Inspiration : the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

The internet information overload of the 21st century means inspiration is easy to find these days. Remote digital inspiration has its place but real-life experience, living through a particular period of time leaves a bigger impression. Go back three, nearly four decades, to the slopes of the Alps and the Pyrenees (or any ski destination for that matter) and memories of an era and an activity with its own colour palette and a definitive aesthetic flood back.

The world of alpine skiing has such a rich history that it provides a kaleidoscope of references from the height of slope style. What makes it so special?

Colour. Brightness and fun and contrast against pure white slopes and oxygen rich deep blue skies.

One piece suits and two piece ensembles, but it was the onesies that made the bigger impression in popular piste fashion. And, evidently, one piece didn’t mean one colour.

Ski pants, or ‘fuseau’ in French. Sleek and stretchable, sometimes with built-in padding around the knees. It was lycra but not as we know it. And, bien sûr, in every available primary colour.

Up top, big goggles and aviator-style glasses, like French manufacturer Vuarnet's classic glacier with side profile light blockers that were good enough for James Bond. All available, of course, in great big colours.

Aprés-ski as crazy and extreme as the actual activity, whilst still suited up. Maybe the most multi-coloured party you ever went to.

The clothing was a visual celebration of the freedom and fun of the activity itself. The parallels with cycling are obvious and at the very heart of both sports is a love of the outdoors. It could be argued with the growing popularity of col-hunting, pavé searching and cross-continental bike-packing, cycle tourism has become the non-slip version of skiing. Maybe that’s why during the creative process, the core memories and influence of a sporting era that’s etched on the brain find their way on to the drawing board.

Leonie wears its inspiration on its wind-breaking, insulating, three layer core front section and is now available online and in-store in two slope-style colours for men and women.