About Rocky Mountain Featherbed & co

Rocky Mountain Featherbed was founded in the late 1960s in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, by outdoor enthusiast and wilderness guide Cub Schaffer. Drawing inspiration from the functional needs of ranchers and the performance of mountaineering gear, Schaffer created a new kind of outerwear: down-filled vests and jackets that featured a distinctive single-piece leather yoke, nylon shells, and goose down insulation. These garments combined Western aesthetics with cutting-edge technical features, setting a new standard for comfort, warmth, and durability in the American outdoor clothing market.

By the 1970s, Rocky Mountain Featherbed had become a respected name among outdoor professionals and enthusiasts. The brand was also one of the earliest adopters of GORE‑Tex technology, applying it to mountain parkas that pushed performance boundaries even further. Despite its early success and loyal following, the company eventually faded from the U.S. market in the late 1980s, with production ceasing and the brand falling dormant.

In the early 2000s, Japanese company 35SUMMERS—led by designer Yoshio Sadasue—resurrected the brand. As a longtime collector of vintage American outerwear, Sadasue acquired original RMFB garments, studied their construction in meticulous detail, and secured the rights to relaunch the label. His team carefully recreated iconic pieces using traditional methods, original materials, and modern updates where necessary, staying true to the brand’s pioneering spirit.

Today, Rocky Mountain Featherbed & Co. offers a full collection of down outerwear, innerwear, and accessories, made with a blend of heritage techniques and contemporary craftsmanship. Produced mainly in Japan, the garments maintain the original U.S. aesthetic—especially the signature leather-yoke down vest—while meeting modern expectations for quality and comfort. The brand has built a strong international following, particularly in Europe and Asia, and continues to honor its Wyoming roots through a commitment to rugged elegance, timeless design, and technical excellence.

Auralee’s commitment to craftsmanship extends to every aspect of the production process. The brand works closely with skilled Japanese artisans and factories to ensure that each piece is made with the utmost care and precision. This approach not only supports local craftsmanship but also ensures that the final product is of the highest quality.

In recent years, Auralee has expanded its reach, with its collections being featured in prestigious fashion weeks and stocked by high-end retailers worldwide. Despite this growth, Ryota Iwai has maintained the brand’s focus on quality and authenticity, never compromising on the values that made Auralee successful.

Today, Auralee is celebrated for its minimalist yet luxurious approach to fashion, with a reputation for creating garments that are as beautiful as they are wearable. The brand’s influence continues to grow, embodying the Japanese principles of craftsmanship, simplicity, and refinement that resonate with a discerning global audience.