The furs were out in full force – both on and off the catwalk – for Aspen International Fashion Week, March 13-16. After a sudden cancellation of last year's event with the former organizer going MIA, Wilhelmina Denver took the reigns. Carrying on a similar format to years past, AIFW took over the Silver Circle Ice Rink for three days of runway presentations at the "Après Ski Stage." Curbed Ski had a front row seat to scout apparel and gear from the likes of Helly Hansen, Smith Optics, Salomon USA, The North Face, Obermeyer and Burton. Collections from Dennis Basso, Gorski Furs, Mountain Hides and Air Style Tribe gave us inspiration to step up our look off the slopes. With the sun shining, music bumping and cocktails flowing – AIFW was a welcome change of pace from our standard après routine.
Off the runway, we stopped by some of our favorite boutiques for official "Shop Aspen" events, which gave us previews of new collections and stayed out way too late for after parties at newest hotspot Bootsy Bellows and the infamous Escobar. The event culminated with an evening in true Aspen style – the Black & White Ball at the Caribou Club benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
"We are thrilled with the success of AIFW 2014 and we had such an incredible yet diverse collection of designers this year, says AIFW president Brooke Fogg. "I'm also extremely proud to say that we helped generate business for many of our designers as their collections that were shown at AIFW will now be carried in retail stores in Aspen."
Plans are already underway for Aspen International Fashion Week 2015.
All photos by Sarah Perkins
· Aspen International Fashion Week [Official Site]
· All Aspen Coverage [Curbed Ski Archives]