Las Vegas – You better be able to bust some moves on the slopes if you intend to wear next winter’s ski and snowboard clothes, because the bold patterns headed to stores are meant to turn heads on the trails and terrain parks.
Jackets and pants emblazoned with graphic prints, camouflage patterns, abstract florals and plaids were among the nearly 100 outfits shown last week at the kickoff fashion presentation for the annual SnowSports Trade Show held here each January.
Hundreds of retail store owners, manufacturers and designers attended the event at the Fashion Show mall on the Strip. Many had a sense of déjà vu as the clothes brought back memories of the 1960s and ’70s with their swirling prints, color-blocking and bold colors, often played off black and white. Lime green and orange, mustard yellow and hot pinks were shown, as well as skinny pants tucked into moon boots.
“It’s interesting to see how the plaids and pinstripes that started in free-skiing and snowboarding are becoming mainstream,” says David Ingemie, president of the SnowSports Industries America, the association that puts on the trade show each year.
Apparel sales have been a bright spot in the industry this year as consumers freshen their wardrobes with the new styles, Ingemie says. SIA recently reported that overall sales at specialty stores were up 18 percent in the last quarter of 2006, and sales at both specialty and chain stores were up 4 percent, to $729.9 million. They’ve also just begun tracking Internet sales, which accounted for $126 million.
Not only are the fashions bolder, designers are engineering them with new materials to make them waterproof, breathable, warm and comfortable.
Helly Hanson showed a one-piece “Survival” suit inspired by amphibious suits made for sea rescues. Dale of Norway, known for its classic wool sweaters, has teamed up with W.L. Gore to create “Knitshell” technical outerwear, offering water and wind protection while still being breathable.
For those who play rough and take their share of falls on the hill, Aegix Performance Apparel incorporates special padding that’s lightweight but engineered to absorb nearly twice as much force as other cushioning materials while still allowing for movement.
Wacoal Sports Science uses a “conditioning web” in its tights to provide extra support to the core lower abs, glutes and hip flexor muscles, which get a workout on the mountain.
Companies are also doing their part to make clothes from recycled or environmentally sensitive materials. One example: Patagonia’s Rubicon puff jacket with a shell of recycled polyester dobbyweave, and lining and insulation from recycled polyester.
And others are committing to sustainability efforts. Moon Shadow Headwear is working with a women’s knitting cooperative in Peru to use local fibers to make the company’s designs, creating handcrafted hats that will sell for $28 to $100.
A number of new companies showed at SIA for the first time, reminding Ingemie of the rush that accompanied the launch of snowboarding almost two decades ago. “Everyone is looking for their market, a piece of the market,” Ingemie says. “It’s an interesting time in the industry.”
Contact Suzanne S. Brown at 303-954-1697 or sbrown@denverpost.com
Six trends you’ll spot through the snow
More than 400 companies representing 800 brands just introduced their new lines for next winter at the Snow- Sports Trade Show. Among the fashion and clothing trends we spotted:
The skinny: You’ll be seeing slimmer silhouettes worn both by alpine skiers and their snow-riding cousins.
Black and white and worn all over: The no-color palette is pervasive, often spiked with brights or done in prints ranging from abstracts and florals to dice and graphics. The bright stuff: Those who dare will be wearing all shades of orange, from citrus to pumpkin and rust; and green, from avocado to lime and split pea.
Eco skiwear: Manufacturers are becoming more socially conscious and concerned about the environment, using recycled materials in clothing.
Smarter snow clothes: High-tech materials are being used to keep riders warmer, drier and more protected from the elements. Street meets slopes: There s a fusion of styles, like Bonfire Snowboarding’s Blazer jacket made of angora wool twill and trimmed in leather. Bogner is using Italian wool plaids and herringbones
