@Palladium_Boots and @RichardChaiNY // Collaboration

PALLADIUM BOOTS AND RICHARD CHAI PARTNER ON SECOND COLLABORATION FOR FALL-WINTER 2013

Collection to Debut at New York Fashion Week

Montreal, February 13th, 2013― Heritage boot brand Palladium announces its second collaboration with esteemed American fashion designer Richard Chai on a footwear collection for Fall-Winter 2013. Following the buzzed about 2012 partnership, four new men’s styles will launch as part of the second collection – two variations of the Pampa Tactical boot in Charcoal and Forest Green, and two versions of the Pampa Hi boot in Navy and Putty. The full collection debuted at Chai’s Fall-Winter 2013 runway show during New York Fashion Week on February 7th.

“We are excited to once again bring Richard’s point of view into the Palladium world,” said Barney Waters, vice president of marketing for Palladium. “Richard takes our heritage silhouettes and injects modernity and his incredible style to create something unique and stunning.”

The Palladium by Richard Chai uppers feature a full premium-grade aniline leather construction and are accented with bold Velcro strap closures. Featuring tonal colorways and a modern edge, the capsule combines Palladium’s authentic military heritage with Chai’s eye for utilitarian design. Traditional Palladium style elements, including a one-piece molded rubber outsole and a rubber toe cap, remain signature to the collection.

The first iteration of the Palladium by Richard Chai collaboration which launched in Fall 2012 featured Chai's interpretations of the Pampa Hi and Pampa Tactical in jewel-toned washed corduroys and luxe wool felts to match his corresponding ready-to-wear collection. Borrowing the same core Palladium models for his second capsule with the brand, Chai takes his creative license one step further by incorporating a sophisticated, avant-garde aesthetic.

"I am excited to be working with Palladium for a second season,' said Richard Chai. "I wanted to do something that felt a bit slicker this time utilizing various textures of leathers in a total colour palette to create a slightly futuristic feel."

Ranging in price from $190.00 to $225.00, the Palladium by Richard Chai Collection will be available September 1, 2013 at select speciality retailers worldwide and online at www.palladiumboots.com

About Palladium

Palladium was founded in 1920 to make aircraft tires for the aviation industry. In 1947, after the end of WWII saw demand for tires dry up, Palladium put their canvas and rubber expertise to use by making boots that were as hard wearing as their tires. Palladium soon became outfitters of the legendary French Foreign Legion with their classic canvas Pampa boot. Over 60 years later the timeless design of Palladium’s signature Pampa boot is as relevant as ever and available once again for explorers worldwide. For further information, please visit www.palladiumboots.com.

About Richard Chai

Designer Richard Chai's strong tailoring, clean lines, and menswear-inspired touches in his womenswear collection, Richard Chai Love, and architectural approach to his eponymous menswear collection bridges the classic with a modern, youthful edge. Debuting his women's collection in 2004, Chai received the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award in 2007, followed by being recognized as a 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist for womenswear. Chai's men's collection launched in 2009, resulting in the 2010 Swarovski Award for emerging menswear designer at the CFDA Fashion Awards and being selected as a finalist for the GQ/CFDA Best New Men's Designer in America in the same year.