SLIM AARONS 

 The First to Capture the Après-Ski Aesthetic

This winter, the aesthetic of 60’s-luxurious Après-Ski has once again captivated our generation with its alluring elegance and class. Large fur jackets, slick ski pants, and patterned turtlenecks ruled the mountains of Aspen, Colorado and Verbier, Switzerland as individuals enjoyed their afternoon champagne. 

As ski season approaches, bold and Après-Ski inspired winter wear is dominating the slopes. The goal is to capture the timeless essence of lavish skiing from decades past and bring it to life again. But, who was the first to recognize the potential of this style? Where did the origin of this aesthetic begin?

In the late 1960s, photographer Slim Aarons devoted his time to capturing the luxurious lifestyle of the rich and famous around the world. Whether it was in California, New York, Italy, France, or Spain- Aarons always showcased the pure authenticness of the style and culture during this time. In his own words, Aarons took pictures of “attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places.” While his images continued to gain fame over the years, one of his most renowned categories was his Après-Ski photography.  

Après-Ski is a French term which translates to “after ski” or “after skiing.” While this was initially just referring to the post-ski day dinner parties and happy hours which were thrown on the powdery slopes- it evolved into a culture which would inspire fashion enthusiasts for decades to come. Men and women dressed in elaborate metallic puffers, fur-lined ear warmers and boots, silk-scarfs, and cable-knit, patterned sweaters paired with shiny, black sunglasses were so timelessly unique that we now use it for our own winter inspiration. 

How is Aaron’s eye for refined winter fashion reflected in today’s trends? Classic brands like J.Crew and Ralph Lauren consistently offer an array of vibrant cashmere sweaters in a spectrum of colors, perfect for layering during your winter getaway. This season particularly, Ralph Lauren has brought archive ski pieces from their ‘90s campaign to be revived by the younger generation of style lovers. With retro patterns and flashy colors- they are staple pieces to be added to your Après-Ski collection. 

Ski-wear brand Perfect Moment has reimagined retro ski style, curating a collection that captures the timeless charm and bold spirit of captivating winter wear. Featuring their own line of Après-Ski sweaters and star-studded ski gear, the brand offers endless possibilities to mix and match, creating unforgettable looks that evoke the same excitement as the iconic outfits in Slim Aarons’ photos. 

Lastly, Zara and H&M have taken the long-time trend of adding captivating metallic pieces to your winter look and redefined it through their own collections of ski suits and puffer jackets. 

As you see the perfect inspiration for your Après-Ski look-book this winter holiday, immerse yourself in the enchanting lifestyle captured by the creative genius, Slim Aarons.

Photo Caption: Photos taken from outside sources.

Written by

Emma Rowland