Pixiq

This new collection of Italian designer ready-to-wear…is… for photographers?  No, we are not kidding. This thoughtfully engineered, good looking clothing line is my pick for one of the smartest new accessory lines introduced at Photokina  2010, and one of your best “gear” purchases in the coming year. Manfrotto previewed this line of practical fashions, which work together as a “system” with accessories such as bags, gloves and rainwear, also in the line. “A fusion and combination of fashionable looks and technical solutions for carrying gear,” as Manfrotto describes it, the line is so stylish, innovative, and unique that the company has named it after founder, Lino Manfrotto.

LINO Pro Field Jacket: Constructed of a matte, slightly stretchy black Cordura nylon blend fabric accented with black textured fabric, the jacket is tapered and fitted (not bulky) and doesn’t shout “photo clothes.” But don’t be fooled by its stylish first impression, this jacket’s smooth good looks belie its ruggedness and functionality in the field. Starting at the top, the jacket features an extendable rain hood housed in the collar, removable shoulder padding to add comfort when carrying heavy gear, hook and loop tabbed epaulets which keep straps from slipping; the jacket’s upper front has two smaller tabs on each side of the zipper to anchor camera straps so they won’t swing. All of the technical pockets on the jacket feature and innovative folding system: the front, lower right-hand one is an expandable multi-use pocket, the opposite one on the left is an innovative expandable pocket that accepts the padded inserts from the system’s camera bags, so gear can be quickly transferred from bag to jacket. Inside the jacket are both fixed, and detachable pockets. All of the expandable pockets lie flat and sleek when not in use, giving the jacket its trim, and attractive silhouette that doesn’t shout “photo garment. “ The jacket also accepts removable soft-shell thermal inserts to warm you, and its ventilation windows will cool you as the temperature climbs. An adjustable waist belt sports a foldable monopod holder, plus, there’s even a hidden pocket in the sleeve for a microfiber lens cloth!  Finally, a shiny graphic black-on-black logo adds a designer touch to this extremely attractive coat.

LINO Pro Photo Vest:  Pretty much a Field Jacket sans sleeves, this is the garment that will have you returning to those days of yesteryear when you couldn’t live without your photo vest. Designed with the innovative and stylish features listed above, this vest is ready to “assist” on inside jobs or on warm days outdoors.

LINO Pro Poncho:  The matte-black fabric and shiny black-on-black logo add up to an attractive, well-designed poncho for cooler days when inclement weather threatens. There’s also a bright light gray version for protection in hot, sunny climes.

Other coordinated accessories in the LINO line-up include a hat, stylish yet flexible gloves, and a light gray windbreaker. The garments come in multiple sizes for both men and women. The MSRP on the jacket will be $400-$500 and other garments and accessories priced downward from there. While some may consider the jacket slightly pricey, my opinion is that it will be one of the highest value purchases you could make in the coming year—you will just wear it and wear it for both work and play--it is that nice.

Stop by the Manfrotto booth at PhotoPlus for a sneak peek at this knock-out new line, or stay tuned for the official announcement and the subsequent gold rush of people stocking up on the most well-engineered, attractive, photo garments ever created! Hey, pros, this puts new meaning to “dress for success!”