Nau’s profile is decidely lower these days, and maybe that’s for the better. In the heady times of 2007-2008, the über-conscious eco-brand was seemingly everywhere–everywhere but in the black, that is. Nau’s struggles to make cutting edge technical and sustainable clothing were laudable, but unsustainable, and the brand shut down, only to be brought back from the dead by Horny Toad after burning through more than $35 million in two years.

A little Santa Barbara discipline seems to have done wonders for Nau, according to a story just out in Forbes. Gordon Seabury, who runs Toad and was Nau’s white knight, trimmed the Nau line to just 75 items, slashed its corporate giving, and consolidated central services like warehousing. The story is a quick read, with lots of financial nuggets (like what Toad paid for Nau), so you should check it out.

And keep your eyes open for new pieces from Nau. Mark Galbraith, the founding designer, is still at the helm, and the fall line, displayed at last month’s Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show, was super strong. The Shroud of Purrin blazer…oolala. I’ve already placed my order.

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WANT MORE?
Here’s the Forbes story. LINK

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Here’s what really goes on behind the scenes at Horny Toad. LINK

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Nau goes under. LINK

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Nau comes back to life. LINK

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