Mammut + Nigel Cabourn: A Designer's Tribute to Mountaineering Heritage
Seon, Switzerland / Newcastle, UK – Mammut, the Swiss mountain sports brand with over 160 years of alpine heritage, proudly announces a unique collaboration with renowned British designer and heritage fashion expert Nigel Cabourn. Launching on October 1st, 2025, the Mammut x Nigel Cabourn capsule collection is a heartfelt homage to the history of alpinism - specifically, the pioneering 1969 Japanese Direttissima ascent of the Eiger North Face, led in part by the trailblazing Michiko Imai.
September 19, 2025
At the heart of this collaboration lies the story of Michiko Imai, the first woman to participate in a first ascent on Switzerland’s most infamous mountain, the Eiger North Face, when she was only 27 years old. As the only female member of the Japanese team of six, Imai not only served as the expedition medical doctor but also helped carve a new, direct route—known as the “Direttissima”—up one of the most challenging walls in the Alps. This, at a time when women in Europe still had to ask their husbands for permission to work. Her courage and determination have become a beacon of inspiration for generations of climbers and women, and now, for this collection.
“I am delighted to hear that the Mammut and Nigel Cabourn collaboration is inspired by the Japan Direttissima, the route we climbed in 1969,” said Imai, who is now 83 years old. “I hope that many people will enjoy this collection, which preserves the atmosphere of that time while using new materials, and that it will inspire more people to become interested in nature and mountaineering.”
The 12-piece capsule collection with unisex styles draws directly from the garments worn by the 1969 expedition team, reimagined through Nigel Cabourn’s signature lens of vintage expedition wear. The collection features authentic materials like Ventile cotton, Scottish wool, and Swiss Army blanket fabric—all chosen for their durability, warmth, and timeless character. These heritage fabrics are paired with modern technologies like Pertex Quantum lining and Dry Down, creating garments that look classic but perform to today’s highest standards. The design process included studying historical mountaineering apparel, including a rare archive discovered in a Sheffield attic. The result: Highest quality garments that functionally meet the challenges of the mountains curated in a limited edition collection, that can be worn as every day premium attire, thanks to their timeless retro-future look.
“This collaboration is not about nostalgia — it’s about honoring the grit, innovation, and international spirit of mountaineering,” said Nigel Cabourn. “Michiko’s story, and the entire Japanese team’s achievement, is a powerful reminder of what humans can accomplish in the mountains.”
The campaign for this extraordinary collection was shot on location in the Eiger North Face in April 2025, featuring Japanese Mammut athletes Tatsuya “Timmy” Aoki and Yuka Kobayashi, alongside Nigel Cabourn and Michiko Imai herself—bridging generations of alpine passion.
This collection is for a global community that values the rich, multicultural history of alpinism—whether worn on the mountain or in the city.
SENKU-SHA - A Tribute to the First Woman on the Eiger's Japanese Direttissima
Senku-Sha (Trailblazer), is a film about Michiko’s story, told in her own words. At 83, she returned with Mammut to the Eiger to reflect on the climb that influenced her life. We listened, learned, and retraced her steps, culminating in the recreation of one of the most iconic images from the 1969 ascent, with Japanese athlete Yuka Kobayashi, wearing the new Nigel Cabourn + Mammut collection.
Watch the trailer here:
The Mammut x Nigel Cabourn collection will be available in selected stores and on the Mammut webshop starting October 1st, 2025.
More about the Collection
Images for Download – © Mammut
About Nigel Cabourn
Nigel Cabourn has been a singular force in the world of design for over five decades. Unconcerned with fleeting fashion trends, he is dedicated to creating functional clothing made not for the runway, but for real life—inspired by history, craftsmanship, and a deep fascination with the untamed. Rooted in the rugged landscapes of Northern England, he draws his creative energy from wind, cold, and the stories that live on in old garments.
His personal archive of over 4,000 historical originals—including military gear, expedition clothing, and artifacts from great explorers—forms the foundation of his work. Each of these pieces is a fragment of lived history that Cabourn carefully analyzes, curates, and reinterprets in new contexts. His designs are more than aesthetic tributes—they are expressions of respect for the people who once wore them.
This fusion of authenticity, functionality, and narrative depth makes Nigel Cabourn’s work truly unique. His designs feel timeless because they rely not on spectacle, but on substance. They speak of resilience, a spirit of adventure, and an unwavering will to break new ground—in the spirit of those who once made history.
About Mammut
Founded in 1862, Mammut is a Swiss outdoor company that provides high-quality products and unique brand experiences for fans of mountain sports around the world. This leading international premium brand has stood for safety and pioneering innovation for more than 160 years. Mammut products combine functionality and performance with contemporary design. With its combination of hardware, shoes and clothing, Mammut is one of the most complete suppliers in the outdoor market. Mammut Sports Group AG operates in around 40 countries and employs around 850 people.
