As longtime purveyors of ‘Escapewear,’ Tombolo knows of no better escape than a true adventure. That’s why we are so thrilled to partner with The Explorers Club on this ongoing capsule collection that continues to chart new waters.
Since 1904, The Explorers Club has championed scientific expeditions of all disciplines. Along the way, it has become renowned for the "Famous Firsts" accomplished by its illustrious members, including: first to the North Pole (1909), first to the South Pole (1911), first to the summit of Mt. Everest (1953), first to the deepest point in the ocean (1960), and first to the surface of the Moon (1969).
We designed this capsule in close collaboration with The Explorers Club to celebrate its tireless spirit of adventure.
We invite you to explore the six-piece collection below.
*Please note that a portion of proceeds from sales of this collection will support The Explorers Club and its mission to advance field research, scientific exploration and resource conservation.
The most elaborate piece in the collection is the 'Expedition' Cabana, our organic cotton terry cloth ode to one of the club’s most iconic seafaring adventures.
It features a carefully embroidered grid of longitude and latitude lines that are traversed by a ship sailing past an archipelago.
More details abound on this limited edition keepsake: a series of embroidered flags celebrating the spirit of international collaboration, real bamboo toggles, and a square-rigged 'sail' pocket.
The perfect first mate for any expedition is 'The Explorers Club' 6-Panel Souvenir Cap (Wool). It’s embroidered with the club’s motto:"Terra-Mari-Caeloque" (Earth, Sea, and Sky) on a timeless wool silhouette.
It's inspired by a cap worn by the Explorers Club members who managed to return home safely from the Apollo 13 mission after an oxygen tank exploded onboard.
The ‘Chum’ Cabana is in Tombolo’s signature organic cotton terry cloth. It features intricately chain-stitched depth contours like those found on navigational charts, and an embroidered life ring on the chest framing the iconic compass rose logo.
Like any great expedition, this shirt leaves no detail unconsidered: its collar features an enamel flag pin and a high-visibility orange underside. It even ships with a custom whistle (also in high-visibility orange) -- perfect for calling for rescue when encircled by sharks.
The 'Field Uniform' and 'Souvenir Tee' both showcase the iconic flag. To carry a real “club flag” into the field is an honor and a privilege most Tombolo customers will never know!
It has flown at both poles, from the highest peaks of the greatest mountain ranges, traveled to the depths of the ocean, to the lunar surface, and outer space. A flag expedition must further the cause of exploration and field science (you can apply here).
While it is (highly) unlikely you will ever brandish a real club flag, you can wear an embroidered or screen-printed version thanks to this collaboration.
The ‘Field Uniform’ is cut from crisp organic cotton poplin with a camp collar and screen-printed flag. Its construction faithfully evokes the 1960s when Explorers Club members were pushing deeper into our oceans and farther into space.
The organic cotton terry cloth ‘Souvenir Tee’ is held together by contrast overlock stitching reminiscent of technical wear from days gone past.
Embroidered on the pocket are the diagonal stripes of The Explorers Club flag: the red of courage and the blue of fidelity, framing The Explorers Club initials and compass rose.
The final piece is a made-in-the-USA ‘Souvenir Cap’ featuring a globe patch based on an archival, hand-drawn design from 1957. It shows The Explorers Club’s waving flag on a globe background, accompanied by the words "Terra-Mari-Caeloque" -- Earth, Sea, and Sky. Embroidered ‘scrambled eggs’ on the brim and contrast side stripes round out this collectors’ item.
Members may recognize the reluctant but extremely charming model in our campaign, Brian Gaisford, who has been an Explorers Club member for nearly fifty years. He has led over 100 safaris in twenty countries, and co-founded the Hemingway African Gallery & Safaris with Ernest Hemingway's son Gregory in 1975.
Via his gallery, Brian is committed to promoting and elevating art and artists to directly impact economic conditions on the African continent. Brian is also an activist who is committed to conservation by stopping poaching.
