TOP TRENDS
Apparel: Trends for the Ages SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDS OF EVERY AGE GET GREAT FIT, COOL COLORS AND SHELTER FROM THE STORM.OCKERED BOARDS FLEX THEIR CORE It’s hard to keep track of all the looks and styles on the slopes these days. Gone are the days of dressing like either a racer or a recreational skier: Not only are there different kinds of skiing and riding such as backcountry and park and pipe, but people continuously blur the lines of fashion with their personal preferences. Companies are focusing on appealing to different categories such as youth, snowboard, sidecountry, crossover and alpine. SnowPress lists some of next season’s hottest trends for a multitude of snowsports enthusiasts
YOUTH More and more kids are hitting the slopes and manufactures are paying attention to what kids—and their parents—want: cool clothing and more choices in sizing. Burton adds junior sizes to their women’s collection this season to fill the gap between the youth and women’s collection. KJUS launches a junior collection for the first time, including three jackets for each gender. Obermeyer’s extensive toddler, youth and junior collections have unique styles—some with their I-Grow system, or grow cuffs in the outerwear—and various size runs.
SNOWBOARD There are still lots of statement-making prints and motorcycle, gangster or Hollywood-inspired bling, but function wins out as a determining design factor this season. “We are seeing a demand from the progressive riders for longer jackets to keep them covered while they are riding in the park, but still with the same flattering silhouettes so they can rock their jacket on or off the hill paired with slim fitting pants,” says Katie Bedwell, senior product manager for Burton women’s outerwear. Cappel upgrades their insulation by using PrimaLoft Sport and Infinity in the highend pieces. And Ride features a new printed application look that appears transparent though it’s printed on the backside of the fabric. Look for waxed denim, plaids, stripes, woven jacquards, micro pinstripes, houndstooth yarn-dyes and tons of detailing in the design, fabrication, trims, and linings to also grace the parks and slopes.
SIDECOUNTRY Backcountry’s little sister, the relatively new lift-served sidecountry category, demands highly technical—yet stylish— outerwear that accommodates all of their technological needs. “In the past decade, we have seen snowsports gear become more and more ‘featured out,’” says Tara Latham, Arc’teryx product designer. “There has been a continuous movement towards overt call-outs to innovation (iPod features, glued in pockets, ventilation holes, Recco). These features have found a new way to be incorporated into the overall design of the garment.”
Marmot showcases a collection built specifically for sidecountry users called the Coombs collection after legendary big-mountain skier Doug Coombs with Intelligent Shock Absorption material debuting in the jackets and pants. Technical softshells and lightweight down also evolve. Salomon introduces the S-Line, a 3:1 jacket which combines mobility and waterproofness with warmth in an outer ClimaPro softshell which can be paired with a down jacket. And Mountain Hardwear focuses on Core Climate Control by introducing portable heat and power jackets enabled by Ardica Technologies that can generate nearly 9 hours of heat.
CROSSOVER Some companies crossover party lines by offering youthful prints as well as technical fabrics with a wide variety of sizes and styles. Orage’s wide appeal is thanks in part to their offering of three color stories as well as three unique fits. Orage hits another trend this season by offering a new “tight pant” fit in the men’s line. Patagonia reaches a wide range of ages by focusing on timeless designs, many borrowed from the runway and other sports. “It seems that there is no lag between sportswear/fashion trends and outerwear trends these days,” says Judy Kim, product line manager for Patagonia’s ski/snowboard line. “In addition, bright colors will continue, more textures/jacquards/novelty-weaves for surface design, and less loud, over-the-top prints.” For Scott USA, colors are trending brighter for next season. They also feature a reversible, technical, 2-layer down jacket.
ALPINE Speaking of timeless, the alpine category appeals to skiers who appreciate innovative fabrics and features plus clean lines and silhouettes. “Brands in skiwear are going to be going back to more conservative styles and colors for the bulk of their collections,” says Ted DeInnocentis, national sales support for KJUS USA. “ The far out colors and patterns will be put on the back burner for at least a season or two until the market recovers. Solid colors with clean lines seems to be what the consumer desires in tough economic times.” Highlights here include Volkl Performance Wear’s outerlayers, both insulated jackets and shells, designed with the newly developed Sympatex—a waterproof and breathable membrane that is both PTFE-free and biodegradable. And Spyder’s new slippery race suit, making a grand debut at the Olympics.—KRISTA CRABTREE
12 SNOWPRESS DAY 3 skipressworld.com/snowpress
“There is no lag between sportswear/ fashion trends and outerwear trends.” OFFICIAL INDUSTRY SUPPORTER