THREE DECADES IN SKI FASHION: MEET MAGNUS BERGGREN

In a dynamic and ever-changing world where ski fashion constantly evolves, 8848 Altitude has solidified a niche position and captured the interest of style-conscious people across Europe who appreciate unique design and the highest quality. Meet Magnus Berggren, founder, CEO, and Head of Design at 8848 Altitude, and gain insight into the brand's philosophy, design process, and commitment to the future of ski fashion.

Distinct Style – Exclusive Feel

At the core of 8848 Altitude's essence lies its unique style, seamlessly uniting functionality with an elevated sense of fashion and exclusivity. Over the years, the brand has cultivated a design DNA that incorporates both continental and Scandinavian influences. Magnus explains:

"Our design DNA could be described as a fusion of sportiness and sophisticated style, where we've captured our own expression that's continental but with a Scandinavian touch. Our collections are meticulously coordinated in terms of both colours and materials, with the aim of offering a well-curated ski and lifestyle wardrobe for a fashion-conscious customer. Something that truly sets us apart is our pursuit of the perfect fit. Our long history in alpine sports is present in every detail, where each cut and component is carefully crafted with both function and aesthetics in mind. I would dare to say that it is this particular expertise that ensures each garment achieves the fit and exclusive feel for which we are known.

Versatility from Slope to City

8848 Altitude doesn't confine its garments solely to the ski slopes; a fundamental principle is that they should be versatile and great for various activities and environments. 

"I believe that those who appreciate our style value us as a brand where one can find garments suitable for multiple activities and settings. Certainly, we specialize in ski fashion, but many use their jacket, pants, or technical layers in other contexts where they are active outdoors during the cold season and still want to look well-dressed. We have a look that doesn't shout but rather presents a more subtle and stylish expression, which means many of our pieces work perfectly well in environments beyond the ski slopes," emphasizes Magnus."

The Love for the Product is Everything

The core of the company resides in the design process – an extensive undertaking where each garment is meticulously developed from sketches and prototypes to technical specs, samples, and testing. Every style is carefully crafted, and the entire collection coordinated to create a strong whole. Magnus is always passionate about the product:

"The design itself always takes precedence. We build the collection as a whole, where each garment has its unique role, and we create looks with combinations of jackets, pants, mid-layers, and accessories that match perfectly. The creation of the colour palette is an incredibly important part of the process; it must be both innovative and spot on. Simultaneously, material selection is integral to our work as we aim to use the absolute best fabrics, paddings, and trims for each garment type to achieve optimal function, comfort, and the desired appearance."

Innovation through Close Collaborations

An important aspect of the development work is collaborating with several of the world's most innovative material suppliers. This enables staying at the forefront of the latest market innovations and provides continuous insight into future materials. Magnus further explains:

"As we collaborate with market-leading material suppliers, we have the privilege of seeing all inspiring novelties and innovations very early on. We have a very good partnership, and 8848 Altitude is a brand they enjoy working with because we're keen on being the first to launch the very latest in the market. We also love creating new, unique products that we can develop in limited editions, something that is, of course, appreciated by customers who truly seek something special to wear on the ski slopes."

Sustainable Quality – Sustainable Design

Sustainability is an inherent principle for 8848 Altitude. It's an ongoing effort that involves the entire company, especially in the development of new products, where material choices and production methods are constantly refined to reduce environmental impact.

"For us, the fundamental belief is that the best way to reduce our environmental footprint is by developing high-quality products that last, garments that people invest in and care for. Our goal is for every 8848 Altitude garment to be inheritable or otherwise passed on when they are no longer needed. Therefore, material choices are central to our sustainability efforts, and we exclusively select materials from leading suppliers that offer both top functionality and employ responsible production methods. We are consistently increasing our use of recycled polyester and nylon in many of our technical fabrics, many of our synthetic paddings are made from recycled fibers, and numerous of our lining fabrics are manufactured using water and energy-saving dyeing methods."

Craftsmanship and Passion

Last but not least, Magnus emphasizes the brand's passion for daring to pave its own path, always returning to the commitment to the products. He believes this dedication has been lost among the major market giants whose focus has shifted towards monetary goals.

"Skiing has undoubtedly become a rather expensive sport. Every day spent on the slopes is valuable, and the experience is everything. Of course, one wants to feel comfortable and confident but also look amazing! Our strength lies in having a unique style that is inspiring for many. However, we are also a relatively small-scale brand among the big players, driven by craftsmanship and a love for the products rather than financial objectives. We believe this sincerity resonates all the way to the customer," concludes Magnus."

With a focus on style and a passion for skiing, 8848 Altitude continues to be a progressive force in the world of ski fashion. A combination of distinct design, versatility, and sustainability makes it a top choice for those seeking both style and functionality on and off the ski slopes.