Ladies Alpine

In the 1930s despite The Depression, rather than due to it, Alpine skiing made the transition from an exotic leisure pursuit for a handful of the rich and privileged to become a worldwide participant sport. The growth was so rapid that in 1936 that there were a million American skiers as Alpine skiing had become a huge success in the United States as well as in Europe.

The proliferation of rope tows erected across The States may well have been the key factor, the climbing ethic was not for everyone, but Alpine skiing also fed on a lack of alternatives during the winter months, no superhighways to warmer climes, no jets to Miami. Skiing took off rapidly, not only as a participation sport but also as a major spectator draw, with tens of thousands turning out to watch the thrills and inevitable spills of this exciting new sport. Like all new participant sports skiing needed purpose built clothing and, arguably, the most stylish skiwear of the 20th Century was made in USA during the 1930s so when we asked our design team to come up with a collection of Skiwear to fit into the Aero range, they turned to this era for inspiration.

"The Alpine", the first of this range is a short belted leather jacket with two flapped pockets giving security for possessions, a luxurious Fur collar and heavy Alpaca Wool lining for warmth, storm cuffs in the sleeves for wind resistance on the slopes and, keeping to the 1930s theme, closes by a genuine deadstock Talon zipper, actually from the 1950s but identical to the zippers of the late 1930s. The result is this practical and beautifully stylish Winter jacket.