Looking for a one-stop shop for all the great designers of Aspen Fashion Week?  Look no further!  The Aspen Fashion Week Store, located at The St. Regis Aspen in the Aspen Room, features all of the must-have looks from your favorite designers!  Skea, Pajar Canada, Neve Designs, CrOp by David Peck, Authier, KJUS, Krochet Kids, ISAORA, Roots Canada, Marmot, Flat Fitty, and Caroline Furs offer extraordinary pieces that absolutely must be added to your personal collection. Palaso offers classy jewelry and handbags for those perfect finishing touches.  Sunday Riley will take you to the next level with top-of-the-line skincare and makeup products, and Ankasa home-furnishing by Sachin + Babi will add that touch of elegance you’ve been craving in your castle.  Even better, The Aspen Fashion Week Store is open twice daily, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and again from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm!  See you there!

Husband and wife design team Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia are in Aspen this week, and we couldn’t be more excited! The team has an amazing Sachin+ Babi ready-to-wear line, and is featuring their home-furnishing Ankasa line in The Aspen Fashion Week Store.  We had the unique opportunity to talk with Babi about her love of Aspen, and this is what she had to say:

What is Aspen style?
Sporty chic.

Ski or ride? New gear for ’11/’12?
I’m not a skier, but my new gear always includes Moncler.

What do you wear on powder days?
Moncler & Prada Sport

What’s your favorite store for basics?
PCDG

How do you après?
Believe it or not, I’m actually not a skier, but I enjoy Ajax Tavern and Casa Tua.

Most stylish barstool in Aspen?
Whichever one I’m sitting on.

Sorrels or stilettos?
Sorrels

Duct tape?
Carl’s Pharmacy

Where do you off-season?
DR- Punta Cana, India, Watermill

My other ride is a________?
Audi Q7

Favorite Aspen local?
Tara Cathcart!

Favorite Aspen adopted local?
Jenny Paulson

Favorite Aspen sighting?
I don’t think I’ve spotted anyone yet… I haven’t really noticed.

Favorite Aspen “moment”?
When I went fly fishing and skeet shooting.

Babi has brought more than just her love for Aspen to town.  See a teaser below of the luxurious Ankasa throw pillows encrusted with sequins that we’ve been drooling over in The Aspen Fashion Week Store!  Come visit the store at The St. Regis Aspen, which is open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm!  See you there!

Aspen Fahsion Week is officially underway! Caroline Furs is an amazing furrier that we are so excited to be featuring throughout Aspen Fahion Week. We had the opportunity to chat with Carol Grant Sullivan of Caroline Furs about what makes the look and experiences here in Aspen so unique.  Here is what Carol had to say:

What is Aspen style?
Outdoor Sportswear with Haute Couture flair.

Aspen has always been a magnet for the most stylish, fashionable set. It’s a sexy scene here but it’s also home to the serious and very disciplined mountaineering and ski racing commuity. Whether you are dressed in a stunning, ultra lux fur, or you choose a technical gortex parka, the look is cool and reflects the personality of town. It’s open, easy and accepting.

Ski or ride? New gear for ’11/’12?
SKI- on my Stockli Vipers or this years Stockli Swiss made Stormriders, Women’s Technica Diablo Pro ski boots, and for sure- my brand new Bogner striped racing helmet.

What do you wear on powder days
A smile on my face and… almost anything that allows me to be first in line at the lift! I look to Bogner for style, durabulity and warmth and have been loyal to the brand for over 3 decades. Usually it’s my favorite “First in Line” black powder suit, leather ski gloves, and helmet. I always tuck my Fendi sunglasses in, and Chanel goggles plus my dependable Swiss Army sports watch. I don’t go out-of-bounds without my Tracker avalanche beacon and my Suunto compass. There’s always a reward – a few squares of Lindt or Guittard chocolate tossed into my pocket to share with friends after a great run.

What is your favorite for performance?
My lucky red cashmere sweater, made in Scotland by Ballantyne. I keep it in mint condition. It was a Christmas gift years ago from my parents who loved fashion and encouraged me to wear it next to my skin for warmth and a sophisticated look.

What’s your favorite store for basics?
KOTO for hip, young trendy things.

What’s your favorite store to splurge?
GORSUCH for the most exquisite collection of alpine things anywhere in the world.

How do you après?
Ajax Tavern for decadent truffle fries shared with family. We kick back in the sun, toast our best tracks of the day with a cold one, and watch the last runs come down.

Most stylish barstool in Aspen?
Little Nell.

Sorrels or stilettos?
Stilettos.

Duct tape?
I will admit to 2 wraps around my pole for emergencies only.

Where do you off-season?
Spring & Fall, Toronto and New York.
August, The unbeatable Canadian North for sailing, windsurfing and wilderness canoe tripping. Guaranteed to catch the best Northern Lights.

My other ride is my
Vintage ’72 Red MGB or the family Mercedes E320 ski wagon. (G5, a quarterhorse, bikes, etc)

Favorite Aspen local?
Christine Aubale Gerschel for her sense of style and unwavering commitment to Les Dames d’Aspen.

 Favorite Aspen sports hero?
Janet Guthrie for her modesty and understated sense of fashion. She’s the first female race car driver to compete in the Indianapolis 500 & Daytona 500. Her driving suit and helmet are in the Smithsonian Institute.

Favorite Aspen sighting?
Jennifer Hudson in her CAROLINE hat and mittens.

Favorite Aspen “moment”?
It has to be landing in Aspen and taking my first step off the plane, every December. I love getting that first whiff of fresh mountain air, pausing to soak up the Colorado sunshine and anticipating the heavenly winter ahead of me. I never tire of that perfect moment.

Caroline Fur merchandise is currently available at the Aspen Fashion Week Store located in The St. Regis Aspen. There are amazing pieces (espcially the headbands!) that we cannot stop drooling over. Come by the store to check out her beautiful pieces.

At Neve, we use the finest natural and performance fibers to create original apparel. Lush Yarns, inspired patterns and impeccable detail invite and effortless style with a spirit of adventure. Alpine charm and contemporary design create a versatile garment for a fashionable schuss from slope to city. We hold Colorado near and dear, but you can live the active mountain lifestyle wherever you are.

NEW FOR 2012: Neve by Nicole Miller (NxNM) Neve Designs was approached by renowned fashion designer Nicole Miller to produce a collection of ultrafine merino knitwear with a design point of view inspired by her love for the mountains and the time she spends with friends and family in Aspen, Colorado.

The FW 12/13 Neve by Nicole Miller is a labor of love combining unique strengths of our two organizations. Neve brings our experience crafting ultrafine merino sweaters of uncompromising quality and comfort, Nicole brings her unique view of how urban sophistication and mountain-inspire luxury can meet wonderfully in the middle.

We’re proud of the results and hope the care we put into the development of each sweater is something you feel from the moment you slip on the ultrafine merino style that expresses your best.

What can we expect to see from Neve’s upcoming Winter 12/13 collection on the AFW runway this year? Details please!
Neve Design will be featuring their Men’s, Women’s and Accessories Collection at Aspen Fashion Week 2012. Additionally, we will feature a few key styles for 2012 from our New Collection Neve by Nicole Miller 2012. Neve Designs is delighted to announce the introduction of two distinctive knitwear lines for the 2012/2013 Collection – Neve Designs F2012/W2013 and Neve by Nicole Miller F2012/W2013. Neve’s inspired fashion and sportswear design team delivers a refreshing take on classic Nordic favorites with modern silhouettes, graphic patterns,and vibrant colors, presenting effortlessly chic knitwear for an active and refined lifestyle. CEO Tom Irvine explains, “Neve Designs continues to solidify our commitment to offer wearable fashion that crosses the boundaries of continents, settings and occasions. We are thrilled to reveal the labor of play and creativity that went into this year’s new collections.”

“The attention to improving our offering in specific key categories speaks to our increased awareness of who our customers are, and what they want and expect from us,” states Jennifer Tille, Director of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships.

The vintage print sweaters are such a pleasant blend of classic and modern. How do you select your new designs each year?
Neve’s Base Layer Collections are unique and versatile layering pieces for on and off the mountain fashion. Prima Belle’s tried and true merino, silk and spandex blend is now supported by a variety of new technical fabrications for 2012/2013. Neve’s top styles and O, The Oprah Magazine (December 2011) top Holiday pick is our printed vintage base layer collection, inspired by iconic ski resorts and lifestyles.

The vintage styles are original artwork developed by a private designer of Neve Designs. Each style is originally hand crafted in drawings then developed electronically. Each style is individually printed and an original work of art. Styles, themes, sports and locations are selected each year from the Neve Designs Boulder Office…based on inspiration from each new collection.

New for F2012/W2013 is our printed Sublimated (Polyester/Spandex Blend) Base Layer Sets, which are a must have…you won’t be missed on the mountain in these colorful and dynamic prints. Additionally, we have developed a new fabrication for next season of Super-Fine Merino Wool and Microfiber Polyester. These two fibers are physically joined with an advanced double knit construction. The outer layer is 19 micron 100% Super Finer Merino Wool chosen for it suppleness, natural odor resistance, elasticity, and lightweight capabilities. The inner layer is comprised of superfine soft Microfiber Polyester filaments engineered to move moisture quickly away from the skin to the outer Merino Wool Layer where it disperses and dries quickly.

Oprah recently selected the Neve Designs Courchevel Style as a top holiday pick in the December 2011 issue of O Magazine. Did you already know that Oprah was a fan of your cozy and chic garments? Tell us about receiving that type of recognition.
It was a fantastic honor to be selected to the Top of the “O List” for Neve’s Vintage Collection! We have had the privilege of being selected to the top of the “O List” two times at Neve Designs. Our fantastic “Annabelle” Style was a top pick in November 2006. Oprah’s team is fantastic and we are honor to work with her team!

Neve Designs offers sweaters, base layers and accessories that are functional and fashionable. The pieces are, of course, beautiful but how does Neve test their performance?
Neve Designs is built internally on a theme of “let style live for today whether on the slopes or on the town.” Being based in Boulder, Colorado our entire team is very focused on the active and healthy lifestyle of Colorado, thus we focus the NeveCollection each season to display this lifestyle focus. All of our employees have an influence on our collection and wear Neve on the mountains or in the city!

The mountain lifestyle is an integral part of Neve’s designs. How would the Neve woman transition her look from a day skiing on the slopes to an afternoon sipping on the patio?
Neve’s styles define easy, elegant and fashionable transitions from Day to Night. Our styles effortlessly move from Sun to City Lights with fashionable and effortless styles, fits and patterns that can easily be worn with our ski outfit on the mountain to a chic dinner with a pencil skirt.

Neve Designs is the creator of the official sweater of the U.S. Olympic ski team for the 2014 winter games. Tell us about that experience thus far.
The U.S. Ski Team announced on March 2nd, 2011 a major partnership with Neve Designs, The announcement was made in the midst of a month where the Team was showcased at the FIS Nordic Ski World Championships in Norway and the Alpine Ski World Championships in Germany as Neve prepared to launch a European marketing push as the Official Sweater of the U.S. Ski Team.

The long-term partnership extends through 2019 both as a supplier to the Team and a licensee, taking logoed sweaters to market both in the USA and worldwide. Thepartnership covers all U.S. Ski Team sports including alpine, freestyle and nordic with top Team athletes being provided with Neve sweaters. Neve will be the exclusive provider of sweaters and knit woolen products including sweaters, sweater vests, scarves and cardigans, along with U.S. Ski Team belt buckles. In addition, Neve was named as a licensee for the U.S. Snowboarding brand.

As a key U.S. Ski Team supplier, Neve will be featured in the Team’s VIP hospitality programs at the 2014 and 2018 Olympics, as well as the 2015 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Beaver Creek/Vail. Neve will also sponsor the Team’s alumni party held annually during the Beaver Creek World Cup in early December.
“The association with the U.S. Ski Team is our own call to excellence,” said Neve President and CEO Tom Irvine. “It pushes everyone involved to work harder and maintain uncompromising standards. This isn’t a mere marketing decision – it’s a long term strategic business direction for Neve.”
Neve has been a licensing partner of the Team since 2007. The new agreement expands its role as a major supplier.

Have members of the U.S. Olympic ski team had any input into the designs or had the privilege to “test” any sweaters yet?
The Olympic Team is not determined yet, but we are currently working with a team of USSA Personnel, Athletes and Alumni now on Neve Designs Fall 2013/2014 Collection! This will be the USSA Olympic Collection for Sochi.

Tell us about Neve Designs’ commitment to sustainability and global manufacturing responsibility.
Ultra-fine merino wool yarns and poly/merino-blend sweaters are at the core of Neve Designs collection. Attention to detail, including hand-crafted accents, “on-trend” colors and innovative pattern combinations, a flattering fit and cosmopolitan styling set us apart.

Sourcing the highest-grade merino wool from New Zealand, Australia and Italy, Neve Designs offers an affordable luxury line with a kinder environment approach than harsh synthetic alternatives. Committed to high standards of production and to creating wearable fashion that transcends the ski town and urban setting, Neve is paving a new path for lifestyle fashion.

We had the chance to talk to Jordan Campbell, Director of Public Relations and Ambassador Athlete for Marmot, about what Aspen style is to him.  It sounds like he enjoys the sporty, fashionable, and social sides of our snowy mountain town.  Here is what Jordan had to say:

What is Aspen style?
Aspen is a vivacious lifestyle that celebrates the outdoors, skiing, health and wellness. For me, Aspen style is a blended look of casual and athletic wear finished with high-end fabrications, constructions and embellishments.

Do you ski or ride? Did you get new gear for ’11/12?
I ski both telemark and alpine. I just landed some new K2 Way Backs, which are great for frontside skiing as well as sidecountry and backcountry ski tours.

What do you wear on powder days?
Um…Marmot

What’s your favorite store for basics?
Ute Mountaineer & Aspen Expeditions (at Highlands)

What’s your favorite store to splurge?
Ute Mountaineer—they have an amazing, knowledgeable staff.

How do you après in Aspen?
The Sky Hotel / 39 Degrees is great on a cold day. Otherwise I’ve always enjoyed the plaza at Highlands in the spring, especially on the last day of the season—so fun to be there with everyone partying and socializing.

Favorite Aspen sighting? 
Paris Hilton at the Sky Hotel at the Men’s Journal New Year’s Eve Party a couple of years ago…thought she looked familiar. I almost knocked her over dancing…

Favorite Aspen moment?
On one of my first laps up Highlands Bowl, when it first opened, someone gave me a Highlands Bowl “pin” to wear on my ski jacket. It seemed somewhat trite at first, but then I took a moment to pan the 360-degree view of snow-capped 14ers….nothing could be more Colorado for me.

Seems like Jordan has enjoyed many quintessential Aspen moments, lucky dog! We can’t wait for the Marmot team to arrive at AFW in a few days. Get your tickets now to ensure you get to preview all the looks for winter 12/13.

Krimson Klover’s dedication to quality is evident in each beautifully knit garment. Their entire collection is made by highly skilled knitters whose time honored craft goes back generations. And on top of that, they are committed to being environmentally and socially responsible. All of their yarns are from sources that respect the animals, employees, and Mother Earth.

Some pieces perfect for AFW? Our favorites include the Lola chunky handknit tunic and the Ramona cable sweater dress. These are pieces that you can wear during the day while running around town or dress-up for an evening out with your honey. Krimson Klover will have many of their 12/13 looks on the AFW runways March 11-14, and we can’t wait to wait to see what their next collection has in store.

With Aspen Fashion Week 2012 only days away, we wanted to talk with Marc Daniels, designer and co-founder of ISAORA about why loves Aspen.

What is Aspen style? 
Hmmm. for me Aspen style is the amalgamation of the ridiculous and the perfect, the spot-on and the way-off, the flawless diamonds and the Nike SB’s.

Do you ski or ride? Did you get new gear for ’11/12?
Ummmm. I ride and ride. As for the new gear, well when it comes to clothes we got that covered, so many jackets, it’s hard to choose. My Yes – 155 / Great Beauties of History / has been take me places all winter.

What do you wear on powder days? 
ISAORA & ISAORA, on the top I wear our in penetrable Tech 2-L PCM Riding Anorak, on top of our made in New York City, 100% merino, Thermal One-piece Mash-up.

What is your favorite for performance?
Despite you thinking that I’m sounding like broken record – ISAORA.

What’s your favorite store for basics?
The Gallerie

What’s your favorite store to splurge?
The Gallerie

How do you après in Aspen?
Matsuhisa

Most stylish barstool in Aspen?
Whichever one I’m sitting on.

Sorrels or stilettos?
Sorrels

Duct tape?
This isn’t Jackson.

Where do you off-season?
Montauk

My other ride is
Kioko, my Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Favorite Aspen local?
I’ll tell you after AFW

Favorite Aspen sighting?
Anyone who is wearing ISAORA

Favorite Aspen “moment”?
First time I hiked Highland Bowl

Marc sounds like a local already; he knows the local spots, the style and the attitude! The entire AFW team is eagerly awaiting the Isaora presentation Sunday night at The Chateau. It is sure to be a show you won’t want to miss. See you there!

It all started with three high school guys who loved having unique headwear on the mountain.  The trio began crocheting and they quickly recognized that their hobby could turn into a business. After spending college summers in various nations around the world, they realized that they could teach crochet as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty.

Since 2007, Krochet Kids International has helped more than 120 women in Uganda and Peru start a better life. Krochet Kids teaches the local women not only how to crochet, but also how to turn that skill into a business. The women in the program are guaranteed a minimum of three years of training and mentorship, providing them with the financial assets and knowledge to enter local economy as independent entrepreneurs.
Each stylish hat is each signed by the woman who crocheted it, allowing customers to feel a personal connection with the process by learning the crocheter’s story or thanking her for her work.

Krochet Kids International will be hosting a showcase at The Chateau during Aspen Fashion Week, March 12th from 8-10PM. Their stories are always incredibly moving and their products stylish and unique; and as part of female-dominated industry, it feels incredible to be able to help women improve their lives through our passion—fashion. Join us in our support of Krochet Kids, March 11-14 in Aspen. See you there!

Visit: www.bentleymotors.com/aspen