Reigning Champ by Ryan Willms: Run and Become
Photography by Alex Webb
Made for the mountains and trails, collection two with creative director Ryan Willms focuses on meaningful movement in the outdoors. Custom-dyed active tops and performance layers, functional headwear, and a trail-bound runner provide a modular system to embrace the elements.
Referenced throughout the collection, the teachings of prolific American writer, Joseph Campbell, and spiritual leader, Sri Chinmoy, inspire the "hero's journey" in running the course toward inner bliss and self-discovery. A palette of washed indigo, deep navy and tie dye reflects the blue hues of the mountainscape, varied shades at different altitudes and the ways the colour shifts in the sunlight — placing an emphasis on organic evolution, movement, and impermanence.
The collection employs a mix of Copper Jersey, Merino Jersey, Lightweight Fleece, and Stretch Nylon; in addition to collaborative headwear with Ciele Athletics and a special-edition trail runner with Altra Running. Willms’ mindful approach to movement aligns with Altra’s focus on the natural gait and connectedness to the ground. The Olympus 4 model features an exclusive colourway, speed lock laces, a gum sole, and tie-dyed gaiter to keep away debris.
The logo represents balance between the mind and the heart. In our culture we often find ourselves stuck in our heads, disconnected from our bodies, unable to listen, to become and to find your bliss. Working to regain this balance is a part of the path to well-being and in creating the logo Ryan worked with Sam Jayne to develop this mark, along with the collection graphics.
The collection includes a special version of the Olympus 4 trail running shoe by Altra. The shoe features a gum sole, speed lace, graphics from the collection, Reigning Champ and Ryan Willms, as well as a custom dyed gator that matches the collection and comes packaged with the trail shoes.
Also, the headwear, including a bucket and run cap are made by Ciele, a running specialist when it comes to hats specifically.
Runners: Rio Lakeshore & Ryan Willms
