| Napapijri | |
| Type: | Subsidiary |
| Founder: | Giuliana Rosset |
| Location City: | Stabio |
| Location Country: | Switzerland |
| Locations: | 28 (April 2022) |
| Area Served: | EMEA |
| Industry: | Fashion |
| Products: | Apparel, accessories, footwear, outerwear, travel bags |
| Parent: | VF Corporation (2004–present) |
Napapijri is a clothing brand founded in 1987 in Aosta, Italy. The brand initially gained recognition as a maker of travel bags, utilising waxed cotton canvas borrowed from military field tents.
Napapijri was established in 1987 by Giuliana Rosset, an Italian entrepreneur from the Aosta Valley region. After acquiring Green Sport Monte Bianco S.p.A - a small backpack company - from a Turin artisan, Rosset relocated the headquarters to Quart, where production began with approximately fifteen employees. The Bering Bag, a waxed canvas duffel bag catering to travelers, marked the debut of the Napapijri brand.
In 1990, Napapijri expanded into outerwear with the introduction of the Skidoo Jacket, a lightweight, rain-proof anorak designed for extreme temperatures. In 1995, the launch of the Rainforest Jacket propelled Napapijri into urban fashion, establishing the brand as an iconic presence in the streetwear world. Throughout the 2000s, the brand diversified its offerings, introducing the Napapijri Kids clothing line in 2002, Napapijri footwear in 2007, and opening its first store in Chamonix, France, in 1997.
The U.S.-based clothing manufacturer VF Corporation acquired Napapijri in 2004.
In 2023 the brand has welcomed Silvia Onofri as its President,[1] and British Designer Christopher Raeburn as its Creative Director.[2]
The name Napapijri is derived from "napapiiri", the Finnish word for Arctic Circle.
Napapijri specializes in producing outerwear with an urban appeal (ex: anorak jacket[3]). Its distinct visual codes include flap pockets, diagonal neck cuts, bold colors, and the careful choice of durable premium materials. The product range extends from coats and jackets to fleeces and sweatshirts, t-shirts, trousers, bags and accessories, and shoes.
Napapijri collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld (2002), Yoshinori Ono (2010), Martine Rose,[4] Patta,[5] Obey, Fiorucci,[6] and Luisa Via Roma.
In 2008, Napapijri partnered with photographer/adventurer Sebastian Copeland for the exhibition “Antarctica: The Global Warming” at the Milan store.[7]
In 2015/16, Napapijri replaced animal fur in its products by eco-fur made of synthetic fibers.[8] In 2019 and 2021, the brand introduced a line of circular-based products.[9]
In 2023, the brand worked with marine advocates and conservation filmmakers Alexandra Johnston and Harriet Murphy to create the documentary “Orcas in the Arctic” about the critical role of orcas in the Arctic ecosystem.[10]