Helly Hansen's winter outfits take the stage indoors at Bellevue Fashion Week

Helly Hansen brought winter fashions indoors this past week during Fashion Week 2008 in Bellevue.

The runway show featured the men’s, women’s and children’s fall 2008 collection from Helly Hansen, Smith and Oakley. The collection included both urban wear and mountain wear.

Prior to the runway show, a pre-party was hosted in the Axis at Lincoln Square. Giant flat screen televisions mounted above the bar featured last year’s Matchstick Production, a ski and snowboarding film that tests the elements. The Parlor Billiards and Spirits catered the event.

Following the pre-party, the runway show made it clear that hitting the slopes this year will be one part skill and one part style.

According to Carrie McLeary of Helly Hansen, this season’s look blends function, style, and technology.

“The trend is leaning towards the highly technical gear that feature places for electronics such as the new helmets that have a space for an ipod to be inserted,” she explained. “Keeping up with the technology is huge along with keeping the individual dry, comfortable, and warm on or off the slope.”

McLeary also pointed to the white and gold color scheme for women and charcoal, red, and navy for men. Another hot trend is the new corduroy downhill boarder jacket called the Chill Cord jacket is sure to be popular among the snow junkies this year with its waterproof corduroy appeal.

The runway show concluded with a special preview sneak peek of the 2008 Matchstick Productions movie that will premiere on Oct. 1 at McCaw Hall.

The fashion show wound down, but the night continued as the Parlor opened its doors for an after-party event. As the party began, the Gauntlet was already well underway, a guys verses gals pool competition that takes place at the Parlor every Wednesday night. A line began to form shortly after the fashion show let out.

“The fashion event was a brilliant foresight by Kemper Freeman, one of his many,” said Steven Olson, Owner of the Parlor.

Guests of the Helly Hansen fashion show had a chance to walk away with prizes including $1,000 worth of goggles, helmets, gift certificates and clothing.

For Olson, the pairing with Helly Hansen for the sports-minded night just made sense.

“We share a lot of the same demographic, both Eastsiders and higher-end cliental. I think Helly Hansen is to outdoor sports, what the Parlor is to Billiards,” he said.

McLeary echoed the sentiment.

“We have done other casual events with more of a bar scene in the past. For us it fits because our cliental is kind of low key and comfortable and all about the sport,” she said.

A portion of the tickets from the Helly Hansen Outdoor and Wintersports Fashion Show benefited Outdoor For All, a nonprofit organization that provides 2,000 children and adults with disabilities exposure, training, and support in outdoor activities. The Seattle-based organization offers snow-based activities, cycling, hiking, in-line skating, river rafting, canoeing & kayaking, day camps, water skiing, rock-climbing, and camping. Visit www.outdoorforall.org for more information.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@bellevuereporter.com or 425-453-4602.

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