Las Vegas
Leggy models sashayed down the runway in gold bikini tops and hot pants, slinky bodysuits and fur-trimmed coats. You would expect nothing less in a city renowned for its glitter and showgirls, but wasn’t this supposed to be a showcase of the latest in clothes to wear on snow-covered mountains?
Indeed it was. The annual SnowSports Trade Show kicked off Sunday night with a parade of fashions from dozens of manufacturers of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories, complete with a little Vegas sizzle.
More than 1,300 spectators watched as the runway rose 3 feet above the floor and models emerged in a cloud of fog. Fashion Show mall is aptly named, as shows are staged daily in its Great Hall featuring state- of-the-art video, lighting and music.
Organizers sent a blizzard of outfits – 99 in all – down the runway, but the fast pace of the models and the fresh styles kept the audience attentive. Slimmed-down silhouettes, patterns that ranged from traditional plaids to arty abstracts, and a palette that included moody blues, rich chocolate browns and greens galore were some of the top trends unveiled.
It was the first fashion show SnowSports Industries America had presented in several years and was highly anticipated, according to David Ingemie, president of SIA. “We had more than 1,300 RSVPs and people were calling at the last minute trying to get invitations,” he says.
Ingemie says consumers who haven’t updated their snow gear in five years are going to see a lot of differences in both clothing and equipment next fall, when the styles unveiled at the trade show arrive in ski shops around the country.
Ski clothes used to be form-fitting and flashy, while snowboard styles were baggy and offbeat. “Now, ski, snowboard and free ride styles are coming together,” Ingemie says. “We’re seeing lots of prints and checks and we’re also seeing designs on skis.”
Roxy, a clothing brand popular with teen girls, teamed up with Dynastar and for fall will offer skis decorated with the same floral patterns and geometric motifs found on its clothes.
Snow-sports wear is also mirroring mainstream fashion, with puffy down parkas and fur trims as suited to the slopes as they are to the city.
And with the Olympics just over two weeks away, interest is high in both clothing and gear, say manufacturers attending the SnowSports Trade Show at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. “People get so excited about their country’s teams and their passion for the sport,” says Laura Wisner, marketing manager for Spyder, which outfits the American, Canadian and Austrian alpine teams. “The energy extends into the next season after the Olympics too.”
Consumers like the rub-off effect of wearing items from a brand with Olympic connections, says Bruce Legree, a sales representative for Dale of Norway and Descente. “It gives you credibility as a company when athletes wear your clothing. People feel like they’re getting the latest in both fabrics and technology.”
The U.S. and Canadian teams will wear Dale sweaters in the finish area after races, and Descente outfits the Swiss and Spanish alpine teams, Japanese ski jumpers and Canadian speed skaters, Legree says.
Retailers attending the trade show said customers demand the latest materials and fashion treatments in their clothing. Innovations like stretch fabrics and fused seams keep wind and water out, while novelty patterns lend fashion appeal, says Stefan Kaelin, owner of stores in Aspen and Newport Beach, Calif. He says his male customers want jackets with pockets for cellphones and iPods, while female customers are more interested in the appearance and feel of a garment. In general, “a lot of skiers want a cooler look,” Kaelin says.
Among the trends highlighted at the fashion show and by designers and manufacturers at the SnowSports Trade Show:
1970s vibe: Retro color blocking, swirling stripes, quilting, wallpaper prints and upholstery-like fabrics will appeal to the youth market.
Suited up: The return of the one-piece suit, looking funky, fresh and young. Roxy showed its Sky Lab suit in oversized black and white checks, Rossignol presented a pink Pucci-printed suit and Burton’s green hardware-studded style had a utilitarian, workwear appeal.
Underfoot: Moon Boots and fuzzy, furry boots continue to be the rage for après ski, but for the long hike in ski boots from the base to the parking lot, the Walk-EZ Revolution is the ticket. It has a curved sole that attaches to the bottom of ski boots. In the fashion show, many outfits were accessorized with Crocs clogs.
Sleek chic: New brands appealing to the high fashion skier include Schönes, based in Vail, which uses Italian woven fabrics and fur trims; and Erin Snow, which features reflective detail and metallic fabrics.
Heads up: Hats and helmets with built-in earphones and connection devices make non- wired headwear passé. And even old-school style caps are getting the treatment, including Bula’s Peruvian style cap with earphones in the flaps.
Knit wit: Bright colors, snowflake patterns and overall florals give a hip twist to classic ski sweaters from Boulder-based Neve Designs. Hoodies, pullovers and zip-front styles in washable merino wool look good both on and off the slopes.
