Rollout to expand from DNS Collection to trekking; Japan-specific license line in development

A promotional shoot for Blackyak's Climbing Stone Master series, featuring rising sport-climbing talent. [Blackyak]
A promotional shoot for Blackyak's Climbing Stone Master series, featuring rising sport-climbing talent. [Blackyak]

Blackyak announced Tuesday it has signed a five-year exclusive distribution and license agreement with Shiffon, a Japanese comprehensive fashion and lifestyle company.

Shiffon operates retail and direct-to-consumer channels and holds OEM/ODM manufacturing capabilities, along with expertise in outdoor, sportswear, ski and snowboard wear. The Japanese company cited Blackyak's "high technical reliability and outstanding brand management capabilities" as its reasons for choosing the partnership.

The rollout will proceed in stages. Blackyak will launch its high-performance DNS Collection in February, followed by a sequential release of trekking and trail-running products. From the fall-winter 2027 season, distribution will expand to outdoor and sports specialty stores. A license line co-developed to suit Japanese market trends will be released separately through fashion lifestyle channels sometime in 2027. The initial focus will be on consumers engaged in serious mountain activities, with plans to broaden the customer base to those seeking everyday-use products.

Sales channels will include outdoor and sports specialty stores, department stores, select shops, and the brand's own direct-to-consumer platform. "By collaborating with Shiffon, we will effectively deliver Blackyak's unique products and brand value to Japanese consumers and cement our position as a global premium outdoor brand," said Kang Jun-seok, president and head of Blackyak's management strategy division.

Meanwhile, Blackyak has been stepping up its push into global markets, leveraging its Himalayan heritage and high-performance product lineup since unveiling a global campaign in March. The company has been strengthening its offline presence in key markets including China and Germany, and in August signed a partnership with Taiwanese retail firm Emerse Group.

Blackyak's 2026 fall-winter brand campaign, "Invisible White." [Blackyak]
Blackyak's 2026 fall-winter brand campaign, "Invisible White." [Blackyak]

andy@heraldcorp.com