Inside the L.L.Bean Archives with Menswear Designer Todd Snyder

For the first time in company history, L.L.Bean has opened its archives to an outside designer to serve as inspiration for a first-of-its-kind collaboration, L.L.Bean x Todd Snyder. The collaboration, in partnership with renowned menswear designer Todd Snyder, was made possible by both brand’s shared love for the outdoors and Snyder’s affinity for heritage brands and vintage American goods. To capture the authenticity of the brand, L.L.Bean opened the archives to Snyder to give him a look into its 108-year history – an archival collection that features more than 30,000 pieces of vintage clothing, footwear, gear, photographs, artwork and much more, all dating back as far as 1912.

In this behind-the-scenes video, Snyder describes the pieces that inspired him most for the much-anticipated collection. Digging deep into the archives located in Leon Leonwood Bean’s former home, he was struck by the founder’s dapper outdoor style and the company’s most iconic footwear and apparel, particularly pointing to the history and design of the Trail Model Vest, Chamois Shirt and signature L.L.Bean Boots.

Launching October 30, L.L.Bean x Todd Snyder is a reimagined take on American classics, featuring signature L.L.Bean styles, prints, patterns and colorways with the same functional design to help people get outside and explore the restorative power of nature.