Before moving to the Great White North, I thought I had a decent understanding of winter and proper winter attire. Having grown up in the North East of the United States, I grew up experiencing snow and what I thought was cold weather. In fact, I remember thinking how funny it was when I was in university in Washington D.C. that the city would shut down over the tiniest hint of snow. Short of a couple of inches, school was never cancelled in Philadelphia. We donned our winter coats and went on with our days. When it came time to move to Montreal, I thought I was prepared. I grew up with snow, and cold, and winter. I had a nice heavy wool coat. And I event had snow boots! Granted they were Dior boots with a 4inch wedge, but they had fur on them so clearly they would keep me warm.
Oh how very, very, VERY wrong I was.
Until you live in Montreal (or Siberia) you’re not really prepared for just how cold and snowy it gets here. That pretty wool coat and “snow boots”, I quickly discovered were better suited for Fall, and not for Winter. And so began my hunt for the ultimate winter coat. A piece that was the illusive combination of fashion and function. Something that would keep me warm but wouldn’t make me look like a waddling marshmallow.
Enter Gorski. Launched in 1984, this Montreal-based family business is one of the leading luxury outerwear and fur designers. Know for elegant and fashionable pieces that stand the test of time (and wear), their pieces are the ultimate combination of fashion and function. Their Après-Ski collection instantly captured my attention when I was first introduced to it, and I quickly feel in love with this stunning hi-low jacket with detachable fur hood. With its fashionable design elements like the hi-low cut and the metallic silver reversible material it’s made from, it’s a striking piece that has made women stop me in the street and ask where it is from. And not only is it stunning, it’s incredibly warm. I’ve worn in on the coldest days this winter and never once had a chill. And if there isn’t enough to love about the beautiful work that Gorski does, the company is deeply committed to being a good corporate citizen. They keep the highest standards in regards to sourcing materials and the partners they work with and are also highly involved with multiple charitable initiatives.
Photography: Eric Branover
Coat: c/o GORSKI
