Oh hey there, I'm Elsa

Ever since I was just a little grom, I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up. In the very beginning, I dreamed of being a Lange Girl…. Thankfully that changed and I decided I wanted to be an outerwear and apparel designer instead. My parents raised inside of our family’s ski shop, Butte & Co. in the heart of Crested Butte, CO. I became obsessed with outerwear, studying the fabrics, the construction, every little stitch and detail. When I reached the rightful age of 16, my sweet mum entrusted me to become a Buyer for our ski shops. Hand in hand we would trade-show hop and the ski/snowboard industry became my home.

I attended Colorado State University where I earned a degree in Apparel and Merchandising with a concentration of Product Development. Yep, I went to school to study Jackets. In school I was a proud Chi Omega gal, left every single weekend to ski, and furthered my passion in technical outerwear design. Every project I was given I aimed to go beyond the guidelines. To push myself- to create product outcomes I was proud of. I designed skateboard apparel for toddler boys, men’s golfwear for Scott Barber, and more outerwear collections then I know what to do with. I focused on sustainability in fashion and operated on the concept that I need to design with intention and longevity in mind.  I loved my education, however, all through my time at CSU I was eager to get my hands dirty and get to work!

Throughout my education and into today, I maintain my position with Butte & Co. as the lead outerwear buyer and merchandiser curating a store that beautifully mends together the industries best. As a buyer I thrive to buy with intention. To seek brands designing for a better good, who push innovation, who genuinely make me smile with their cheekiness. From Volcom, to Armada, to Capernea and Kjus- I cultivate a seamless variety for the ultimate consumer experience.

The other half of my life is consumed with apparel design. I have created two seasons of streetwear for my dear friends at Icelantic Skis, done contract design work for Spyder, and created an artist series for Phunkshun Wear. Beyond design, I have a deep passion for art as well. My favorite canvas being clothing. I paint on mittens, hand embroider jackets, and aim to create wearable art that is cheeky and fun. To me, our apparel is the ultimate form of self expression, a way I can truly wear my heart on my sleeve. And maybe, just maybe, you will get to wear a little bit of my heart too.  I work on the firm foundation that fashion should never be compromised for function. Skiing and snowboarding was created for one thing and one thing only: Fun. So, why not bring the fun back? I work to allow the rider who loves to rip round the mountain to still look fresh in the process. I work to bring the sex-appeal out of Suzy Chaffee, Wong, and the Lange Girls of the 70s back into our Kits. I work to create outerwear that not only utilizes the finest fabric, finishes, and specs but, will take my riders straight from the mountain and into apres-ski mischief.

Cheers,

Els

Info

PO Box 2982
Crested Butte, CO 81224

elsagrace7@gmail.com

Instagram: @elsagracew

(970)275-4171