Here in Britain, we are a nation of increasingly passionate skiers. Research shows that about 1.5 million of us take to the slopes each year (long may that continue amid the Brexit turmoil).
One of the things we love best about skiing holidays, though, is the fact that they present the opportunity for a whole new wardrobe. Since the 1920s, the more glamorous ski resorts have been catwalks in disguise. What you wear on the chair lift is often as important as your technical prowess.
So don’t feel you must put up with the shapeless all-in-one that has been lurking, crumpled, in the attic since the 1980s. Say no to threadbare gloves that haven’t been fit for purpose since you were a child. Get rid of your ghastly old goggles.
This year, treat yourself to a kit upgrade at these chic sites.
PERFECT MOMENT
Back in 1984, in the mountains of Chamonix, the extreme sports filmmaker and professional skier Thierry Donard started designing skiwear for his team with form, fashion and function at the forefront of his mind. With its bold patterns and retro Nordic chic, Perfect Moment is the coolest brand around today. The Duchess of Cambridge was snapped this month in one of the brand’s red-hot Mini Duvet jackets (though her version of it is no longer available). Meanwhile, Vogue magazine says: ‘Perfect Moment has long been a go-to skiwear brand for powder enthusiasts who revel in curating the colourway and silhouettes of their looks on the slopes.” We are lusting over the Wool Chevron Sweater In Navy.
OOSC
When OOSC launched in 2014, the plan was simply to revive an old-school product ¬–– the ski suit – in as fun a way as possible. As the British brand has developed, it has become more and more sustainable. Now, all of its outerwear is made from plastic bottles. They say: ‘OOSC strives to become a leading name in retro-infused sportswear fashion and the go-to brand for riders and Après-lovers worldwide.’ The OOSC look is not for the minimalists among you, mind. This gear is colourful, head-turning and designed for people who want a laugh. We like the Miami Vice Ski Suit best.
SWEATY BETTY
The queen of UK activewear, Sweaty Betty has been dressing well-groomed women for their workouts since 1998. Its ski shop is extremely alluring, too. From high-performance, sweat-wicking base layers to unbelievably elegant outerwear and accessories that you will wear with pride, this label ticks every box. Forbes magazine says: ‘The brand has skyrocketed in its 20 years and you can see why with its technically on-point and stylish performance wear that hits all audiences.’ The Exploration Softshell Ski Jacket is, basically, the dream.
DARE2B
‘We are not limited by the impossible or ever satisfied by where we are at. We take the lead and push further. We search for the adventure. We take the risk. We seek the thrills. We dare to live. WE DARE TO BE.’ These words, effectively the manifesto of this British sportswear brand, are as energising as the first ski run of the morning. Head here for brilliant ski wear for men, women and children. Boys and girls will love the separates on offer – and you will love their reasonable prices. The Kids Legit Ski Jacket is a total winner.
COLLAGERIE
The new high-low fashion website Collagerie curates skiwear as beautifully as it does the rest of your wardrobe. Launched last month by former Vogue editors Serena Hood and Lucinda Chambers, the site aims to offer the perfect selection of fashion, beauty and lifestyle products (from luxury labels to high-street brands) so that consumers can cut down on expensive, wasteful mistakes and time spent scrolling online. Hood told the FT: ‘From doing focus groups across many different ages we found a similar theme – that women get inspired but can’t find the look. Collagerie has just the right amount of choice, we have had our eyes across everything for you, we have hand picked pieces to really love.’ Metallic Moonboots, a neon jacket from Topshop and the perfect Hermes scarf are among the covetable items in this brilliant edit.
ERIN SNOW
Founded in 2003, this high-end US brand gets everything right. They say: ‘ERIN SNOW makes clothing with a purpose. We design to inspire a connection with the environment, get people moving, exploring and outside. Our focus is making beautiful product that performs for you and the planet.’ Warning: you will have to dig deep in your pockets to shop on this site – these are investment pieces. We covet the Phia Boot Leg Pant In Eco Racer with every fibre of our being.
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The Perfect Moment
By Becky Ladenburg
December 2019
