Amidst the vibrant festive atmosphere and the lingering effects of the recent SEA Games 33, sports enthusiasts may have found a new source of inspiration for this winter: sports combined with relaxation!

What could be better than enjoying a warm glass of wine in a luxurious bar, socialising with friends, or going to a spa, bathing in hot springs overlooking a romantic snowy landscape, or simply having afternoon tea in the lobby of a high-end resort after skiing in the Alps? These "post-skiing" activities have shaped apr&egrave;s-ski &ndash; an activity seemingly unfamiliar in Vietnam's monsoon climate but very popular in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in Europe.
Skiing is one of the oldest sports in human history, existing even before it was considered a sport. This was when people used wooden skis for transportation, hunting, and survival during the harsh winters of Northern Europe. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the standardisation of techniques and equipment, skiing gradually transformed into a systematic sport. A significant milestone was reached in 1924, when skiing officially appeared at the first Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France, paving the way for its popularisation and culturalization.
Alongside the development of skiing is the formation of a specialised ecosystem of apparel and equipment, where technical functionality is paramount. This demand has led to the expansion of ski fashion beyond protection, encompassing aesthetics, lifestyle, and identity, laying the foundation for concepts like apr&egrave;s-ski and ski-core. Before venturing into the realm of relaxation and leisure &ndash; where apr&egrave;s-ski attire shines &ndash; let L'OFFICIEL guide you back to the origins: the ski slope, where function, history and fashion begin to intersect.

Inspired by the snowy mountains from Ski-core

According to the Depop team, searches for the terms &ldquo;ski jacket&rdquo; increased by 135% in 2022, while &ldquo;ski pants&rdquo; increased by 112%. Pinterest recorded a 12-fold increase in searches for &ldquo;apr&egrave;s ski style&rdquo; when comparing data from December 2021 to December 2022. On the retail side, the MatchesFashion team reported that their ski category grew by +35% in Spring/Summer 2023, indicating strong investment and customer interest in this segment. (According to TZR)
Essentially, ski-core embodies the creative spirit and re-engineering capabilities of technical ski apparel within the context of contemporary fashion. Functional elements such as specialised ski vests, ski pants, thermal insulation, technical zippers and easy-to-move silhouettes are moved from the ski slopes into the runway and everyday life. As a result, ski-inspired fashion becomes a trend every winter.

The surge in searches for terms like &ldquo;ski jacket,&rdquo; &ldquo;ski pants,&rdquo; or &ldquo;apr&egrave;s-ski style,&rdquo; as mentioned above, shows that consumers are still seeking a visual identity associated with the Alpine-chic lifestyle: dynamic, enjoyable, mobile, and strongly reminiscent of luxury vacations. This is also why high-end fashion brands are proactively entering this market. This year is no exception, from Elie Saab bringing the retro glamour of 1960s-1970s Aspen, elegant, neat, and sophisticated; Casablanca showcasing soft silhouettes and quilted details reminiscent of the 1980s, but restrained to avoid excessive neon; Moncler Grenoble displaying a minimalist spirit, ready for any trend, with a precise balance between luxury and technique; and Andreas Kronthaler recreating the chaotic energy of the 1990s with oversized, bold, and challenging pieces.

Après-ski - From history to the contemporary stage

Apr&egrave;s-ski is a term referring to the activities and spaces that take place after leaving the ski slopes, developing alongside the growth of ski resorts in Europe, particularly in the Alps. Initially, the concept had a purely temporal meaning &ndash; "after skiing," referring to the hours of rest, recovery, and socialising for skiers after physical activity. However, over time, apr&egrave;s-ski transcended its functional scope to become a cultural practice associated with winter resort lifestyles. In the 1950s and 1960s, with the influx of the upper class and artists to prestigious resorts such as St. Moritz, Meg&egrave;ve, and Courchevel, the concept of apr&egrave;s-ski gradually shifted from daily life to a lifestyle and culture within a broader context. The need for "post-ski" attire became clearly defined at that time: clothing needed to be warm enough to adapt to the high-altitude climate, practical enough for movement, yet still meet aesthetic and status requirements- an essential prerequisite for the emergence of the apr&egrave;s-ski spirit in fashion.

From there, apr&egrave;s-ski gradually emerged as a distinct aesthetic, emphasising warmth, relaxation, and personal style. Thick sweaters, fur coats, shearling boots, and accessories not only suit the climate but also serve as hallmarks of a resort lifestyle associated with status and winter consumer culture. Scandinavian sweaters&mdash;a long-standing symbol of Northern Europe&mdash;become key items in an apr&egrave;s-ski-inspired wardrobe. This season, brands like Moschino, Anteprima, Acne Studios, and Marco Rambaldi have reinterpreted the Alpine aesthetic in a contemporary way with oversized silhouettes, soft fabrics and neutral colour palettes. Lightly tousled mohair, candy-sweet pinks, faded blues, and graphic-rendered, rounded shapes transform the familiar Norwegian sweater into an actual "statement piece" in ski fashion.

Steps to becoming a true ski girl this holiday season.

<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Step 1: Choose a versatile sweater.</li>
</ul>
For a light and compact luggage option, choose versatile sweaters suitable for both occasions. In the morning, they can be perfectly paired with ski pants or salopettes while you're out skiing; in the afternoon, simply switch to denim or leggings and you're ready for relaxing by the fireplace. The key is that the sweater is warm enough but still stylish enough to look good outside of the skiing area.
High-quality wool and cashmere are always the safest bet, from classic Fair Isle patterns to sleek, sporty designs. If you prefer minimalism, fisherman sweaters or thick turtlenecks also work well. Whether you're preparing for a long Dolomites vacation or just a weekend ski trip to Stowe or Tahoe, invest in truly worthwhile sweaters.
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: justify;">Step 2: Ski pants and salopettes &ndash; versatile from the ski slopes to the resort.</li>
</ul>
Ski pants and ski suits are so diverse these days that finding a design that's both trendy and easy to wear is easier than ever. One-piece suits are especially popular because they keep you warm on the slopes, and can be pulled down halfway for a more relaxed and comfortable feel after your workout.
For a more casual look, leggings paired with an oversized sweater are a neat yet fashionable option. Flared pants offer just the right amount of flair, creating a striking impression against the mountain backdrop. And salopette overalls are always a go-to for ski trips: easy to layer, easy to style, just add a thermal turtleneck underneath and you're ready for the whole day.

<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Step 3: Base layers</li>
</ul>
The base layer is the "silent hero" of any apr&egrave;s-ski outfit &ndash; unassuming but crucial in both functionality and aesthetics. Whether you wear a Heattech shirt under a neat salopette or layer a thin cashmere turtleneck under a puffer jacket, these form-fitting designs effectively keep you warm without feeling bulky.
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Step 4: Puffer jackets</li>
</ul>
A complete ski wardrobe is incomplete without a striking puffer jacket. Beyond keeping you warm, a puffer acts as a visual anchor for the entire outfit; layering it over a base layer and flared ski pants creates a compelling overall look. This season, choices range from the streamlined designs of Perfect Moment or Cordova to the performance-focused models of The North Face. For a more fashionable look, consider a puffer jacket with a G-logo print from Gucci.
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Step 6: Alpine Accessories</li>
</ul>
Balaclavas may be a trend, but snoods and scarves have been around for a long time because of their effectiveness. Be sure to pack gloves, a beanie, aviator sunglasses, goggles, a scarf, and thick wool socks to stay warm while adding a stylish touch.

Après-Ski Dressing for the Alps

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