Winter is near — we can tell by the skiwear on the shelves. The style, oft-associated with neon snowsuits and heavily stickered headgear, has grown over the seasons. Thanks to well-powdered pioneers like Moncler Grenoble and Perfect Moments, alpine enthusiasts don some of our favourite winter looks; parkas and flared pants rival styles on the runway. And, in recent years, high-fashion houses have hit the slopes. Armani relaunched its skiwear line, Neve, while Chloé and Balmain have partnered with outdoor brands Fusalp and Rossignol. And, given the fast friendship between skiers and stylists, it’s only natural for Louis Vuitton to join the party.
Enter the Louis Vuitton Ski Collection. Packed with ready-to-wear looks, the collection serves the label’s alpine ambitions. We’d be wrong to start with anything but the hooded snowboarding sweatshirt. Constructed for comfort, the garment comes with a water-repellent outer layer and ventilated face protection. Meanwhile, après-ski looks borrow from ’90s-style skiwear. City life inspires details across the collection, from denim-effect finishes to corduroy accents.
If you’re asking Louis, though, leather goods are the true star of the show. Per the press release, leather accessories are “like stars glittering in the night sky.” Accordingly, the skiwear collection features a Keepall 25, Trio Messenger, Discovery Backpack, and Rush Bumbag, each one embellished with the Monogram Reflective design. Elsewhere, classic models (the Christopher Backpack, Keepall 25, Rush Bumbag XL, and Keepall, to be specific) come with chic gold shearling accents and grained leather trim. To finish it off, the ever-present Speedy P9 30 comes in velvety calfskin — with white shearling accents and a denim effect to boot.
As with any collection from Louis Vuitton, the men’s skiwear line has no shortage of symbols and motifs. The Monogram Macassar adorns a puffer jacket, while familiar styles resurface in a snowier context, appearing in the Monogram Argyle, Snowflake jacquard, and “LV Skier” logo.
Fans of the LV Trainer can choose from trompe-l’œil denim-effect leather, Snow Monogram leather, or shearling (in one of three shades: beige, black, and brown). The City Ranger hiking boot comes with a choice, too: suede-finished shearling or a suede-and-alligator mix. Turning to accessories, shoppers can keep warm with scarves and beanies, while staying protected with the LV Lock Mask.
While we’re still waiting for the season’s first snowfall in Toronto, the new Louis Vuitton Ski Collection is a welcome reminder that the pow days are on the horizon.
FEATURE PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON.
