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Skiing is no longer just about the sports activity; it's about immersing yourself in a moment of fun with friends, family, a partner, or even solo. In addition to enjoying the slopes, the importance of one's appearance has taken on an increasingly significant role in experiencing an excellent weekend in the snow.
The relationship between fashion and skiing has its roots in 1919 when Jean Patou introduced designer sportswear. The interest in skiing in the 1930s led to the creation of specialized garments, capturing the attention of renowned fashion brands. A significant milestone occurred in 1934 when Vera Borea incorporated latex thread into the ankles of ski pants. In 1936, Elsa Schiaparelli launched transparent and waterproof ski goggles, marking a milestone in haute couture.
The resurgence in the 1940s, following World War II, was spearheaded by Cristóbal Balenciaga with the Cracknyl fabric, perfect for waterproof garments. Cinema also played a role in popularizing ski fashion, as seen in the film "Charade" with Audrey Hepburn dressed by Hubert Givenchy.
Emilio Pucci stood out as a pioneer, launching collections in the 1940s and being one of the first to embrace neon colors. His visionary approach significantly influenced the following decades, especially in the '80s and '90s, where he made his mark by coloring ski garments with fluorescent tones. Since then, skiing has risen to become the favorite sport of celebrities, recalling the iconic image of Princess Diana gracefully gliding down the slopes with unmistakable style.
Currently, almost every fashion house boasts specific ski collections, tailoring styles to their unique trends. Prada opts for a more understated line, whereas Gucci collaborates with Adidas, presenting sportswear with a vintage flair. Louis Vuitton embraces a trendier aesthetic.
The ski boom has also reached low-cost fashion brands, such as Zara and Pull & Bear, which launched ski collections in 2022 and repeated the feat in 2023, joined by Oysho.
The collections are not only designed for skiing but also for the famous post-sport parties, the renowned après-ski. What's intriguing is that garments initially crafted for these specific moments now transcend into a broader universe around skiing, transforming, for instance, Moon Boot boots into everyday attire.
Skiing is no longer just about hitting the slopes; so, after hanging up your boots, it's not merely the end of a day on the trails but the commencement of a fashion parade in the après-ski. Whether wrapped in quilted layers exuding retro elegance or flaunting the latest trends from luxury brands, skiing has transcended the confines of sport to become an expression of style, a runway where everyone participates. Ultimately, it's more than just skiing; it's living and breathing fashion at the mountain's peak.
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