Alumni

Menswear Grad Prepping New Outwear Line That Can Save Lives

Patrick Griley transferred to FIDM in 2015, to study Apparel Industry Management and Menswear, with a dream of starting his own outerwear company.  

Today that dream has become a reality. "Currently, I'm working on fully launching my brand, Aurora Outerwear, and I plan to have it ready for the market October 2019 for the 2020 ski season," explains Patrick, a resident of Long Beach. "I will have small merch like hoodies, tees, jackets, and beanies ready soon." 

The southern California native studied at the University of Colorado at Boulder for two years before transferring to FIDM with the help of Admissions Advisor Peggy Quayle. "I was looking to move back to Los Angeles," he says, "and follow my dream of launching my own outerwear company. Mrs. Quayle told me to look into the programs FIDM had to offer and I found that it was a perfect match."

After receiving a degree in Apparel Industry Management, he heard about the Advanced Study Program in Menswear. In the highly specialized program, Patrick began developing his collection, which is divided into three parts: the high-performing Summit Line, featuring jackets and pants made from the best technical materials; the Aurora Line, gear for the everyday rider who wants to stay warm and dry; and the lifestyle-focused Base Line, which includes loungewear, base layers, and athletic wear for on and off the slopes.

"We, ultimately, are a skiing and snowboarding lifestyle brand," Patrick says. But the FIDM Graduate is also focused on safety. "Every winter in the United States, there is an average of 27 people who die in avalanches.Companies like Backcountry Access, Mammut, Black Diamond, and others have all developed backpacks with airbag floats in them so that they can help save lives in the event of an avalanche." 

Patrick likens these floats to inflatable lifejackets that big wave surfers use. "They inflate with the pull of a cord and float you to the surface of the slide so that you do not get buried," he explains. "I put the same technology into my jacket." The bag is tucked into a pocket that is located on the back of the shoulders, and is secured by a chest harness that is on the inside of the jacket, and the result is a blend of comfort and safety. "I know this tech will save lives in an avalanche," Patrick says. 

When he showed his collection, including the airbag jacket, back in June, the fashion press, including Apparel News, and the FIDM community were hugely supportive. "I was so excited and surprised about how much positive feedback I was getting from people," he says. "This has been a dream of mine for so long so it was amazing to share my ideas and design with people and to feel their support and encouragement to continue to do more has been amazing."

Keep up with Patrick and Aurora Outerwear on Instagram @auroraouterwear.

Categories:  Apparel Industry Management Menswear Alumni