The good people over at Timberland recently invited the Evil Collector down to their headquarters in New Hampshire to check out the new direction and peep some new styles for the 08′ seasons. We were part of a industry focus group that was put together in order to get the best opinions from some of the top indivduals in the sneaker game. Timberland is really trying to re-establish themselves with their core customer as well as gain some credibility with the sneakerhead/streetwear market. Overall, I was really impressed by the new designs. Timberland has some really impressive people on their design team. The corporate powers that be, wouldnt let us snap any good photos of the 08 line but we did manage to get flicks of some of the behind-the-scenes people at Timberland…peep

The headquarters are ridiculous and the people are amazing. I have to send a shout to my guide John Micallef for the hospitality. It is always interesting to see where the products that we consume are conceptualized and made. The company has a whole new division called Authentic Youth that is spearheading the rebuilding process, and the department is full of people who truly get it. The Director of PR Brian Coleman is also a celebrated hip-hop journalist, [be sure to check out his latest book..Check The Technique], and they have a great marketing staff. Not mention one of the most savvy and personable sales staff’s in the game.

This is a template they use to determine future 6″ construction boot colorways and materials. Sort of like a Timberland leggo / id set.

The place is huge and has elements and artwork that allude to Timberland’s rich outdoor heritage and inspiration. Located in a remote location in Stratham, NH the facilities have a cafeteria, gym, soccer field, day care / preschool, showers and of course a full retail location ….just about all you need to make sure you never have to leave.

Stay tuned for part two complete with pictures of the redesigned classics for 08′.

Brian + Brian (the cool design guys)

Dope canvas by AM Radio apparently part of some intiative they had goin, the piece was also in the Vp’s conference room.

John Micallef (Director of Sales – East Coast) – in the Timberland cafeteria

This entry was posted on Monday, August 13th, 2007 at 7:59 pm and is filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.