Skiwear is officially the season’s biggest fashion flex. As gorpcore dominated city streets in ‘24 and GQ pronouncing it ‘fully dead’, the luxury skiwear market is carving a fresh trail.
Premiered today, The North Face x SKIMS collection takes centre stage, fusing alpine practicality with Kardashian-led minimalism. And whatever your view on Kardashian, focusing on the incredibly versatile brand Skims has become, this collaboration offers up a sophisticated venture. From the technical to the creative, this is no Kardashian x The North Face (thankfully), it’s more than that. It’s a direction for performance wear that's bridging technical expertise and fashion-first aesthetics.
A Minimalist Take on the Ski Slopes
The 14-piece collection, designed for both the slopes and après-ski, is as sleek as it is functional. Think tailored outerwear, streamlined leggings, and fleece jackets in SKIMS’ signature palette of beige and brown—tones rarely seen in skiwear but perfectly aligned with today’s understated style sensibilities. And leans ideally into The 2025 Pantone Colour Of The Year - Mocha Mousse.
For Kim Kardashian, who’s been skiing since the age of two, the collection unites her ‘lifelong commitment’ to tailoring performance wear for maximum style.
“Ski clothes can make you look amazing with the right tailoring,” Kardashian explains, and this ethos is evident in every piece. The designs avoid the bulk and bright colours that traditionally define winter gear, opting instead for body-conscious silhouettes that flatter while still delivering warmth and durability.
Why The North Face x SKIMS Collaboration Matters
The North Face x SKIMS isn’t just another celebrity collaboration; it’s a timely response to a growing market. According to recent research, ‘Ski Apparel (Ski Clothing) Market size was valued at USD 7.09 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 9.97 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.36% during the forecast period 2024-2031.’
For The North Face, already a leader in technical outerwear, this partnership offers a direct line to younger, fashion-forward consumers who have come to see skiwear as much a lifestyle statement as a functional necessity.
SKIMS, meanwhile, gain instant credibility in the performance wear category. Known for its shapewear origins and viral campaigns featuring the likes of Lana Del Rey and WNBA stars, the brand continues to expand its horizons with collaborations that highlight its versatility. From Fendi to Swarovski and now The North Face, SKIMS positions itself not as a one-note shapewear brand but as a solutions-driven powerhouse that can live beyond the Kardashian name.
What It Means for the Market
The North Face x SKIMS collaboration is a savvy move for both brands, addressing shifting consumer expectations in the luxury market. It’s not just about functionality anymore—customers want gear that works as well in an après-ski lounge as it does on a double black diamond. This collection hits the mark, blending performance-ready fabrics with a design sensibility that feels modern, refined, and completely wearable.
For Kardashian, it’s another step in her journey to prove SKIMS can play across categories, from shapewear to luxury collaborations. For The North Face, it’s a chance to reinforce its relevance in the lifestyle space, showing that technical innovation and aesthetic appeal can go hand in hand.
Remember, this is the same year that The Times ran with the headline, How The North Face woke up to stop sales falling off a cliff.
Ultimately, The North Face x SKIMS reimagines what skiwear can be. It’s not just about surviving the cold—it’s about thriving in it, stylishly. As the luxury skiwear market heats up, expect more collaborations that bring together technical expertise and high-fashion flair. For now, though, The North Face and SKIMS are beckoning us to the slopes, proving that winter gear can be warm, functional, and effortlessly chic.
Whether you’re carving black diamonds or sipping cocktails fireside, this collection is here to make sure you look good doing it.
The question is, where will you be headed out of office this ski season - St. Anton or Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Austria; Saas-Fee, Switzerland. Or how about La Grave, France with its one lift but incredible freeriding?
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