The Luxe List: The mountain is the runway

Every winter, Aspen Mountain acts as a snowy runway for ski fashion of all kinds: the good, the bad, the technically advanced, the misguided, the ultra-chic, and the truly strange.

The other day, I saw a woman in the lift line with a crossbody purse. Not a backpack. Not even a fanny pack. An honest-to-god crossbody purse. I need to understand the moments before this woman left her house in full ski gear and then threw on a purse as her final accessory. Helmet? Check. Gloves? Check. Crossbody purse? ABSOLUTELY NOT. These types of offenses must be stopped. 

If the crossbody purse was the most offensive, there is plenty of good — no, great — ski fashion to be seen on these hills, as well. We’ve seen ski fashion influence the fashion industry at large for years — and for good reason. Gone are the days of boring, shapeless shells that were only appropriate where bindings and snow were involved. These days, interesting color stories, cool layers, and silhouettes of all kinds make up skiwear, proving once and for all that skiing isn’t just a sport — it’s a lifestyle. 

One cruise down Copper, and you will see that monochromatic sets still rule. Brands of all kinds are showing that the matching sets that we rebelled against in our youth (Or was that just me?) are now the most covetable on-snow look. I’ve written a lot about JORDE in this column, and I’m partial to their brightly colored slim pants and puffy jackets. Aztech Mountain is a fave of all the coolest kids on the mountain. They create pieces in shades deeper than our snow base that are flattering on everyone (This year’s green and burgundy are standouts). In the last few years, I’ve also become a huge fan of the way HEAD has done its shell sets. They’re simple, well-cut, and come complete with all the technicality this heritage brand can bring to the table. I’m also a fan of an Amundsen set, but I’m not a 6-foot-tall Scandinavian, so the fit doesn’t suit my vertically-challenged frame. 

I’ve also seen more than a few Cordova full pieces that looked great on the women wearing them, even if their fashion was better than their turns. Or, should I say wide, wide arcs that took up the entire mountain. Honestly, the whole look was better when they were standing still. That is not to say I don’t believe in a one-piece, though — they’ve gotten increasingly cuter and less embarrassing over the last few years, in large part to brands like Fusalp and Cordova fusing technicality with fashion to an impressive effect. 

I also just want to give the vest its due. I understand this is a controversial segment of outerwear, but I, for one, love a vest. I left Colorado for years for career reasons, and I swear to god, one of the reasons I moved back was the desire to be somewhere where a down vest was not only acceptable but encouraged. And to those who make a vest work on-mountain, I salute you. I manage to do it on occasion, but my fear of being cold often prevails. Regardless, whether it’s Moncler, Performance, Aztech, or one of the many other options, a vest allows your ski sweater to show, and if you have read this column previously, you know how important sweaters are to me. 

As far as fashion events, there is some post-holiday slowdown — but not for long. One of the hottest brands in fashion, Khaite, is hosting a trunk show at a private home on Jan. 16. If interested in exploring the brand’s coveted collection of beautifully-crafted womenswear and accessories, reach out to me, and I’ll share all the details. This is one not to miss. 

LA-based SPRWMN is also doing a trunk show on Jan. 23 at a private home. Known for high-end staples and timeless silhouettes — especially great leather and suede pieces — this is a great opportunity to add a few classics to your winter wardrobe. Same thing here: Reach out to me for deets (sari@tuschmanco.com).

Welcome to the New Year, where the rest of the country is thinking about resolutions, Dry January, and when it won’t be dark at 5 p.m. again.

Not in Aspen.

For us, the snow is just beginning to fall, winter is finally hitting its groove, and each day brings the major decision of what ski outfit to don. Choose wisely. It’s a snowy fashion show out there.

See you on the hill.