Columbia recreates limited edition jacket from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

By Holly Walker

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Columbia’s attack of the jacket clones. The sportswear brand is going back to 1979 to recreate the crew jacket from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

When it comes to the Star Wars franchise, die-hard fans and memorabilia go hand in hand. Over the last few years, Columbia, has released a line of winter gear inspired from Star Wars, including recreations of articles worn in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and The Empire Strikes Back.

But the brand is leaving the big screen behind and taking inspiration from behind-the-scenes with a parka that was made popular by the crew on the set of the 1979 hit.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away a film crew was sent to Norway’s Hardangerjøkulen glacier. They faced driving snow, whiteout blizzards, and sub-zero temperatures all to bring the hostile, barren planet of Hoth to life.

In light of the climate conditions, the cast and crew of the film were given full snowgearsnowsuit, including the unique blue parka, to help them keep warm on set.

On Dec. 7, Columbia Sportswear is dropping a limited edition recreation Star Warsâ„¢: Empire Crew Parka that is built to survive a Hoth-like winter.

While the jacket is not a stitch-by-stitch collectors piece, it honours the attributes of the original jacket; with bright orange shoulder stripes, large removable faux-fur hoods and the patch featuring a flaming Vader and the Empire logo. The recreation has been improved with Columbia’s weather-defying technologies. The waterproof, breathable outer layer paired with thermal-reflective lining and insulation will keep wearers warm and protect protect against the most extreme weather conditions.

The jacket is unisex and can be purchased online and in select Columbia-branded retail locations for $650 CAD. 

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