BrandsAmongMany

You’ve probably noticed, from a number of places around the web - ourselves included, the closing statements from Portland-based clothier Nau. Widely respected for their responsible business practices and unique line of clothing, generally considered a mashup of Patagonia and a luxury manufacturer (take your pick, I’ve read Prada a few times among others), Nau’s closing was mourned by many. And rightfully so. Their open, transparent style of conducting business paired with what can only be described as a remarkable product line, along with an interest in sustainable and charitable practices, set an example that every company should strive to follow.

Amidst the outcry and lamentations, however, some good news has sprouted. Rather than tuck tail and hang heads, the crew at Nau has fought to overcome their hardships. Their words can certainly express more accurately than my own what they’ve accomplished:

When we announced in May that Nau, Inc was closing up shop, it triggered an enourmous outpouring of sentiment from you, our customers. Your response, coupled with a deep belief in what Nau represents, inspired a group of former Nau employees to see if we could pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and take another shot at this thing.

And they’ve managed to do just that. The Nau name, along with “the bulk of the company’s assets” were purchased by a fellow Portland company called Horny Toad who also produces a line of outdoor-inspired urban clothing. Horny Toad will not, however, simply eat Nau for lunch and take what they can. Nau (now called “version 2.0″) will continue to live on under the leadership of a number of former employees including founder Ian Yolles and head designer Mike Galbraith, free to learn from their previous mistakes and continue in the traditions that established such a devout following their first time round.

The folks over at Treehugger had a chance to talk to Ian about what changes would be implemented with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight. It sounds like one of the biggest changes will be the company’s distribution model. This time, they’ll forego their branded stores, opting instead to sell in both outdoor oriented retailers as well as urban boutiques, “Stores that get functional and stylish” according to Yolles. Probably smart given what we can imagine their rent must have cost for a store in Beverly Hills.

Nau also has plans to continue its Partners for Change program, though they’ve explained that their philanthropic endeavors, while still “industry leading”, may dip below the 5% bar they’d set during the existence of Nau 1.0. In the meantime, Nau is continuing their open communications as they share their rebuilding process (along with pics from what looks like a stellar rafting trip) with the world via The Thought Kitchen, their company blog.

We’re thoroughly excited to see that Nau is back and we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on their progress as they work to rebuild themselves. Until they relaunch with version 2.0, probably sometime in August, you can still buy some of their previous line at half off on their website.