The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2022 - Issue 32

bitefashion British equestrian brand Holland Cooper introduces Cristina Lloyd to its ski collection that will make skiers look aprés-chic on the slopes. W hen winter comes, most sun seekers escape to hotter climates and skiers don jumpsuits or ski jackets with matching pants to hit the slopes. The Norwegians may have invented the skiing technique, but the Austrians established its style. Ski clothing trimmed with distinctive geometric architecture and the wild- flowers of the mountain meadows adopted traditional folk dress aesthetics such as lederhosen, trachten and dirndls worn in German-speaking countries and regions. In 1863, the first female ski jumper competed in the Trysil competition in Norway. Those days, women skiers wore long woollen skirts (until they exchanged them for trousers in the 1920s), a thick fur scarf and an extravagant hat. Men wore woollen skiwear influenced by the current trends in cut and fabric and rugged pieces donned by mountaineers on expedi- tions. After the First World War, European ski towns popped up across the Alps, with the high society adopting this new leisurely sport. The 1930s saw women attach lastex (elastic yarn) knit bands to their trouser legs and sleeve cuffs, paired with a tailored jacket. Until then, skiwear was made from lambswool or gabardine, but this changed when Bauer unveiled the first quilted goose- down jacket in 1936. That same year, the world's first chair lifts opened at the Sun Valley Resort in Idaho, USA, changing the snow skiing sport forever. Now, skiers could descend the slopes from higher heights, which also affected their skiwear aerodynamically. In the 1940s, women wore slim-fitting trousers in earthy tones of mustard yellow and muddy brown, with airy tops and pops of red in the jacket trim. Men tucked their ski pants in argyle print socks and sometimes wore berets. In the following dec- ade, skiwear became more stretchy and tight-fitting with the invention of Spandex. Plaid flannel parkas and beanies were also introduced alongside the first Moncler jacket sparking an ongoing connection between high fashion and skiwear. The 1960s replaced bulky ski clothing with sleek and slender pieces, the snood and mod ski goggles. The 1970s saw bright and psychedelic colour jumpsuits paired with turtlenecks and matching fluorescent accessories on the slopes. In the 1980s, men and women wore fluorescent neon snowsuits in bold colours. Initially invented in 1969, Gore-Tex fabric was used to repel liquid water and allow water vapour to pass through, making skiwear lightweight, breathable and waterproof. In the 1990s, ski clothing was lined with fleece for warmth, while snowsuits in candy and pastel tones were paired with colour-coordinated headbands. Incredibly, crop tops and high-waisted leggings were also spotted on the slopes. The noughties changed ski fashion to a baggier fit, with many sporting quilted parkas with faux fur hoods. Technology has made skiwear more adaptable, comfortable, sustainable and warmer. This year, equestrian brand Holland Cooper continues its skiwear range so skiers can make an adventurous statement on the slopes. Every clothing level is covered with knitwear, base layers, leggings, jackets, ski suits and salopettes. The high-neck Thermal Ski and Ski Panel Base Layers in black are inspired by its equestrian base layers but re-imagined with a heavier brushed polyamide fabric. It features Teflon coating for wa- ter and snow resistance, branded zip closure and a high-build gold silicone branding. In similar Teflon-coated fabric, the Thermal Ski and Panel Ski Leggings, also in black, are designed with a body contouring fit, offering movement and comfort. They have a handy leg pocket, signature metal hardware, a detailed waistband, and high-build gold silicone HC branding. Keep insulated with the roll-neck Logo Ski Knit in winter white or black created from super soft thermolite yarns. It’s detailed with knitted HC pan- els on the arms and finished with the brand’s iconic silicone branding. Complete your look with the Ski Jacket in black, white, mono houndstooth or houndstooth, equipped with technical attrib- utes required for a day on the slopes. The jackets are designed with a snow and water-resistant stretch fabric, detachable faux fur trimmed hood and HC belt, quick drying and breathable moisture wicking and baffled sleeve detail with a responsibly sourced real down fill. They also have an internal snow skirt, coated waterproof zips and armpit vents for added breatha- bility. Other features include a handy lower cuff pocket for lift pass- es, a neoprene storm cuff, signature metal hardware detailing, tonal silicone prints and branding details, and a 100% polyes- ter lining. The Sleeveless Ski Suit in black has similar attributes with the addition of a slim fit and contouring shape and water- proof coated zip entry to the back leg for the boot. In contrast, the Ski Suit has the exact details of the Ski Jacket, except the bonded face side is made from 92% nylon instead of polyester. Thanks to its modern slim fit and bootleg shape, the Ski Salo- pettes in black is a must-have on the slopes. It has all the mak- ings of the Ski Jacket and Ski Suit with the additional flexible ribbed waistband, reinforced water and snow resistant biker style knee patches. Other features include zip detail and inter- nal adjustable snow skirts that fit over most boot types com- fortably. The bonded face side is 92% nylon and 8% elastane, while the back is 90% polyester and 10% elastane, with a 100% polyester lower internal lining. Holland Cooper’s chic ski collection and other apparel and ac- cessories are available online and at their Bicester Village store in Oxfordshire, England. www.hollandcooper.com