L.L.BEAN AND NOAH KAHAN PAY HOMAGE TO NEW ENGLAND ROOTS WITH THE NORTHERN ATTITUDE COLLECTION

by John Russel Jones Oct 22, 2024


Heritage outdoor retailer L.L.Bean has launched a limited-edition collection of footwear, apparel, and accessories co-designed by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Noah Kahan.  The Northern Attitude Collection is inspired by Kahan’s Vermont roots and pays homage to the region’s rugged, natural beauty and the fortitude that bonds New Englanders.

The eight-piece collection reimagines L.L. Bean’s most iconic goods in a new, muted color palette, reflecting the world Kahan created on his breakout album, Stick Season. Notably etched into the cool blue, green, grey, and tan hues are illustrations of Penny, Kahan’s beloved German Shepherd, who has been an ever-present companion on his journey from the Vermont woods to sold-out world tours.

“I grew up wearing my brother’s Bean Boots, so the brand has always been a part of my life,” said Kahan of the collection and partnership. “Wearing L.L.Bean makes me feel like I’m outside, even if I’m not, and this is important because going outside is self-care for me, especially when it comes to my mental health. Including Penny is also just so special as she’s been my closest confidant during the creation and launch of Stick Season, so this collection is really personal and nostalgic for me.”

In honor of the collaboration, L.L.Bean will donate $100,000 to Kahan’s The Busyhead Project, a mental health initiative that provides resources and information designed to help end the stigma surrounding mental health. In recent years, L.L.Bean has made significant investments in research and programming focused on the mental health benefits of time outside, including its annual “off the grid” campaign for Mental Health Awareness Month.

L.L.Bean Chief Marketing Officer Nick Wilkoff said of the partnership, “There is something unspoken that bonds New Englanders––a shared grit and resolve we all need to survive the long, cold winter months. Noah shares that with the world through his music, and we’re proud to share that with our customers and his fans through this collection, which includes some of our most iconic Made-in-Maine goods that we’ve been crafting for generations. We’re honored to partner with Noah to share a piece of New England with the world while creating greater awareness around the mental health benefits of time outdoors.”

“The Northern Attitude Collection” ranges in price from $29.95 to $249 and is available at llbean.com/northernattitude. It includes:

  • Men’s Waxed Canvas Bean Boot – Made in Maine
  • Boat and Tote Zip Top in Natural, Dark Cinder and Faded Olive – Made in Maine
  • Boat and Tote Zip Pouch in Dark Cinder and Faded Olive – Made in Maine
  • Men’s Signature 1933 Chamois in Blue Heather
  • Men’s Mountain Classic Anorak in Natural, Dark Cinder and Feldspar
  • Men’s Classic 5 Panel Hat in Natural, Dark Cinder, Feldspar and Storm Teal
  • Adult’s Hoodie in Natural
  • L.L.Beanie in Black

The collection comes on the heels of a whirlwind three years for the musician since the release of his 2022 double platinum-certified album, Stick Season. The album launched Kahan further onto the musical scene and was met with critical acclaim, a global following, sold-out tours, and musical collaborations with the industry’s biggest names. In 2023, L.L.Bean released “Stick Season Collection,” a curation of classic fall styles hand-selected by Kahan and inspired by his breakout album. This is the first collaboration of new products between the two.