The North Face is taking over Naarm

Everything that went down at The North Face x Hope St Radio party.

There are certain things Melbourne does particularly well: good food, good music and really good gear. The North Face x Hope St Radio Red Box house party ticked all three.

I arrived on a balmy Thursday evening that quickly descended into a chill, which felt extremely fitting for an event celebrating the city’s beloved outdoors brand. Before I could even take in the space, I had a cocktail in my hand: a Naarm-with-a-view, served in a carabiner mug.

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If you’re wondering what a carabiner mug is, it’s exactly what you think – a stainless steel mug with a carabiner handle. And if you’re wondering what a ‘Naarm-with-a-view’ is, it’s a local spin on the classic cocktail, Rome with a view. 

A night of innovation

Inside, local DJs JNETT, Merve and Zjoso were spinning sets to a crowd of artists, fashion kids, gearheads and Hope St radio regulars.

When I asked guests what comes to mind when they think of The North Face, the answer was unanimous. “Reliable,” people said. As someone who has lived in the Nordics for four years, I can confirm, The North Face isn’t just a brand over there, it’s an essential. 

I caught Pete Baxter, Hope St founder, mid-sip and he summed up the sentiment perfectly. “When I finally bought one of their puffers, I wondered how I went without one,” he told me.

Building on many of the styles the brand is already known and loved for, the night also marked major milestones: the announcement of two new retail stores, set to stock The North Face’s recently released Red Box and Summit Series collections.

Inspired by silhouettes from the ’70s and ’90s, Red Box is modern, elevated sportswear designed for the everyday. The latter collection, Summit Series, is its slightly more adventurous counterpart. The culmination of athlete and expedition-tested gear, it features next-to-skin layers and outer shells – essentially, everything you’d need if you’re gearing up to brave the elements (or a night out in Melbourne).

Cocktails and celebrations aside, the evening brought together people genuinely excited to show up for a brand they already trust, whether that’s for trekking, commuting, clubbing, festivals or camping trips down the coast. Most of the Melbournians I know are all too eager to head outside the minute they have the chance, regardless of the forecast, which is exactly why the upcoming Emporium Melbourne store feels like such a huge moment.

What’s coming

The major cause for celebration is that The North Face is opening a huge new store at Emporium Melbourne on December 24. We’re talking 430sqm of expedition heaven. Set to be the brand’s largest retail footprint in Australia and New Zealand, the new store will feature locally sourced stone, gallery-adjacent design and the full ecosystem of gear.

But if patience isn’t your strong suit, then rest assured as the brand’s new Chadstone location is set to open on December 18. Situated just across from its previous location, the new 305sqm store comes fully stocked with their latest range.

Whether you’re shopping for the festive season or looking to commit to a new hobby over the holidays, consider this your sign to swing by The North Face and experience the range IRL – because everything is better when you brave the elements and head outside.

The new North Face Chatstone store officially opens on December 18, with the grand Emporium following suit on December 24.