"Unzip" your life!
ZIPPING, UNZIPPING, the zip bares its teeth!
March is proving a rollercoaster month, oscillating between relief at the announcement of the easing of sanitary measures and the ditching of masks in Switzerland; and the terrible events unfolding in Ukraine. No sooner had we rejoiced than the sky turned dark and today our thoughts are with those who are suffering from the conflict.
Nonetheless, nature reminds us that spring is not far away! Warmer temperatures that encourage us to open jacket zips 😉. An opportunity to take a closer look in this newsletter at an everyday object that we handle without paying attention, yet which is far more complex than it seems! So, are you ready to "unzip" this topic?
Zip fastening as we know it is a Swiss invention!
In 1891, an American by the name of Judson Whitcomb developed the first slide fastener referred to as a clasp locker and involving a set of hooks and eyes with a slide clasp serving to open and close it. But did you know that the modern zipper was first patented in Switzerland in 1893? Simon Frey, an engineer from Solothurn, developed his zipper model before World War I. Unfortunately, none of the manufacturers contacted in Germany and Switzerland wanted to buy the manufacturing rights from him.
At the same time, many inventors worked on improving the zipper. In 1914, an American-Swedish man named Gideon Sundback patented the modern version of the zip fastener, which consisted of small interlocking teeth with an integrated slider.
In 1923, Martin Othmar Winterhalter from eastern Switzerland bought the patent from Sundbäck. In 1936, he founded Riri AG in Mendrisio (IT), which is still one of the world's leading companies in this sector.
The zip, a matter of teeth, chain, pulls and sliders
The manufacturing process for a zip consists of two distinct phases: on the one hand, the production of the small teeth that will be used to produce the chain. These are obtained by a process of shearing the brass plate. On the other hand, the production of the pulls and sliders involves die-casting: the material used is ZAMAK, an alloy of zinc, aluminum, magnesium and copper. It melts at 420 degrees Celsius and is injected into steel molds.
Chain width, finishing, galvanization, customization, type and number of pulls… There is a vast range of zips and the choice is not always easy.
The different types of zippers
* Separable zips: Separable zips have two detachable sides. They are generally used for jackets or cardigans.
* Non-detachable zippers: in this case, the two tapes are joined at the base. Non-separable fasteners are used for trousers, jeans, jumpers, polo shirts, etc.
There are also specific fasteners:
* Waterproof zippers: this type of zipper involves special treatment of the tape and the mesh that makes it waterproof and thus serves to make rain jackets or waterproof suits.
* Double-slider zippers: as the name suggests, double-slider zippers have two independent sliders serving for example to open and close a parka. The bottom can then be opened for more comfort when seated. It can also be opened on a belt.
* Invisible zippers: these are very thin and blend in perfectly with the garment. Invisible fasteners are practical and maintain the smooth design.
CAN YOU RECOGNIZE THE DIFFERENT ZIPPERS PICTURED BELOW?
Caring for your zipper 100% Made in Italy
We take great pride in the quality of our zippers, which are, like everything else, 100% Made in Italy! However, just as with anything of this high caliber, care is essential, and here are a few tips on how to maintain them in perfect working order:
* When ironing, make sure to close the zippers.
* When ironing, protect your zippers with a cloth, and avoid using a hot iron on the chain and the zip pull so as to protect the galvanization.
* To clean a zipper on a garment that cannot be machine-washed, brush the stitches with a dry toothbrush so as to remove any encrusted dust.
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Cooler looks for spring which is on its way
At KA/NOA, we keep step with the seasons – just like with fruit and vegetables. As the weather gets warmer, we play with layers and colors to freshen up our looks. From overshirts to light-colored pants and wool jackets ideal for this season, layering gets you through this mid-season, while we look forward to the new summer releases.
NEW: DAVID check jebric outershirt (wool flannel, cashmere, nylon and elastane). A perfect overlayer with chest and side pockets, ideal for mid-season weather. Featured here with the bottle-green stretch cotton LOWELL pants, MARMOLADA urban trekking shoes and K-TRAVEL BAG in suede leather.
EARLY SPRINGTIME: the OWEN deconstructed jacket in wool, worn over a white CLAMENC poplin shirt (100% cotton) and VINCE easy active jersey pants (100% wool).
Total price of the look: CHF 1394
SUNNY LOOK: GATIEN shirt with double breast pockets (100% cotton flannel) matched with a pair of BORIS chino pants in cream color (98% cotton 2% elastan) and MARMOLADA trekking shoes.
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INEVITABLE PRICE ADJUSTMENT
Since the launch of KA/NOA almost five years ago, we have been striving to charge prices in line with the quality we offer, applying low margins that are respectful of both our work and our customers. Like many other companies, we are currently suffering the full force of rising raw material prices (the price of Egyptian cotton has increased by 100%) and rising production costs... Despite our efforts, we are now forced to adjust the prices of certain products, but we do so in the spirit and philosophy we have cultivated from the outset and which will continue to drive us throughout this project.
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MARCH DESTINATION:
THE ACORES, nine islands for nature lovers
Not just island, but nine volcanic islands off the coast of Portugal that will delight lovers of hiking and splendid landscapes. A few hours by plane from Lisbon, this archipelago with its temperate climate is a gem to be discovered, featuring natural pools, lush vegetation and surprising geological formations.
Sul Villas and Spa (Sao Miguel Island)
The ocean takes center stage at this clifftop 12-room boutique property. All the rooms and public spaces face the deep blue sea, with large picture windows that let views do all the talking. And what they mostly say is switch off and relax.
The SENSI Hotel (Sao Miguel island)
SENSI is an absolute delight of a boutique hotel, comprising a villa and rooms with fabulous views of the garden, countryside and/or sea. It’s the perfect base to discover all the natural wonders that the island of São Miguel has to offer.
https://www.sensiazores.com/en/
Azul Singular (Faial Island)
Azul Singular is the first Glamping park in the Azores. Located inside a luxurious ornamental plantation, that gives it an extraordinary atmosphere, the park offers its guests the possibility of staying in original tents that combine the comfort of a wooden bungalow and with the lightness of the canvas.
Hotel WHITE (Sao Miguel island)
The hotel is situated in an unbeatable cliff-top location in the village of Lagoa on the Azores’ main island of Sao Miguel. When João and Catarina Reis discovered the ruins of an old summer house with magnificent views overlooking the ocean, they knew they had found a magical place.The unspoiled nature of the Azores shines through in the friendly staff and the kitchen which focuses on local specialties.
Caparica Ecolodge
Respect for the island’s landscape was foremost in the minds of owners Guillaume and Sandra when they created the Caparica Azores Ecolodge. Their aim is to contribute to the sustainable development of tourism in the Azores, whilst providing a window on the islands and their traditions. The couple are also passionate about promoting contemporary Azorean culture and Caparica’s walls display original pieces created by female artists from across the islands.
https://www.caparica-ecolodge.com/
PICO DO RIFUGIO Country Houses (Sao Miguel Island)
Located in the Azores, on the north coast of the island of São Miguel, Pico do Refúgio is a place that dates the beginning of the 17th century. During the past 300 years it has served many different purposes, including a fortress, an artists' residence, or a site of orange trees plantations and a tea factory. Pico do Refúgio Country Houses is now open as a place for guests to enjoy harmony between Nature, History and Art.
