Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009

Courtesy of Burton

The fashion of the ’80s may be back this winter, but that doesn’t mean you need to hit the slopes in a neon jumpsuit. International ski and snowboard brands are offering collections that blend fashion and functionality, and the B by Burton line is a perfect example. With skinny and flared pants, satin finishes and studded slim fit jackets in fancifully named colors like Purple Magic, Gold Twill and True Black Cheetah, skiers will look like they’ve just stepped off the fashion runway. Burton has also teamed up with snowboarder and Olympic Gold medalist Shaun White to create the seriously tasty White Collection for men and women. All products are designed for optimal comfort and functionality, with two-layer fabrics to give maximum weatherproofing and breathability.

Another tempting option is Swedish brand SOS, which offers colorful skiwear for every situation, with high-tech materials for the slopes as well as more casual sportswear. If you’d rather buy local, try A-seven. Having previously collaborated with Cecil McBee, the brand knows a thing or two about how to make clothes trendy and stylish—dig the bright colors and bold graphic designs in this year’s collection.

• Burton: 5-17-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5738-2777. Open daily 11am-8pm. Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae. www.burton.com
• SOS: 2-8-3 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-5731-8817. Open daily 12-8pm. Nearest stn: Jiyugaoka. www.sossportswear.com
• A-seven available at Ski Shop Jiro: 3-2-8 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3408-0702. Open daily 10:30am-9pm. Nearest stn: Gaienmae. www.a-seven.net