Creative processes for the new urban ski collection
This autumn, the time has finally come: after 13 years, we are presenting the long-awaited new ski collection. But what is behind this exciting new release? Let's dive into the fascinating world of our design team and experience first-hand how creativity, technical know-how and passion for sustainability merge to create a unique urban ski collection.
The creative spark: How it all begins
"Every great design starts with a vision," explains Lea, one of our designers. And at Belowzero, this vision takes shape in the form of a carefully curated mood board. "A mood board is much more than just a pretty collage. It is the compass that guides the design process in new, exciting directions," adds Lea.
Lea's current mood board features images of snowy mountain landscapes, interspersed with rich green and brown tones. This color combination is no coincidence: studies show that green tones not only have a calming effect, but also promote our creativity and connect us with nature. These are precisely the feelings Lea wants to evoke with the new urban ski collection.
From sketch to digital design
While Lea develops the overall vision, Simone puts these ideas on paper. "Everything starts with an idea and a blank sheet of paper," says Simone. With quick, confident strokes, she brings her visions to life. Our designers make an average of five sketches before deciding on a final design.
After sketching, Simone brings her hand-drawn designs to digital life on the computer using special design software. This step involves perfecting lines, adjusting colors and working out technical details. An average ski jacket consists of over 20 individual parts, all of which have to fit together perfectly - a challenge that requires precision and planning.
The magic of colours
Colour is a crucial aspect of the design process. Simone, inspired by the majestic colours of the Swiss mountains, creates colour compositions that reflect the essence of our brand. "The path to the perfect colour palette is a challenge," she explains. "I experiment with countless nuances, combine trendy colours with timeless classics and refine each composition until the emotions and messages of our new collection are perfectly captured."
Simone always keeps in mind that colors have a magical effect on us. They can brighten our mood, improve performance and even influence purchasing decisions. So it's no wonder that she works so meticulously on the perfect color formula for our jackets.
Innovative materials: The future of skiwear
In the world of skiwear, the choice of materials is crucial. Lea is constantly on the lookout for innovative fabrics that perfectly combine functionality, comfort and style. "My goal is to find materials that are not only impressive on the slopes, but also in urban environments," she explains.
When selecting materials, Lea analyses the latest trends and technologies in the textile industry. She pays particular attention to fabrics with special membranes that are breathable and waterproof. This means our customers always stay comfortably dry and warm, even in extreme conditions.
But functionality is not everything. As a Swiss brand, we attach great importance to sustainability. "The future of ski clothing is not only functional and stylish, but also environmentally friendly," emphasizes Lea. That's why she is increasingly focusing on sustainable options such as recycled materials.
Technical masterpieces: Where science meets fashion
The technical properties of our products are impressive. Did you know that our ski clothing has a water column of up to 20,000 mm? This means that it can withstand the pressure of a 20-meter-high water column!
But how do our fabrics manage this feat? The secret lies in their special coating and impregnation. These ensure that water droplets simply roll off instead of penetrating the fabric.
However, waterproofness is only half the battle. Breathability is just as important. That's why we use high-tech membranes that let through up to 20,000 g of water vapor per square meter in 24 hours. That's as much as 20 liters of sweat! Given that the average skier produces around 0.5 - 1 liter of sweat per hour, our materials can easily keep up with any top sporting performance.
The urban ski collection: A look at the details
After months of work, the exciting moment finally arrives: the first samples arrive. Lea and Simone unpack the long-awaited prototypes and examine them closely.
"Fit is everything when it comes to functional ski equipment," explains Lea. A study shows that a perfect fit can increase wearer satisfaction by over 70%. That's why at Belowzero we place particular emphasis on getting every detail right. From micro-adjustments on the shoulder to adjustments to the waistband length - everything is measured and optimized.
We carry out several fitting rounds for each design. The entire team tests the samples in different movements and situations. This way we ensure that our customers feel completely comfortable in Belowzero ski equipment and can get going – whether on the slopes or in the city.
The urban ski collection: where function meets style.
After a long period of intensive research, development and creative work, we are proud to present our new urban ski collection. This collection embodies everything that Belowzero stands for as a Swiss brand: the highest quality, innovative technology, sustainable design and timeless style.
Our urban ski collection is more than just skiwear. It is designed for people who value sustainability and are looking for clothing that is impressive not only on the ski slopes but also in everyday life. Every piece in this collection is proof that functionality and style can go hand in hand.
Visit our online shop and discover the new urban ski collection. Experience how Swiss quality, sustainability and timeless design are reflected in every single piece.