I’m not too far afield today — just 30 minutes from my house, up the road in Aspen to check out the kick-off events for the second annual Aspen Fashion Week. Today through Friday, the week is chock full of après-ski fashion shows, parties at downtown shops, film screenings at the historic Wheeler Opera House, concerts, late-night gatherings and more.
Many of the events are open to the public — like the afternoon fashion shows I attended today and and the daily in-store events (tacos and cervezas at Marmot, cocktails at Pucci…). But if you want VIP access — and trust me, for the best fashion show seating behind the ropes, the VIP badge is key — buy a day ticket for $100 at The Sky Hotel any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. this week.
Even with my Media credentials (capital “M” my emphasis) I had a hard time getting into the inner sanctum of the Kjus and Obermeyer fashion shows at the base of Aspen Mountain today. The security guy and the AFW staffers in cute matching white puffy coats (below) were good; they turned away a lot of folks who just wanted to waltz right in without having paid or having earned their VIP status (by sponsoring or otherwise participating in the week-long event). All’s well that ends well — I eventually got let in with the other big boys wielding big lenses at the end of the Snowstage catwalk.
And what fun it was watching the young men and women (okay, hot young men and women) strut down the runway wearing ski fashions we’ll see on the slopes next winter. The school-age kids, however, stole the show, with their shy smiles (the girls) and their cool bravado (the boys).
Kjus skiwear, founded by Norwegian World Cup skier (and Olympic medalist Lasse Kjus), is a high-end designer, no doubt. We’re talking ski jackets upwards of $1,500 and women’s ski pants for $600. But this is quality ski wear — materials are high tech, the look is crisp and clean. If you’re in Aspen and want to see the current collection, visit Hamilton Sports kitty corner from The Little Nell on Durant Street.
Here’s a peek at the colorful and cool collection coming from Kjus for 2010/2011:
Obermeyer holds a special place in my heart because it’s a local company. Founded by German Klaus Obermeyer, who can be found regularly on Aspen’s ski slopes at age 90, Obermeyer skiwear is beloved by locals namely because the company holds an annual “friends and family” warehouse sale every July. I’ve outfitted my children in Obermeyer fleece, hats, mittens, ski pants and coats since they were about two years old! Every year we go to the massive summer sale, where locals get fabulous gear at a fraction of the price. My current ski coat is Obermeyer and I’ve skied with Obermeyer gloves for years.
Fascinating, I bet that was a real interesting experience, I wish I could of been there. And the girls & boys really do look great
Nobody could ever tell that I worked for Seventeen Magazine, back in the days.
I could use some fashion tips! I need to get the schedule for the fashion activities this week, thanks for giving me the heads up.
I guess we are lucky that with mountain fashion all we need is to renew our ski suit every other year and keep up with the trendy boot, sweater and hat styles. Oh yeah, and one must never, ever, forget the sunglasses!
Jillian – The Aspen Daily news has a great pull-out section dedicated to AFW w/ the schedule and other info.
What fun. And what a setting for a fashion show. You live in a great location.
I honestly liked going through your web log posts, and I’ve included you to my Microsoft reader.