Other than architecture, nothing quite embodies the feel of an era like fashion. It’s only when we look at historical trends – what outfits they donned, to what events, during which season – can we really envision ourselves in that time. When we romanticise the past and throw time-themed parties in our Verbier seasonal accommodation rather than talking or eating like back then, we most often show our appreciation by dressing the way we did back then; because, as aforementioned, it’s the best way to engage with that time.
And what blunders there have been in the past when it comes to fashion. Up until the 60s, perhaps the 50s, clothing was dignified and methodical. After that? It all went a bit crazy. People chose clothing as a medium for their individuality, which caused some real lurid nightmares. Lurid nightmares that we personally love, but nonetheless, nightmares.
The flares of the sixties, the disco pants of the 70s, the jumpsuits of the 80s, the garish patterns of the 90s, the loosely fitted jeans of the 00s, and now, us, probably looking silly without noticing yet. These tsunamis of fads were extreme, but in comparison to ski fashion, they’re nothing. Nothing at all.
Ski fashion is like festival fashion; people feel they can wear an extreme version of current trends. And that’s what we’re going to discuss today: the different eras of ski fashion we’ve seen in our Verbier, eventually deciding on our favourite.
In our intro 1900s fell in our dignified and methodical area, which it is most certainly is. However, all ski clothing must be methodical, otherwise, you’ll shiver to death. So that aspect doesn’t really through the years.
Due to how dignified it all was, there’s not much to say about ski fashion until you reach the 50s.
Some real individuality began meandering down Verbier’s slopes of white in the 50s. It was the time skiing truly became a recreational sport, and also purely for the middle classes, which means only the best fabrics were donned.
For lack of better word 1950s skiing fashion, was somewhat… well, dorky. It was also the last period where skiing fashion didn’t faintly resemble what it is today.
For ski fashion, the 1960s was a decade of elegance. It actually looked, dare we say, good? Well, daren’t we say that, as the 1960s is often spoken of as the ‘best’ era for ski fashion.
Most looked like your out-there indie rock band do now.
Colour, although appearing intermittently hitherto, really took the front seat in ski fashion from this moment on. One (extreme) colour overalls. Garish high-waisted trousers, only ringed in by juxtaposing patterns… for men. This decade was… well, it was a thing of total beauty.
We must pay our salutes to this decade as it made ski fashion its evergreen form it is today.
Not too dissimilar from the 70s, the 80s varied in other ways; mostly hair. One stark comparison could be that the ski fashion somehow went back to the drawing board and found a more extreme colour palette. Oh, and fur. The 80s was a time of neon, for all, and that reflected.
Can you envision yourselves zipping left to right on the slopes these days in gear like this? Well, you should be able to because many do, but that’s something we’ll discuss later.
At the time we’re sure many, in I’ve-progressed-flurry, looked back and laughed at ski fashion of the 80s. But, now, in a state of calm hindsight, we can say it was strikingly similar.
The 2000s for ski fashion should be considered some sort of purgatory; there are new innovations in ski wear each day, but pining for the past has many donning duds from yesteryears. This season is now fully in swing and we’re seeing an amalgamation of the 70s, 80s, 90s, and new, state-of-the-art gear. There’s no clear style that defines this period. And that’s why it’s our favourite; why choose one when you can have them all?
We love skiing. And when we say that we mean it. To love something, you must have a deep appreciation for all aspects of it; be it a poor season for snow, a great run, or even the fashion. That’s why we discussed ski fashion today, because, as said, we love skiing. Do you love skiing? You do? Well, why not book your next journey with us. We have the best Verbier accommodation around, and not only that, we offer a bespoke service like no other. There aren’t many requests we can’t fulfil. Take a look at our offerings now.
