Erin Isakov, the founder of Erin Snow Ltd., never imagined her career would combine fashion with her passion for skiing. But after working as a merchandiser for Elie Tahari, a well-known designer of women’s clothing, Isakov realized she had the skills to merge both worlds. Her time in fashion taught her how to blend design, materials, and manufacturing specifications, which became essential in launching her own brand. Tahari’s approach, which emphasizes that women should feel good in their clothes while aligning with their lifestyle, influenced Isakov’s vision for Erin Snow. She wanted to create ski apparel that helped women look and feel great on the slopes.
When Isakov first entered the ski apparel business, the market was dominated by two extremes. Some European brands focused too much on appearance, adding embellishments like Swarovski crystals, while others overemphasized performance with bulky, utilitarian gear. Isakov saw an opportunity to create a balance. Her designs offered both style and performance, offering sleek, classic looks without sacrificing functionality.
Isakov’s philosophy is simple: when women feel good in their clothes, they feel more confident and empowered to take on the mountain. She believes that ski apparel plays a crucial role in this confidence-building, whether a skier is tackling challenging terrain or enjoying a groomed trail.
Her passion for skiing runs deep. Isakov’s parents met on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain in California, and she was skiing before she could even walk. Her father was a ski patroller and military veteran, while her mother was an avid skier during college breaks. Though Isakov initially pursued a career in law after studying philosophy and public policy at Brown University, she quickly shifted to the fashion industry, where she honed her skills and gained the experience needed to launch her own company.
Starting Erin Snow was not easy. Isakov and her team faced tough questions about the technical aspects of their designs when presenting to ski shops. At ski shows, they demonstrated the performance qualities of their clothing to skeptical buyers. Isakov, however, was determined to prove that her products were as technically sound as they were stylish.
Erin Snow’s designs take inspiration from the late 1960s, when ski racing legends like Jean-Claude Killy were at their peak, and the era of Emilio Pucci, who revolutionized ski fashion with his use of vibrant colors and synthetic materials. Today, Erin Snow combines retro aesthetics with modern fabrics like stretch, soft shell, and PrimaLoft, which provide the performance skiers need while ensuring comfort and style. The line uses bold, basic colors like black, white, blue, red, and fuchsia, and Isakov is committed to sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials and avoiding harmful chemicals in production.
In an industry increasingly focused on sustainability and quality, Isakov has made it a priority to ensure that her clothing is not only functional but also responsibly made. “We pay attention to factory conditions, avoid harmful chemicals, and use recycled materials as much as possible,” she says.
The rise of female designers like Isakov, alongside professionals such as bootfitters Sam Tischendorf and Allison Kozar, represents a significant shift in the ski industry. With their help, women now have access to gear that is both functional and designed specifically for their needs. As ski fashion continues to evolve, Isakov’s approach highlights a growing trend: women’s specific needs are finally being recognized on the slopes.
For women skiers, there has never been a better time to hit the mountains, thanks to the blend of performance and style that brands like Erin Snow offer.
Related topics:
