As you already know, it takes some time to come from prototypes to a new collection. Our product development department plays a key role in making our collections as uncompromising as they are. Picking the best materials, searching for the perfect fit, combining functionality with style.

We sat down and talked with Senior Product Ski Developer Bianca Wild about the product development lifecycle, her inspiration for outdoor products and what’s hot in 2012.
Learn more about our product development process:

Bianca, what are the differences between developing the Ski-, Outdoor- or Spirit-Collection?

Basically the only real difference is the final product. Throughout all three product categories our focus is on function, comfort and processing – only using materials with the highest available quality. We’ve already proved this in our skiing collections, now we’ve enhanced our many years of experience to the Outdoor- and Spirit-Collection.

In your opinion, what are the challenges?

Since I’m part of our skiwear development team, let’s focus on this area. The main challenge is to develop functional garments, always keeping the prize of the final product in mind and above all, stay on schedule. With every new collection we try to set new standards and top last years designs combining state of the art fashion and typical KJUS functionality.

What differentiates the functionality of KJUS clothing from other brands on the market?

In my opinion no other brand on the market is more focused on the combination of functionality, using high-end materials and fashion than we at KJUS are. 
We are only using top of the line materials. Together with our partners we are developing materials that meet the highest standards available and are customized to our performance oriented needs. No other company is taking similar efforts. 
It is our personal claim to be ahead of our time and be the first ones to use the newest processing techniques. You need to have an eye for details. We are continously working to improve ourselfs, and the results are groundbreaking. Just take a look at our new Helium Jacket, the lightest Jacket available with only 888g.

And where do you get your inspiration?

From every single moment where functionality is main priority! Additionally throughout all those numerous talks and discussions with my colleagues at KJUS, constantly searching for new creative ideas and improvement suggestions. And of course from the input and expertise of our Teamriders & Brand Ambassadors such as Lasse Kjus, Lara Gut or Bode Miller. And I definitely wouldn’t want to miss the input we gather at trade shows.

Can you give us a little sneak peak on upcoming trends?

Down is still going to play a big part. Cleverly used and combined with different padding we can achieve various different thermal insulations, which will vary for the mens and womens collection. A step further we combine down in the innovative KJUS hybrid insulation concept, which consists of premium goose down and PrimaLoft®. Here we use the heat-retaining effect of natural down and the moisture-regulating properties of PrimaLoft® insulation.
And of course, colors and shapes will play an important role, primarily in the womens collection.

How does the typical development-process look like?

The development process starts as soon as our design team hand over their final designs. Following some initial processing tests, we are immediately passing on printing ideas to our suppliers. During the complete development process, we are preparing all necessary documents and piece lists to hand them over to our producers. Once we receive the first prototypes we start to custom fit and review them internally. This procedure repeats itself until the design is perfectly implemented. As final step we're ordering different size-sets to once again assess them internally before they are finally released to manufacturing.

What do you like the most on your typical workday?

That no day is like another! Accepting challenges, implement designs the best possible way and solve problems to everyone's satisfaction. I also kind of love the feeling to be at the pulse of the fashion world and latest material developments.

Are you an Outdoor/Sport enthusiast yourself?

Yes, definitely. I think a certain relation to sport is a prerequisite for this industry. If you love to be outdoors in the most beautiful winter landscapes, do sports and search for balance to your workdays, you have to rely on highest quality and functionality. Especially if you want to enjoy those hours or days through and through! And of course it's nice to look great and catch someone’s eye with such high-fashion designs.

What’s the difference between Design and Product Development?

Simply put, the design process starts much earlier. While we are working on different size-sets of our current collection, the design team is already putting together ideas for the new collection. But it doesn’t take much time until we get involved and start testing our first prototypes. Once the design team is focusing on the coloration, we start developing accessories and optimizing the prototype regarding processing and perfect fit.

When are the two fields finally coming together?

Basically, we start to collaborate right from the start. You can’t define a specific time for the transfer from design to development. It’s more of a continuous interaction.

What are your personal favorites of the actual collection 11/12?

Definitely the Ladies Savvy Down Jacket! It’s a stylish down jacket with an innovative insulation concept that mixes high loft premium down in the front and back part of the jacket for maximum warmth and Primaloft on the sides for perfect moisture management.

Another favorite is the Ladies Desire Jacket! It uses a hybrid insulation concept, mixing high heat retaining down with moisture managing Primaloft! And of course the Ladies Revolution Pants! They have a stylish look with asymmetrical color details, a full feature laser cut and welded details. They are perfect for deep powder pursuits.

My absolute favorite is from the Spirit Collection: The Ladies New Look Coat – it’s simply gorgeous... :-)


Thanks Bianca for taking the time!