INDEX Celebrations Home & Garden Sports Travel Appeal ¢ Layne Christensen Fashion Editor Ichristensen@nsnews.com THE Tilley testimonial is akin to urban myth. The one about the elephant that ate (and shat) the zoo keeper's hat — three times, no less ~— is legendary, and true. And there are others, says company founder Alex Tilley, in town this past week to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary. Together with daughter Alison, Tilley Endurables’ VP of marketing and merchandise, and sister-in-law Barbara, president of the Vancouver retail operation, at 2401 Granville St., he recounted some of his favourites. “T was hit by a Russian tour bus but thank- fully my Tilley slacks survived,” wrote one intre- pid traveller. “I was robbed at gunpoint in Mexico but what disturbed me most was they took my Tilley” wrote another. Another favourite, from a Connecticut gent: “My Tilley Hat has lent me an insouciance and elan that has hitherto eluded me.” In the 20 years since the hat was invented ~- an avid sailor, Alex designed it so it would not fly off his head or sink while sailing — the Tilky has risen to iconic status. Recognized around the world, worn by Canada's Armed Forces during the Gulf War, UN peacekeepers and the U.S. Coast Guard Auniliary, and the official hat of Canada at Hamburg’s Expo 2000 this summer, the hats are today available in six styles, a num- ber of sizes (including children’s) and colours. But the Tilley empire doesn’t stop there. Travel and adventure clothing like pickpock- et-proof shorts, super-dry underwear and “unholey” socks (guaranteed holes-free for five years) are sold in Tilley’s four family-owned stores in Canada, by more than 1,000 assuciated retailers worldwide and through mail order. Tilley Endurables’ sales are expected to top $23 million this year, savs Alex, who at 62 has no intention of quitting the business just yet. Even so, daughter Alison, 30, is being groomed to succeed her father at the helm of Tilley Endurables. A seasoned traveller who took her first unaccompanied trip (to the Bahamas) at age 15 and started in the family business at age 10, Alison is repositioning the company to appeal to a whole new generation of Tilley fans. Newest addition to the Tilley family is the LT5, $65, a three-ounce hat that offers full UV- A and UV-B protection. Made from lightweight nylon, it’s lighter than the original, in 10-ounce cotton duck, but offers the same lifetime free- replacement guarantee. A funny thing about Tilley loyalists: when they trade their Tilleys in for new ones, they often request their old, bat- tered ones back. “People get very attached to their Tilley hats,” admits Alex. “That’s the nice thing about the whcle busi- ness,” says Barbara, who, with husband John, lives in North Van, the location of the original Vancouver Tilley Endurables shop. Says Alex: “It’s not a cult but it’s close to it.” 18 36 32 photo Titley Endurables ALISON Tilley wiil succeed her father at the helm of Tilley Endurables. NEWS photo Julle Iverson ACCOMPANIED by frother John on piano, Alex Tilley sings the praises of the Tilley hat. Originally designed for sailing, the hat has become an essential travel item. Alison Tilley’s travel tips EXPERIENCED traveller Alison Tilley has circumnavigated the globe 10 times. The 30-year-old daughter of Tilley Endurables founder Alex Tilley offers the fol- lowing travel tips to put you in the know before you go. @ When preparing for the trip: stop newspa- per delivery, use automatic timers that turn lights and radios on and off; have a neighbour collect the mail or, for about $3 a week, have it held at the post office. Make sure your passport will still be valid for a reasonably long time, since many coun- tries require drat a passport have at least six months’ validity left. Carry extra passport-size photographs in case visas are needed en route. @ Carry all essentials on board (toiletries, hik- ing boots, things you must have when you land). While flying, drink water or juice every haif-hour to prevent dehydration. @ Protect your valuables: Carry the most important items at all times or keep them in a secure place such as your hotel safe. Keep expensive cameras hidden, and leave costly jewelry and watches at home. 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