The History of Napapijri: From Aosta to Global Urban-Outdoor Style
Napapijri is an Italian brand founded in 1987 in the Aosta Valley, known for rugged travel bags and distinctive anoraks that blend exploration DNA with urban style. Recognised by its Arctic references and bold details, Napapijri has become a staple for city wear and travel.
If you want to shop the latest pieces, browse our full Napapijri collection here.
Who Started Napapijri?
Napapijri was established in 1987 by Giuliana Rosset, an entrepreneur from Italy’s Aosta Valley. After acquiring a small backpack company, she set up production in Quart with a handful of skilled makers and launched the Bering Bag; a waxed-canvas duffel inspired by expedition gear and military field tent fabric.
Explore the modern range inspired by those travel roots.
When Did Napapijri Move into Outerwear?
In 1990, Napapijri expanded beyond bags with the Skidoo Jacket a lightweight, rain proof pullover anorak built for cold conditions.
In 1995, the Rainforest Jacket pushed the brand into urban fashion, becoming an everyday icon on streets across Europe.
Shop jackets and outerwear.
Where Is Napapijri Based?
Napapijri was founded in Aosta, Italy, with early operations in Quart. Today, the brand operates globally as part of a major international apparel group, with collections designed for travel, city life, and outdoor exploration.
Who Owns Napapijri?
In 2004, Napapijri was acquired by VF Corporation, a U.S. apparel company that owns several well-known lifestyle brands. The acquisition helped Napapijri scale internationally while investing in product innovation.
The Growth of Napapijri Through the Decades
1987: Brand founded; Bering Bag debuts in waxed cotton canvas.
Name Napapijri comes from napapiiri, Finnish for Arctic Circle.
1990: Skidoo anorak launches.
1995: Rainforest jacket cements Napapijri in city fashion.
1997: First standalone store opens in Chamonix, France, at the foot of Mont Blanc.
2002: Napapijri Kids line.
2004: Brand acquired by VF Corporation.
2006: First U.S. store opens in SoHo, New York.
2007: Footwear line introduced.
Collaborations with designers and culture brands broaden the range.
2015/16: Real fur replaced with eco-fur.
2019 & 2021: Circular-design capsules launch; the Infinity anorak achieves Cradle to Cradle® Gold certification.
2023: Silvia Onofri becomes President; Christopher Raeburn appointed Creative Director; documentary “Orcas in the Arctic” highlights ocean awareness.
From travel bags to statement anoraks, explore the latest pieces.
Napapijri in Fashion Today
Built for travel and inspired by the Arctic, Napapijri has evolved into a modern urban-outdoor label. Expect bold colours, flap pockets, diagonal neck openings and durable fabrics across t-shirts, shorts, tracksuits, jackets, fleece and bags. Designed for everyday exploration.
Napapijri Today
The brand continues to combine heritage, performance, and design. Whether you’re in the city or on the move, Napapijri delivers versatile layers made for modern exploration.
Browse the full Napapijri collection.
FAQs About Napapijri
When did Napapijri start?
1987, in the Aosta Valley, Italy.
Who started Napapijri?
Italian entrepreneur Giuliana Rosset.
Where is Napapijri based?
Founded in Aosta/Quart (Italy); today the brand operates globally as part of an international apparel group.
Who owns Napapijri?
VF Corporation (since 2004).
What is Napapijri known for?
Waxed-canvas travel bags, the Skidoo and Rainforest anoraks, and urban-outdoor apparel.
Final Thoughts
From its beginnings in Italy’s Aosta Valley to becoming a global brand, Napapijri has always stood for exploration and innovation. Starting with rugged travel bags, the brand redefined outerwear with the Skidoo and Rainforest jackets, and today it blends urban style with outdoor performance.
More than three decades later, Napapijri continues to inspire travellers, city goers, and style-conscious customers alike with bold, durable, and versatile designs.
Discover the full Napapijri collection on our website today.
The History of Napapijri: From Aosta to Urban-Outdoor Style
The History of Napapijri: From Aosta to Global Urban-Outdoor Style
Napapijri is an Italian brand founded in 1987 in the Aosta Valley, known for rugged travel bags and distinctive anoraks that blend exploration DNA with urban style. Recognised by its Arctic references and bold details, Napapijri has become a staple for city wear and travel.
If you want to shop the latest pieces, browse our full Napapijri collection here.
Who Started Napapijri?
Napapijri was established in 1987 by Giuliana Rosset, an entrepreneur from Italy’s Aosta Valley. After acquiring a small backpack company, she set up production in Quart with a handful of skilled makers and launched the Bering Bag; a waxed-canvas duffel inspired by expedition gear and military field tent fabric.
Explore the modern range inspired by those travel roots.
When Did Napapijri Move into Outerwear?
In 1990, Napapijri expanded beyond bags with the Skidoo Jacket a lightweight, rain proof pullover anorak built for cold conditions.
In 1995, the Rainforest Jacket pushed the brand into urban fashion, becoming an everyday icon on streets across Europe.
Shop jackets and outerwear.
Where Is Napapijri Based?
Napapijri was founded in Aosta, Italy, with early operations in Quart. Today, the brand operates globally as part of a major international apparel group, with collections designed for travel, city life, and outdoor exploration.
Who Owns Napapijri?
In 2004, Napapijri was acquired by VF Corporation, a U.S. apparel company that owns several well-known lifestyle brands. The acquisition helped Napapijri scale internationally while investing in product innovation.
The Growth of Napapijri Through the Decades
1987: Brand founded; Bering Bag debuts in waxed cotton canvas.
Name Napapijri comes from napapiiri, Finnish for Arctic Circle.
1990: Skidoo anorak launches.
1995: Rainforest jacket cements Napapijri in city fashion.
1997: First standalone store opens in Chamonix, France, at the foot of Mont Blanc.
2002: Napapijri Kids line.
2004: Brand acquired by VF Corporation.
2006: First U.S. store opens in SoHo, New York.
2007: Footwear line introduced.
Collaborations with designers and culture brands broaden the range.
2015/16: Real fur replaced with eco-fur.
2019 & 2021: Circular-design capsules launch; the Infinity anorak achieves Cradle to Cradle® Gold certification.
2023: Silvia Onofri becomes President; Christopher Raeburn appointed Creative Director; documentary “Orcas in the Arctic” highlights ocean awareness.
From travel bags to statement anoraks, explore the latest pieces.
Napapijri in Fashion Today
Built for travel and inspired by the Arctic, Napapijri has evolved into a modern urban-outdoor label. Expect bold colours, flap pockets, diagonal neck openings and durable fabrics across t-shirts, shorts, tracksuits, jackets, fleece and bags. Designed for everyday exploration.
Napapijri Today
The brand continues to combine heritage, performance, and design. Whether you’re in the city or on the move, Napapijri delivers versatile layers made for modern exploration.
Browse the full Napapijri collection.
FAQs About Napapijri
When did Napapijri start?
1987, in the Aosta Valley, Italy.
Who started Napapijri?
Italian entrepreneur Giuliana Rosset.
Where is Napapijri based?
Founded in Aosta/Quart (Italy); today the brand operates globally as part of an international apparel group.
Who owns Napapijri?
VF Corporation (since 2004).
What is Napapijri known for?
Waxed-canvas travel bags, the Skidoo and Rainforest anoraks, and urban-outdoor apparel.
Final Thoughts
From its beginnings in Italy’s Aosta Valley to becoming a global brand, Napapijri has always stood for exploration and innovation. Starting with rugged travel bags, the brand redefined outerwear with the Skidoo and Rainforest jackets, and today it blends urban style with outdoor performance.
More than three decades later, Napapijri continues to inspire travellers, city goers, and style-conscious customers alike with bold, durable, and versatile designs.
Discover the full Napapijri collection on our website today.