Introducing the Elsa Parka, a made-in-Canada collaboration by Quartz Co. & Altitude Sports, two Montreal-based brands with significant winter outerwear expertise. This women’s parka is our fifth collaboration with Quartz Co.—but this edition is a true co-design that began with a blank slate. Quartz Co. tailored a progressive cut perfect for the lifestyle of their urban clientele. We drew on our experience as purveyors of technical winter clothing, providing detailed input into the overall design, materials, and features. After months of back-and-forth, an all-new exclusive design was created—fusing technical outdoor details to a progressive urban silhouette with inspiration drawn from Japan.
 |
 |
Designed for Warmth
We approached the design of this parka as Montrealers who understand harsh Canadian winters and the need for fashionable warmth. 650 fill power Canadian duck down insulation was a must—with an 80-20 down-to-feather ratio for extra-lofty thermal retention. The outer face fabric is a Japanese twill water-resistant to 20,000 millimeters, blocking wind, icy rain, and snow while maintaining above-average breathability. A sheen micro-ripstop fabric lines the interior, ensuring comfort and durability over many winters. The result of this material and insulation combination is an immensely warm and protective design—one we can guarantee is more than suitable for winter in Montreal.
Anyone who survives through Canadian winters knows that coverage is key—that’s why we gave the Elsa a generous below-the-knee profile. The semi-slim silhouette allows you to throw it over whatever you’re wearing to the office, with enough room for your favourite oversized sweater underneath. We also considered movement—the YKK Aquaseal zipper ends at the waist, while the body of the jacket travels to your knee and snaps shut against the cold. Two YKK side zippers at the thighs can either be undone to enhance mobility or zipped closed to seal in warmth.
Inspired by the Japanese Kimono
What truly sets the Elsa parka apart is the kimono-inspired neckline which pays homage to our appreciation of Japanese design and fashion. The outer collar folds over itself and snaps shut over the front zipper, creating a flowing, kimono-like aesthetic without sacrificing body heat.
There is also a unique inner vest fully integrated into the parka. Because the inner vest contains the Elsa’s front zipper, it allows you more styled wearing variations. On a warm March day, you can wear the outer jacket open with the inner vest zipped into a high-collar style. On colder mid-January outings, snap the kimono-like neckline shut over the inner vest for the ultimate in insulated warmth.
Exclusive to Altitude Sports
We are extremely proud and excited about the Elsa, a design where the city truly meets the best in outdoor apparel technology. Like the best technical outerwear, this parka features hidden details—conveniently-placed pockets, inner storm cuffs, an inner waist drawcord, and a down-insulated hood that tightens against the wind. We’ve also outfitted it with a re-imagined all-black Quartz Co. patch on the upper left sleeve, for a more subtle branding statement.
Embrace winter to its fullest in this finely-crafted, Canadian-made Elsa parka.
Share on
