'Rugged Runway' fashion show to spotlight Maine outdoor brands, designers

File photo / Jim Neuger Kyle Rancourt sells high-performance clothing and accessories at Pinebury, one of 40 brands that will be featured in a fashion show during the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit this November.

Write a Comment

By Renee Cordes

Around 40 Maine gear and apparel brands, from Flowfold to Pinebury, will take the runway in a fashion show during the third annual Maine Outdoor Economy Summit next month.

The conference, presented by the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation in partnership with Maine Outdoor Brands, is slated for Nov. 13-15 at the Sunday River Resort in Newry.

The “Rugged Runway” fashion show, new this year, aims to spotlight the creativity, innovation and craftsmanship of Maine's outdoor brands. Scheduled for the evening of Nov. 14, the show will open with a musical performance by Penobscot Firefly, a songkeeper of the Penobscot Nation, followed by a meet-and-greet with designers.

"The show will be curated by season and feature apparel and gear from local brands covering all the outdoor activities you can do in Maine — from surfing to fly fishing to biking," Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands, told Mainebiz.

"We hope to celebrate the talented entrepreneurs and designers behind these brands, while also sparking ideas for the gift-giving season ahead," she added. "It offers a unique opportunity to engage with local products and support the community’s spirit of innovation."

Kordick was honored on the Mainebiz 40 Under 40 list in 2023.

Packed agenda

More than 325 people attended the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit last year.

This year's agenda includes more pre-summit outdoor activities, including a sled-dog and guide-shop tour at Mahoosuc Guide Service and a mountain bike tour in the Bethel area.

The conference will open with an overview of the industry and the state's strategies to advance Maine's outdoor economy. More than a dozen breakout sessions will focus on topics such as higher education, workforce development and plus-sized inclusion in gear and recreation spaces.

Jeff McCabe, deputy director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, said that businesses and individuals from all corners of the state are welcome to attend.

“We value the collaboration and the opportunity to listen to those involved in the state’s growing outdoor recreation industry and hear about the great work happening around our state,” he said. “The collaborations and partnerships coming out of the conference will continue to propel this important work forward for the benefit of Maine people and our economy.”