FAIR ISLE.
It may bring up images of your mom’s 70’s ski outfit, but it’s an iconic part of ski and winter fashion, and 2010/11 saw a comeback of the classic knit. In fact, the whole industry saw a throwback to its ski fashion roots last year. And while materials may have changed (cotton, wool, and leather exchanged for GoreTex, Smartwool, and fiberglass), there’s no denying: retro ski fashion is back.
Exhibit A: Dolce & Gabbana Fair Isle body suits graced 2010 runways. The retro looks were showcased in the New York Times Style section:
Exhibit B: The latest from “The Moment” in the New York Times Style section shows Burton neon bibs and Illesteva reflective sunglasses:
Exhibit C: Big Sky’s own slopeside looks mirror retro ski trends:
Classic Fair Isle jumpers have nothing on Big Sky's Lyndsey Owens' modern sweater.
My grandfather's (!) 1970s ski outfit has an uncanny resemblance to modern day Mad Chad McDealy.
But what comes next in the ski fashion world? It’s what’s on everyone mind this coming weekend in Denver, when the ski industry gathers at the SIA (SnowSports Industries America) Snow Show Jan. 26th – 28th. The Paris or New York Fashion Week of SnowSports, retailers will showcase their latest products, and we’ll discover the emerging 2012/13 trends.
In the SnowSports industry, it’s all about combining function with fashion, giving the best performance gear the slickest style and ease. This combination brings out the best in innovative fashion, and I’m particularly excited to see that innovation showcased at the Snow Fashion and Trends Show, featuring new designs from well-known brands like Chaos and Volkl Performace Wear.
But smaller companies like Phase 4 Imports may be even more intriguing. Their Italian-made, laser cut and welded O-Range bags – the pinnacle of sleek design meets high-performace functionality –are sure to create Snow Show buzz.
So will this years show see more neon and fair isle, or take a whole new, futuristic direction? We'll find out soon. For now, keep raiding your mom's closet for old ski sweaters and caps - her snowflake-print long underwear and bright pink socks are so out of style, they're back in vogue.
- Greer
Products like this sleek Italian-made O-Range backpacks will debut at this years SIA
