By Maggie F. Francisco What started as a French company over 160 years ago is now a global brand that still brings a little French—but wild—to your daily life. With more than 300 stores worldwide, French outdoor lifestyle brand Aigle has finally arrived in Southeast Asia. It opened its flagship store in Uptown Mall in Taguig City with a completely French affair as members of the media exchanged pleasantries over wine and spreads by Aperitif while admiring the elegant interiors of the store. Representatives from Aigle Asia also flew in to celebrate the opening with Noble House, the official distributor of Aigle in the country. The concept of the flagship store is quite unique, reflecting the brand’s authenticity and heritage since it began in 1853. The interiors take cue from old-style French homes with an industrial flair. It features beige tones with the brand’s exclusive patterned ceramic tiles as on seen in the floors and the walls. The pièce de résistance is the wooden Boot Bar, putting the brand’s iconic style on full display. “We’re so happy to be able to bring Aigle to the Philippines, especially since we’re an adventure-loving nation,” shares Andrew Naval of Noble House. He adds, “Filipinos are very fashion-forward. That’s where Aigle comes in—to marry both style and reliability in outdoor wear.” The brand’s selection of outdoor lifestyle apparel and footwear aims to help every person face nature and city in total freedom. The rubber boots, in particular, are perfect for those who believe that roughing it up can be très chic. According to Hervé Accart, Aigle Asia CFO, the handmade boots require 60 steps to manufacture, with every craftsman undergoing two years of training before making their first official pair. “The boots undergo tests for waterproofness, abrasion, grip, and wear-and-tear. That’s why there are only 4,000 pairs produced daily—to preserve that quality of the boots.” The event also made way for the brand to introduce the Lofoten fall/winter 2017 collection, heavily inspired by the beautiful scenery and dramatic mountains of Lofoten Islands in Norway. Lofoten is especially known for being the go-to place for people who want unforgettable nature adventures, so it is only fitting to create a collection inspired by the Norwegian archipelago. Featuring timeless silhouettes and colors, each piece from the collection is practical, chic, and ideal for any adventure. Some of the notable pieces from the collection are the men’s Lofsand Gore-Tex jacket with waterproof seems, adjustable hood, and adjustable waist and hem; the women’s Brokfielder parka, a practical staple with adjustable drawstring waist, waterproof seams, and fishtail back bottom; and the Macadames, a rock-inspired women’s boot with notched outsole and detachable double ankle strap to vary the look. Designed with everybody’s taste in mind, the collection is made to be with you in every kind of adventure. As January rolls in and the cool winds slowly come in (and rains may soon follow), Aigle’s parkas, jackets, and boots are definitely items you’ll want to shop for!   Aigle is located at G/f Uptown Mall, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. For more info, like Aigle Philippines on Facebook, follow @aigleph on Instagram