K-Way windbreaker brand taps hip new market with R&D line

By COLLEEN BARRY
Associated Press

MILAN (AP) — K-way, the Franco-Italian brand synonymous with windbreakers, is stepping into luxury fashion with its first live runway show ever on the closing day of Milan Fashion Week. The Milan-based brand has been edging into the space with collaborations for such fashion houses as Fendi and YSL, DSquared2 and Comme des Garcons. But it is also seeking its own profile in the streetwear/sportswear scene under designer Monica Gamberoni. Dubbed R&D, for research and development, the collection is strong on both styling and technical experimentation. It’s a departure from the brand’s heritage as the maker of high-quality windbreakers and jackets, founded in Paris 57 years ago but long in Italian hands.