RARE like the fleeting dance of snowflakes in winter.
RARE like the fleeting glimpse of a silhouette in the mist.
RARE like the tracks of an animal erased by the wind.
RARE like an encounter with species relics from the ice ages.
PETIT BIVOUAC and INSPYRATIONS join forces with wildlife photographer Luca Melcarne for a unique collection celebrating the ephemeral, the fragility, and the majesty of the mountains. An ode to wildlife, dancing snowflakes, and the raw emotions nature offers us.
When two brands rooted at the foot of the Vercors mountains come together, it sparks an extraordinary collaboration—an ode to nature, authenticity, and rarity.
Together, we reveal an exclusive and unprecedented collection, beautifully brought to life by the talented photographer Luca Melcarne, winner of the prestigious Rising Star award at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
THE RARE COLLECTION :
• The FULL SILHOUETTE RARE - BLANC TOTAL WHITE 3L
• The RARE - BLANC 3L Jacket
• The RARE - FORET 3L Jacket
Se fondre dans la montagne et expérimenter sa magie : devenir Rare.
Ensemble veste et pantalon réalisé en tissu imperméable et respirant avec la membrane Sympatex® assemblée dans notre atelier dans la technologie sans coutures WHY®
La panoplie se compose de la veste et de la salopette, du tour de cou, du couteau et du bonnet Petit Bivouac et du livre "Vercors" de Luca Melcarne, signé à votre nom.
THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Luca Melcarne, a native of the Vercors region, is a young photographer whose work captivates with its raw beauty and ecological sensitivity. His pure, simple, and aesthetic vision of nature makes him the perfect face for this collaboration. By embodying rarity and exceptionality, Luca brings a personal and authentic dimension to this collection.
Veste ultra technique, réalisée en tissu imperméable et respirant avec la membrane Sympatex® assemblée dans notre atelier dans la technologie sans coutures WHY® .
Accessoirisation totale. Tour de cou et bonnet Petit Bivouac offert.
Veste imperméable et respirante avec capuche tempête et poche poitrine.
Ultra légère et compressible, idéale pour faire face à toutes les situations, en forêt comme en déplacements urbains.
Tour de cou Petit Bivouac offert.
INTERVIEW
- Luca, can you tell us about your journey as a wildlife photographer?
"Since I was a child, I’ve been passionate about nature. The deer has always intrigued me, and around the age of 12, I turned to photography as a way to document, to bring back evidence and memories of my encounters in the wild."
- What draws you to the Vercors as a wild and natural territory?
"There are very few places in France where human presence can be forgotten. Almost everywhere, human hands have altered the landscape. But here, in certain remote corners of the Vercors, I can escape all that. I can immerse myself in untouched nature for days without seeing any trace of humanity. To be just another animal among the others."
- Is there a particular species or moment you’ve photographed that has left a lasting impression on you?
"The first time I heard wolves up close, during a winter night under the stars. An entire pack started howling, shattering the deafening silence of the night less than 200 meters from my sleeping bag. A timeless moment that remains etched in my memory."
- What attracted you to this collaboration with Inspyrations and Petit Bivouac?
"Our shared passions and commitment to this territory brought the three of us together. That is the strength of this committed and local collaboration."
- The concept of rarity is central to this collaboration. How does this idea resonate with your work as a wildlife photographer?
"Every encounter with an animal is a privilege. These are rare moments granted only to those who take the time to contemplate and observe nature."
- How has the fact that the collection is made in France and designed to blend into nature been an asset for your photographic explorations?
"In my vision and approach to creating images, I constantly try to blend into the scenery, to become invisible, and to merge with the elements."
- How would you describe the 'birch bark' print created for this collection, and how does it reflect the nature you love to photograph?
"Subtle and discreet, like all the animals that inhabit our mountains."
- In what extreme conditions do you often work, and how do technical clothing items help you push your limits?
"I try to be outside every day, regardless of the weather. For me, it’s essential to have durable and robust clothing that lasts over time. Waterproofing remains my top selection criterion."
- As a wildlife photographer, how do you observe the impacts of climate change on the ecosystems you explore?
"Since childhood, I’ve roamed these mountains and constantly witnessed changes. When I was young, I skied every Saturday at the Col du Rousset. All the slopes were open, and we never wondered whether there would be snow. Today, the days when the station is open are few. In the past, autumn colors appeared as early as late September with the first hard frosts. Now, we have to wait until late October."
- Are some of the species you photograph endangered or threatened?
"I wish the locally endangered species were better known to the general public. Everyone cares about the polar bear in the Arctic or the rhinoceros in Africa, but how many locals in Drôme or Isère know about the rock ptarmigan, the mountain hare, or the stoat? I’d like to highlight these little-known species to encourage their protection."
- Is there a particular species you’d like to spotlight to raise awareness of its fragility?
"The rock ptarmigan, also known as the 'snow partridge,' is a bird that turns white in winter to better camouflage itself from predators. Today, with fewer snowy days, these birds spend long periods—days, weeks, months—white against rocks and grassy areas. They are among the first victims of climate change. In addition to suffering from intense heat, this glacial relic that has survived through time is now outpaced by the accelerating changes."
- If you could capture a single image to symbolize the climate emergency and the threat to biodiversity, what would you highlight?
"A white ptarmigan on dark rocks."
- In your opinion, how can this collaboration inspire people to better appreciate and protect wildlife?
"Through local products and short supply chains, we’re already thinking about how our food choices impact the environment. But the way we dress also has a significant impact on our surroundings."
