I have a hooded ortovox mid layer. It seems pretty comparable to the R1, although I’ve never owned an R1. I bought it specifically because it is wool, and have found it meet or exceed expectations. It seems to thermoregulate (both overheating and when I’m cold) and wick moisture better than polyester (plus I’m psyched to forego the plastic clothes, for whatever that’s worth). The fit is definitely “athletic” - slender, stretchy, and ultimately form fitting for most. I bought mine in navy blue, so it doesn’t really scream the “very euro aesthetic” that you talk about.
All and all, I highly recommend the piece that I have and would recommend the company until I have a different experience with them. I like their use of wool, the design seems to be on point for an active piece, and it has held up well through about 8 months of climbing and skiing use.
It has become my go to mid layer for skiing, top layer for cold weather running and cool weather climbing (often paired with a Smartwool hoody base layer), and I usually keep it on with a down jacket when camping in cold weather.
it’s not that warm overall, so has to be part of a layering scheme for true cold weather and minor gripe - the chest pockets are very stretchy material, so I can’t put my phone in them when I run because they bounce too much.
I usually don’t comment on forum questions too much, but I really like this product/company and have recommended it to a few friends, so I thought I’d chime in here.