hopeful that we have reached a tipping point and the world is starting to listen.”

Fashion finalists for the 2009 Good Business Awards (in alphabetical order) are:

Large Company

• George @ ASDA: They have implemented a complete ban on the use of fur in all clothing and product ranges. They also have a clear labeling policy for fake fur garments. The firm continues to test and sample products that come through their suppliers to check that no mixed fur products are used and have set up a suppliers workgroup.
• M&S: For an ongoing commitment to animal welfare. Their statement is that animals should not be bred and slaughtered specifically for the purpose of producing non-food products. As well as a ban on selling fur, their aim is to source 100% non-mulesed wool by 2012. They are also looking into setting their own minimum standards for feather and down.
• New Look: This prominent high street brand has implemented a no fur policy which requires new suppliers to sign their Animal Welfare policy and adhere to it. The company is also keen to further develop its leather-sourcing monitoring so it will be able to provide clearer labeling information. They are also trialling sustainable fabrics including fabric made from bamboo, recycled plastic bottles and an organic cotton range.
• Tesco: The company are working in partnership with Defra via their Sustainable Clothing Action Plan. They do not use any real fur and all faux fur is clearly labeled on garment care labels. One interesting scheme is their E-leather footware range that uses recycled leather.

Small Company

• Finisterre: For the company’s no mulesing policy and their sourcing of merino fabrics. They are also looking to source feathers from a free range sourcing programme in Poland. Finisterre believes in communicating with its customers so they can make informed buying decisions.
• Izzy Lane: For an ongoing commitment to animal welfare. Isobel’s flock of sheep were rescued as lambs from slaughter and live on the farm in North Yorkshire. Their wool is used to create a stylish fashion collection, helping to support a network of rural handknitters.
• Neon Collective: A high end ethical fashion store that offers a range of vegan designed shoes, handbags and accessories which are completely free of all animal-derived products. The company also has ethical policies on pollution, recycling and packaging helping to create a mantra of ‘responsible luxury’.

David Bowles, Head of External Affairs for the RSPCA says: “We have had a record quality and quantity of entries to this year’s fashion category – a clear indication that companies are responding to the shift away from disposable fashion and towards responsible consumerism.

“Shoppers want to feel assured about the animal welfare credentials of the items they buy and therefore it is great to see some of the biggest fashion brands on the high street on this year’s shortlist. These companies, who are striving to implement exceptional welfare standards, deserve our recognition as they set the standard for others to work towards.”

The RSPCA Good Business Awards gala ceremony will be held at One Marylebone, London on Wednesday 7 October 2009. Tickets for the awards ceremony are available by contacting the RSPCA Good Business Awards team on 0300 123 0488 or awards@rspca.org.uk or online: www.rspcagoodbusinessawards.com
www.finisterreuk.com

The Matanuska has been one of Finisterre’s most popular styles. Its unique cut, finish and traditional tailoring quickly put it in a category all its own – Versatile Weatherproof. Versatile Weatherproofs are made of a polycotton, making them 100% windproof, highly breathable and water resistant. Designed with an active cut, the garment is at home in both extreme and urban environments.

“Just look at our product line, it’s small and has been for the last seven years, we do this because we know what level of attention is needed in the sourcing of materials, manufacturers and the design of each specific style”, said Finisterre designer Deborah Luffman.

The Matanuska will once again be limited edition, with a M65 styled Men’s jacket and a classic Mac style in the women’s. Both men’s and women’s Matanuska’s will have some hidden details within the finish, with electric blue and banana yellow piping, setting the piece off.

You can view both styles and see some video on the garments here.

To pick one up, call us anytime on 01872 554481.

www.finisterreuk.com