Image via Complex Original
Every March, high style hits the Rocky Mountains hard for Aspen Fashion Week. Yeah, we know, Aspen is always fashionable. But, for a few days in spring, this tiny, but international village in Colorado becomes ground zero for the latest trends in ski and technical outerwear.
Of course, Aspen is no stranger to a party. So, naturally, the best garments for hitting hot spots like Belly Up or the Little Nell were featured on the picturesque Snowstage Runway too. Check out The 10 Best Things At Aspen Fashion Week 2012.
All Photo Credit: Nick Tinineko.
Patterns Still Rule The Hill
Patterns Still Rule The Hill
While camo near enough covered last year's Aspen Fashion Week, 2012 moved toward bolder single color palettes. However, Authier successfully bucked trend and kept course with a fresh array of patterns. This skull driven jacket was top choice.
High End Ski With Street Potential
High End Ski With Street Potential
Could KJUS be the next brand to move from strict functional use to street status symbol? The care and attention to the smallest details (even zippers are hand crafted) make these ski jackets some of the most advanced around. A sleek aesthetic means you can get away with rocking them off the slopes.
Lapland Chic
Lapland Chic
Finnish brand Duohtavuohta brought a unique sense of eco-luxury to Aspen via the cold climbs of Finland. Yeah, this is womenswear, but we still couldn't help but be impressed by the mix of wool, reindeer leather, and arctic fur. If anything, the combined materials made for the most thrilling runway show of the week.
Fresh Tech Returns
Fresh Tech Returns
Marmot returned to Aspen with a refined take on technical mountain wear. Mixing fleece and down, the NorCal-based brand is also responsible for one of our favorite new layering pieces.
Obermeyer Brings Back Snow Vintage
Obermeyer Brings Back Snow Vintage
Skiing lost a bit of its nerve during the heritage boom, with collections looking at more general Americana inspirations rather than back to historic alpine traditions. With that said, we were amped to see Obermeyer (a company born and bred in Aspen) dig into their archives and pull out numbers like this bold sweater.
Dogs at Events
Dogs at Events
One of the core components of Aspen Fashion Week is opening discussion about fashion, technology, commerce and the global impact these relevant issues have on today’s society. The "Off The Rack" roundtable featured FEED co-founder Lauren Bush alongside Krochet Kids CEO Kohl Crecelius, and designer Veronika Scott — each offering their take on how ethical and sustainable manufacture can bring empowerment to communities in need. The handsome fellow shown here was one of the many engaged attendees.
Canadian Sportswear Heats Up The Runway
Canadian Sportswear Heats Up The Runway
Hats off to ROOTS. The Canadian sportswear brand not only manufactures at home in Toronto, but presented some sharp heritage-inspired looks on the runway. A sleeper for those looking for a unique varsity jacket next fall.
High Fashion Meets High Function
High Fashion Meets High Function
No doubt, Isaora had the most talked about presentation of the week. Few brands mix high style and technology as smoothly, and with as much personality, as this New York brand. And, nobody else offers such slick sweats or bonded blazers.
Hats For A Cause
Hats For A Cause
We love beanies. So do the guys from Krochet Kids. More importantly, they also believe in the potential of creating sustainable economic development programs and supporting holistic growth in communities within developing nations. That's why many of their products are handmade in places like Uganda and Peru, and not only look great, but promote social change via responsible, ethical commerce.
Bentley Boys
Bentley Boys
Style and action go hand in hand at Aspen Fashion Week. It was only natural that Bentley Motors celebrated the adrenaline seeking history of the Bentley Boys with an amazing stunts from base jumper Ted Davenport freeskier Chris Davenport.
