A new tee collaboration inspired by the wild coast: Nikki McClure x Raincoast x Anian
Wear what you stand for.
We’re thrilled to introduce a very special collaboration: a new Raincoast T-shirt featuring an original illustration by acclaimed artist and author Nikki McClure.
The illustration captures something at the heart of Raincoast’s work: the interconnectedness of coastal ecosystems and the species that depend on them. From endangered Southern Resident killer whales and wild salmon, to wolves, marine habitats and the waters we all share, the design celebrates the many threads that connect our conservation work across British Columbia’s coast.
And we have a few of our colleagues to thank for bringing this collaboration to life.
From a shared love of Nikki’s work, to a new Raincoast illustration
Several Raincoast staff have long admired Nikki McClure’s distinctive work. Based in Olympia, Washington, Nikki is an artist, author, and illustrator known for her intricate black-and-white papercut illustrations which often explore themes of nature, community, and our relationship with the places we call home. Her work has appeared in numerous books, including Old Wood Boat.
Inspired by Nikki’s work, our team reached out to create something unique that would reflect the breadth of our ecosystem-based approach to conservation. We were incredibly fortunate that she said yes.
The resulting artwork brings together many of the species, places and conservation efforts that are central to our work: a killer whale moving through coastal waters, wild salmon, wolves, marine life and, in the background, our research sailing vessel, Achiever.
It is a beautiful reminder that protecting one species or one place cannot happen in isolation. Healthy ecosystems are connected –and so is the work needed to protect them.
We couldn’t be more grateful to Nikki for her time, creativity, and enthusiasm for working with us to bring this idea to life.
Made in Canada, with ANIAN
We also wanted the T-shirt itself to reflect the quality and values behind the artwork.
For this collaboration, we chose ANIAN as our supplier. We consider their approach a gold standard for thoughtfully made, durable clothing, and we’re proud to have the illustration printed on their classic Circular Tee, made in Canada.
The midweight fabric is made from 50% recycled cotton and 50% organic cotton jersey. It’s slightly heavier than most conventional cotton T-shirts, with a fabric that is sturdy, comfortable and breathable – made to be worn and enjoyed for years to come.
Every purchase supports Raincoast’s ongoing efforts to protect and recover endangered Southern Resident killer whales.
The Southern Residents face a number of interconnected threats. They depend heavily on Chinook salmon for food, yet many of the salmon populations they rely on have declined. At the same time, increasing vessel traffic creates underwater noise that can interfere with the whales’ ability to communicate, navigate, and find prey. Contaminants accumulating in the increasingly industrialized Salish Sea add another layer of pressure.
Today, these endangered whales also face significant policy and development challenges, including proposals to fast-track a massive port expansion and the construction of a tar sands pipeline terminus at Roberts Bank in the Fraser River Estuary.
Raincoast brings deep scientific and technical expertise to this work. We study the threats facing Southern Resident killer whales, advocate for science-based protections, and work to safeguard the salmon, habitats, and healthy marine ecosystems they – and so many other species – depend on.
This T-shirt is a small way to wear that connection.
Wear the wild coast
From killer whales to salmon, wolves to coastal forests, and from the waters of the Salish Sea to the Great Bear Rainforest, Raincoast’s work is rooted in understanding and protecting ecosystems as interconnected systems.
We’re delighted to share this beautiful interpretation of that work with you –and especially grateful to Nikki McClure for helping us bring it to life.
Limited quantities are available. Order your Nikki McClure x Raincoast T-shirt through our online store. Pre-sale closes October 22.
