(Photos by Julius Kellar) Last Thursday, I took a trip down to Rusty’s Victorian HQ to catch up with the State Manager, Ryan Stanistreet, and see the new range of outerwear Rusty are releasing. There is no doubt that any new entrant into the snow market in Australia is viewed with skepticism … The proof for me is always in the product and Rusty have made a strong start by teaming with Romain De Marchi to produce the range. Read on for more.

This is a re-entry into the market after a three year hiatus for Rusty. Their original program supported what are some of today’s top Australian riders. From talking with the leaders in Rusty’s snow program, I’ve seen them create a solid re-entry plan that is product focused and built around advice of experts in outerwear design – a very promising start for the new line.

Technically the gear has some new and interesting features. Their body mapped air channel system bulks insulation in a pattern across your lower back adding heat against vital organs but allowing air to circulate through a vent and channel system. The added benefit is actually comfort, when I tried the jacket on you can feel additional pressure in parts of your lower back which then cushion you in a fall or when sitting down. They have created two ‘series’ to identify the level of features, price point and the water-proofness. The Base Series is the lower price point, more basic series with 10,000 and 5,000 mm options. The Cream Series is all 15,000mm/15,000gm.

Probably the key element for most people when buying new outerwear is the style and this is where I think Rusty have got it really right. There are jackets with longer, slimmer fits. They are using some pretty unique fabrics and some great colourways. The majority of the range is based on blacks and greys there’s a few pinstripes in there that look great and the puffer jacket (called the Giant) has to be one of the best I’ve tried on – not over filled, slim fitting and a little longer. The girls range is a little brighter and has some crazier options (like the Ruby pant – tie dyed with contrast external gaitor). The fits looked great with similar longer cuts. I really liked the look of the ribbed neck warmer in the Gladia Jacket.

Rick spoke to Romain about the new outerwear, read on below for his thoughts…

###

So now that Rusty Outerwear is out and people have maybe had a chance to see it, how are you feeling about it?
I have a really good feelling about the outerwear, I like the way they went into the collection with a little bit of everything for everybody. The quality is really good and I’m blown a way by the samples. Usually samples suck but here they are so good! I’m so stoked on all the range.

You’ve said before that you don’t have time to watch all the videos and keep up with� which new young kid is coming up. Has that changed now that you’ve got a team to build with Rusty?
In fact, I did say that and yes it has changed since I have to keep up with the new generation to try to find a good fit for the team … It’s good because it make me see what kids are doing and how they make the sport progress and also it make me realise one sad thing – that the new generation don t have a clue about snowboard history.

Recently Nitro have changed their U.S. operation to be more focused on producing products better suited to the U.S. market. Rusty is launching in Europe first, with a booth at ISPO but nothing at SIA. Are you worried Rusty might be seen as a ‘Euro’ brand in the US? Is that even a problem?
I don t think there is any problem by starting in Europe. In Europe we are more about the product and we pay more attention on detail compared to the U.S. where the fame and momentum of a brand make there first impression.

You made the move to start your own board company (YES NOW BOARD) a while back, you have been running your own clothing company, QWST, since 2005 and now you are heavily involved in Rusty’s re-entry into outerwear. Is Romain De Marchi going to be the next big snow entrepreneur? The next Jake Burton?
Hmmm, I don t think I will be the next entrepreneur, but I like challenges and I like to have fun doing it. So as long as I have fun in snowboarding, I will be here.

With all that on your plate, how’s your season been? You’re in BC this year, have you been getting snow?
Yeah, it is a lot of work but snowboarding is coming first. This season has been good so far – good month of December and while I’m doing this interview it has snowed more then two meters the past week … So yes, really good season so far!

Come Olympic time, will you be partying with the tourists or somewhere else snowboarding?
I will be in Japan actually on a YES trip with JPS, DCP and TDF. I’m sure we will get into some party as well there:)

So you’re filming for Absinthe this year? Were you happy with your output last year? What are you building up to this year?
YES, I’m with Absinthe again and I was really happy about last years video part. It was more about the unity of YES for this video part so for next year we will have an individual part!

Have you been following everything that’s been going on with the halfpipe kids at the moment? Poor Kevin and Danny.
YES, that sucks that Kevin got hurt like that just training and sucked more when I heard about Danny. So bad luck for him he was for sure one of who could beat the little red head!

Well thanks for your time Romain. I know the Aussie’s love you down here and can’t wait to have you back!
Thank you guys! I cant wait to come and hang there, scope pow, surf and drink your beer!

(Interview with Romain De Marchi written by Rick Baker.)