Inspiration from the glory days of skiing

by HP Featherman

The idea of Alpine Revival is one of inspiration. I have been inspired by nature, the outdoors, mountains, friendships, that unbridled feeling of wind in the face and fresh air….and mostly by the joy of skiing.

As I look back on my life, I realize inspiration began on the slopes of Mount Snow, VT back in the 70’s when my folks strapped skis onto my feet and let me go. They allowed me to follow it where it led me; down the slopes, through the gates, across the country and around the world. Their commitment to skiing and the ski lifestyle fueled my passion. I owe my inspiration to them. The lifelong exposure to a lifestyle of skiing and all that it encompasses; fun, laughter, good times, and adrenaline. Our weekends in VT in the 70’s were filled with all of it.

That was a time when skiing was celebrated by a community of like-minded people, time on the slopes was honored, and there was a sense of respect and of family. The feeling of being part of that lifestyle during that time is something I will always cherish. The era was marked by Vaurnet sunglasses, bright colors, flashy wind shirts, endless winter raccoon-eyed tans and endless apres ski moments. I couldn’t find a picture in my folks’ archives of the 70’s that didn’t capture the biggest smiles and happiest moments of our lives. I often wish I could bring back that feeling of the 70’s….what better way to do that than with clothing.

Our Alpine Revival creations are born from ski history. I often look back at the old photos and try to create pieces that feel like those I wore decades ago. Each piece has a bit of nostalgia from our shared past as lifelong skiers, infused with modern textiles and innovation. I hope to share this feeling of passion and history and a love of the sport of skiing and hope, as you slip it on that you remember the good ol’ days and celebrate today. Wear it proudly, wear it on any adventure, big or small, and above all - find joy!

~HP

Humble Beginnings

By: AJ Cargill

How audacious! To start a novelty fashion brand in the middle of a worldwide pandemic? I must be nuts! But am I? It is crazy to follow the seeds of creativity that have taken root so deeply in my soul? I think not. I think this is exactly what I was meant to do on this earth, and at this time. When we share our joy, our visions, our passions, we foster the stewardship for magic and special spaces, and we can communicate and resonate through design.

The vision - this brand - has been distilling inside me for decades. I worked for many years as an apparel buyer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming - a small and beloved mountain community. I was able to curate selections of unique and appealing clothing and accessories, bringing many new brands and styles to the rugged mountain West. I loved my job and work environment (at the base of a ski area: it was heaven!) and was able to build collections that many people loved. I was rewarded with their enthusiasm, their gracious words of appreciation, and their purchasing of the items I picked out and displayed with creativity. It was a rewarding career, and one of many a stones on my path.

Also during this time, I deepened my connection to cozy and KEEPABLE things - a cocooning sweater, a hat that fits perfectly, knits that feel decadent. And I realized, that as a society we were turning more and more to synthetics (fleece, technical wicking and waterproof fabrics, petroleum based fibers) along with fast fashion. I started to hand-knit more, choosing luxurious and thick fibers; gravitating towards vibrant, unexpected colors. I gave knitted gifts. I sold at local fairs. Yet, I kept my day job. And within the job, I found knits to be falling into 2 extreme categories: wool as base layers only or as super high-end, brand-conscious, overpriced sweaters. I loved the feel of natural fibers, but wanted more. I wanted to combine a superfine wool with cashmere (or something similar) and fill niche of ‘sport luxury’. And I thought of the ski sweaters everyone adventured in throughout the 60’s, 70’s and into the 80’s. I loved the look of those old Demetre, Roffe, and Meister knits. I loved the Bavarian feel of some designs, and simplicity of others - the rebellious splash of colors and stripes on yet others. I wanted to combine the retro vibe with modern fits, colorways, and fibers. I had drawn shirts, sweaters, and hats. I had mused about color combinations. I dreamed up new names, new shapes….

Then HP came to Jackson for her daughter’s ski competiton in February 2021. We reconnected and discovered a tremendous simmering of similar concepts, color work-ups, and the same knitted adoration, projecting and gifting! We decided to team up and use our artistry, strengths, and resources collectively. We began to lay the foundations and build our brand: Alpine Revival.

Once solidified with a partner, we were able to work at twice the speed. We found sourcing, a developer, a manufacturer. We build out our line and color stories. We edited to our favorites. We decided on a test launch of a small grouping to see how our designs land and sell.

We bring you our first collection, Fall of 2023. and we are SO excited to hear from you and how you like and feel with our limited run. See you soon, Alpinistas!