On the quiet winter slopes, a bold and energetic style was born – a contrast so intriguing that it shaped the brilliant après-ski era of the 1970s and 80s. For the ski world, the 1970s were not only about progress in sport. It was the decade that brought glamour, freedom, and a strong sense of self-expression to winter fashion.
During these years, ski resorts slowly became a lifestyle. They were not just places for activity, but social spaces where expressing yourself was just as important as the sport itself. Ski fashion of the ’70s became a symbol – a symbol of a world where individuality spoke loudly and confidently.
But what makes this period so unforgettable for today’s fashion? First of all – the colors. This was the decade when the white of snow was no longer enough. Strong silhouettes and rich mixes of textures appeared on the slopes, turning functional clothing into bold, stylish, and often avant-garde statements.
Mountain resorts became cultural stages where fashion spoke differently – braver, freer, yet still refined.
This world is closely connected to Slim Aarons, the photographer who didn’t just capture moments, but preserved entire lifestyles in a single frame. He created what we now call “Alpine chic.” Aarons made every person and every space in front of his camera feel like part of an artwork – and somewhere on this grand European stage, Georgia also found its place. His photographs of Gudauri are more than images; they prove that the aesthetic of that era existed in Georgian reality too: a storm of color against white snow, energy and style blending with mountain culture.
(Photo by Slim Aarons/ Location: Gudauri)
Time has changed, but the colors, shapes, and freedom of the 1970s remain deeply modern.
Text: Ninia Okromchedlishvili
