Forget Aspen and St. Moritz; this winter, the fashion compass is turning east. Ronnie Fieg has opened his chest of surprises once again and, in collaboration with Columbia, has created something that will turn your ski pass into a VIP ticket to the catwalk at 3,000 meters above sea level. If you thought your old ski jacket was good enough, get ready for a style lesson. It's the NSE collection.
Let's be honest: most "fashionable" ski collaborations end up with a streetwear brand's logo plastered on a mediocre anorak. But Keith I wouldn't be Keith, if not to take things into the stratosphere. The new Kith for Columbia NSE collection (Nippon Snow Expedition), which sees the light of day on December 29, 2025, is not just a garment – it is a love letter to the Japanese winter.
They drew inspiration from the landscape Hokkaido and the majestic volcano Yotei. And the result? A collection that combines the raw functionality of Columbia with the sophisticated, almost poetic aesthetic of Kith. Color palette and the prints are full of Japanese motifs: from 'momiji' leaves and red-headed cranes to brown bears. This is not gear for those who want to hide in the crowd on the chairlift. This is gear for those who want to be spotted even by satellites.
Technical elegance that warms (literally)
We love to use the term “technical elegance” in the fashion world, but it rarely rings truer than it does here. The centerpiece of the collection is the 3L Ski Interchange™ Jacket. It sounds like the name for a spaceship, and it’s not far off. It’s a versatile two-layer system that features Columbia’s Omni-Tech™ waterproof technology and a double-sided insulated lining.
And because no one likes to freeze in the name of fashion, the pants and overalls are lined with Omni-Heat™ Infinity. Yes, that shiny gold foil that reflects body heat, only this time it's printed with the Kith monogram. Because if rescuers ever have to dig you out of the snow, they need to see the logo, right? The pants are tailored to maintain a high-fashion silhouette while also withstanding the worst winter storms the Sea of Japan has to offer.
For the first time ever: Skis, boards and 'Hardgoods'
This is where the story gets really interesting and goes beyond the usual “merch”. Kith has entered the field of professional equipment for the first time. We are not talking about plastic sledge blades. They have teamed up with the Italian giant Nordica. So the NSE collection is on the “pro”.
The result of this prestigious partnership is the first Kith skis – the Enforcer 94 and Unleashed 106. For those who prefer to ski, there are Capita boards with Union bindings. This isn’t just gear that looks good on Instagram; it’s gear you can actually race with (or at least fall really fast and stylishly). Nordica has also contributed its legendary Speedmachine 3 130S ski boots, which have now been given a visual makeover worthy of a magazine cover.
The entire NSE look is completed by an exclusive line of Oakley accessories. The MOD5 helmets and Flow Scape goggles are designed to perfectly match the outfit. Because, let's face it, nothing ruins an outfit faster than a helmet that looks like it was borrowed from 1998.
Footwear for Après-ski domination
When the lifts stop and the real social part of skiing begins, Kith doesn't disappoint. From the sheepskin-lined Newton Alpine boots to the Sherpa Harper jackets, each piece is designed to survive the harshest winter while still looking chic enough for dinner at the best restaurant in Niseko.
Collection Kith for Columbia NSE is proof that functionality and high fashion don't have to be enemies. They're just a couple who needed the right therapist—in this case, Ronnie Fiego—to find common ground. The collection is coming online December 29 as part of their famous “Monday Program.” Get your fingers and credit cards ready, because the battle for these pieces will probably be more intense than the slalom in Kitzbühel.
