Washing & Stain Removing Tips

Alpine Revival’s choice of yarns and the additional strand of Lycra was a well thought out decision.  After testing multiple samples with different make-ups of yarn, we landed on this soft and durable combination. That small strand of Lycra adds so much in terms of durability, function, it helps the garment hold its shape and provides a slight wind protection element as well.  Possibly the greatest thing about our choice is the washability! 

We live in the mountains in Crested Butte & Jackson Hole, where there are no dry cleaners. If I had to dry clean my clothes, it would be 2 hours each way in the car, no thanks!  We wash these sweaters in the machine.  Yes… you read right, the washing machine and lay flat to dry.  I use my delicate cycle on my machine but I understand some of our customers just wash on a regular cold water cycle. I also recently read, that they are mostly all the same, just a marketing tool for the appliances - so wherever you land on washing machines, we say, “throw it in.”  I have washed some of my sweaters more than 8 times and they truly feel softer each time, its miraculous! We are so thrilled to share this and help you care for your sweater, conveniently.

Stains are a fact of life and I have had some rough ones lately.  I dropped my aqua Granite Crew in the dirty street, dust, mud and all.  It got totally worked so I took it home and threw it in the machine and wished for the best.  I went a little overboard and sprayed the worst stain with Oxy Clean. This stain was right next to the leather patch on the bottom of the garment.  The Oxy Clean hit the leather patch and it bled all over the light aqua cashmere, OUCH, brown stains on the beautiful light aqua color. This has been the only stain I could not remedy.  So heads up….stay away from the Oxy Clean or similar products. If you must use them for a tough stain, just don’t spray anywhere near the leather patch.  Somehow the color on the leather is drastically affected by the chemicals in the stain remover.  I’m no chemist but perhaps some gentler products would not affect the leather, but be careful, test it first. Using a mild soap with cold water might be all you need.  

Let us know if you’ve had any issues with washing or stains, we’d love to hear how the sweaters are holding up for you!  

Inspiration from the glory days of skiing

by HP Featherman

The idea of Alpine Revival is one of inspiration. I have been inspired by nature, the outdoors, mountains, friendships, that unbridled feeling of wind in the face and fresh air….and mostly by the joy of skiing.

As I look back on my life, I realize inspiration began on the slopes of Mount Snow, VT back in the 70’s when my folks strapped skis onto my feet and let me go. They allowed me to follow it where it led me; down the slopes, through the gates, across the country and around the world. Their commitment to skiing and the ski lifestyle fueled my passion. I owe my inspiration to them. The lifelong exposure to a lifestyle of skiing and all that it encompasses; fun, laughter, good times, and adrenaline. Our weekends in VT in the 70’s were filled with all of it.

That was a time when skiing was celebrated by a community of like-minded people, time on the slopes was honored, and there was a sense of respect and of family. The feeling of being part of that lifestyle during that time is something I will always cherish. The era was marked by Vaurnet sunglasses, bright colors, flashy wind shirts, endless winter raccoon-eyed tans and endless apres ski moments. I couldn’t find a picture in my folks’ archives of the 70’s that didn’t capture the biggest smiles and happiest moments of our lives. I often wish I could bring back that feeling of the 70’s….what better way to do that than with clothing.

Our Alpine Revival creations are born from ski history. I often look back at the old photos and try to create pieces that feel like those I wore decades ago. Each piece has a bit of nostalgia from our shared past as lifelong skiers, infused with modern textiles and innovation. I hope to share this feeling of passion and history and a love of the sport of skiing and hope, as you slip it on that you remember the good ol’ days and celebrate today. Wear it proudly, wear it on any adventure, big or small, and above all - find joy!

~HP

Humble Beginnings

By: AJ Cargill

How audacious! To start a novelty fashion brand in the middle of a worldwide pandemic? I must be nuts! But am I? Is it crazy to follow the seeds of creativity that have taken root so deeply within my everyday thoughts, within my soul? I think not. I think this is exactly what I was meant to do on this earth, at this time. When we share our joy, our visions, our passions, we foster the stewardship for magic and special spaces, and we can communicate and resonate through design.

The vision - and this brand - has been distilling inside me for decades. I worked for many years as an apparel buyer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming - a small and beloved mountain community. I curated selections of unique and appealing clothing and accessories, bringing many new brands and styles to the rugged mountain West. I loved my job and work environment (at the base of a ski area - for me it was heaven!) and was able to build collections that many people loved. I was rewarded with their enthusiasm, their gracious words of appreciation, and the growth of the business that stemmed directly from their purchases of the items I picked out and displayed with creativity. It was a rewarding career, and one of many a stepping-stone on my path.

During this time, I deepened my connection to cozy and KEEPABLE things - a cocooning sweater, a hat that fits my head perfectly, wool base layers that feel decadent. And I realized that, as a society, we were turning more and more to synthetics (fleece, for example and other petroleum based fibers) and fast fashion. I started to hand-knit more, choosing luxurious and thick fibers and gravitating towards vibrant, unexpected colors. I gave knitted gifts. I started sewing, turning worn-out items into up-cycled treasures. I sold at local fairs. I found. a groove and new passions. Yet, I kept my day job. And within the job, I found knits to be falling into 2 extreme categories: as base layers only or as super high-end, brand-conscious, overpriced sweaters. I loved the feel of natural fibers, but wanted more. I wanted to combine a superfine wool with cashmere (or something similar) and fill niche of ‘sport luxury’. And I thought of the ski sweaters folks knit and enthusiasts adventured in throughout the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. I loved the look of those old Demetre, Roffe, and Meister knits. I loved the Bavarian feel of some designs, and the simplicity of others, and the rebellious splash of colors and stripes on yet others. I wanted to combine the retro vibe with modern fits, colorways, and fibers. I had drawn shirts, sweaters, and hats. I had mused about color combinations. I dreamed up new names, new shapes….

Then HP came to Jackson for her daughter’s ski competiton in February 2021. We reconnected and discovered a tremendous simmering of similar concepts, color work-ups, and the same adoration for knits, both in our own knitting projects and in our design aesthetic! We decided to team up and use our artistry, strengths, and resources collectively. We began to lay the foundations and build our brand: Alpine Revival.

Once solidified with a partner, we began to work at twice the speed. We found sourcing, a developer, and a manufacturer. We built out our line and color stories. We edited to our favorites. We decided on a test launch of a small grouping to see how our designs land with our concepted audience and if we can sell them.

And so, with this - we bring you our first collection, Fall of 2023. We hope you love it as much as we do!

Please know we are SO excited to hear from you and how you like and feel with our limited run. See you soon, AR family!