Fashion To Function

Fashion is no longer a commodity to come out of luxury couture houses, ready-to-wear shops, or even as seen on the streets of the world's leading cities. Fashion is everywhere, and you need look no further than the recent collaborations between A-list designers and sportswear brands to see the functional side of the fashion industry.

To look glamorous is no longer confined to cocktail parties and red-carpet moments. These days, traditional fashionable fabrics such as fox fur and leather can be found on performance-wear clothes, and sportswear silhouettes, colour palettes and cut are just as modern and fashionable as the clothes on the runway.

Take for example Stella McCartney's new collection for Adidas. Forget the the basic 3 stripe logo, Stella's pieces are the ultimate in a stylish sportswear wardrobe. Subdued plums mix with anthracite and winter whites, to a make sure you'll look your best on the treadmill.

Nicolas Ghesquiere from Balenciaga is set to design a line of technical jackets for French Alpine brand Moncler. The brand, which has been around since the forties and was the outfitter of the first French Olympic Ski team, have never compromised on fabric nor fit, and Ghesquiere's signature of intricate, yet uncontrived styling will add an extra kudos to the collection.

On the slopes, Burton Snowboards is working with Paul Smith - expect superfluous florals, stripes and an oasis of colour. If snowboarding isn't your forte, try the new skiwear from Rossignol and Emilio Pucci, which will feature the house's signature swirling, technicolor prints.

Eley Kishimoto, the London design duo, is also making skiwear for Italian sportswear brand Ellesse, and Escada Sport. Burberry also has a selection of golf offerings and technical skiwear for next season, and the house has stated that it intends to increase its sportswear offering in the coming year.