The desire to hit the slopes and to wear stylish mountain gear has been in full swing, and for Fall 2018 quite a number of brands’ designers took inspiration from the winter sport aesthetic. Balenciaga debuted its multi-layered parkas alongside a graffiti-covered snow mountain on the runway, Maison Margiela's sneakers boasted snowboard bindings, Sportmax created an entire ski-style collection packed with tight turtleneck tops, puffers and pullover. Following the last year’s Off-White collaboration with Burton and Vogue, Virgil Abloh presented a new collection of Slope-ready apparel for MyTheresa. You name it.
For both skiers and snowboarders, the snow sport culture is identified by its culture and individualism. Riding is a way to express yourself; whether through clothing, the tricks you do in the terrain park, or the music you listen to on the slopes. Individual expression is the recurring theme. A day of skiing and snowboarding is hard to beat. However, every vivid skier or snowboarder knows that a ski holiday is not just about athletic performance, tricks and jumps show off, but also about having fun after a long day on the slopes in the apres ski bars. In the Avoriaz there is the Folie Douce which has performers who dance, play instruments, perform circus tricks and form a massive mountainside party every afternoon and Happy Hours. And on the piste-side the DJs keep the dance floors full until late evening, where we went looking for fashion displays. This spring break was particularly amazing for the snow addicts as it has been snowing up until middle of April. This resulted in beautiful weather conditions, which brought on a mix of a joyful display of winter fashion and spring clothing.
Since it seems like every celebrity spent time in Aspen or in the Alps this snow season, perhaps you, too, if not already, will want to book your next trip to the mountains to put your own snow-friendly purchases to the test. Despite the ever-changing fashion trends in the sport, skiing and snowboarding traditions and jargon have stood the test of time. To no surprise, this season is about evolution rather than revolution.
While catching the sunshine during the Spring powder days in the French Porte du Soleil area, we’ve done the digging to bring you the best snow trends seen on the slopes and the apres-ski tables.
PULL IT OFF AND OVER
Pullover Anorak Jacket
One style has noticeably become mainstream this winter is the pullover style jacket. What started off as a lightweight, fun jacket for spring riding has now developed into a warm, technical jacket. Due to the missing front zip, the cold has less areas to creep in and therefore offers more warmth and protection with all the same tech as a traditional jacket, the same waterproof rating and underarms vents. A lot of riders have found the large front kangaroo style front pocket more practical than side pockets this year.
POWDER HUNT
Animal Print
If you’re looking to make a ‘roar-some’ statement on the slopes, then animal-print is an ongoing trend that is set to stay. It is indeed nothing if not eye-catching! Both on and off the slopes, animal print and faux fur always hint at luxury and a keen sense of style… Look no further if you want to look like queen of the jungle (and a mountain).
THAT MOUNTAIN GLOW
Metallic Colourways
The brighter the better! Hardly a surprise, one of the biggest Catwalk trends from Fall 2018 collection, metallic was shining in the Alps this season. Less ‘Hollywood’ take on a trend in the form of silver and golden puffer jackets and waisted ski suits.
GOING UNDERCOVER
Face Layering
When it comes to accessories, it’s still all about the face layer. The choice is huge which makes this such a personal accessory / necessity. It is up to you how you want to mix and layer face mask(s), hat, googles, hoods, hat… the more creative and unconventional the better!
DOUBLE GOOGLE
Googles + Sunnies
When it comes to accessories, it is goggles + sunnies all the way! It is the end of the season which means it is not as much about riding as it is about lounging, enjoying the sun and dancing the days away on the tables. You need to be ready for both, so snow addicts rock the double-glasses look.
TICK THE BUCKET
Bucket Hat
Safety comes first – so on the mountain it’s always a helmet. However, after a few vin chauds when sun starts hitting, it’s a bucket hat time! A panama-style hat provides copious amounts of shade for your face as an extremely functional accessory for sun protection and is an effective fashion statement which brings the hip-hop roots back to snowboarding when the beat starts dropping.
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