Because there are situations when one is cruising down the streets of New York and an opportunity arises for to Hokkaido or Colorado’s slopes in a moment’s notice, there is a need for technical apparel inspired by snowboarding that not only looks good on the streets but also works well in the snow. Here comes New York-based Isaora, the new label that fits just this right niche and satisfy the sartorial needs of active globe trotters.

Isaora works right on the intersection of nature and fashion, managing to fuse two elements together into their collections. Continuing the good work of perfecting technicality and balancing contemporary aesthetics, for Spring/Summer 2011, Isaora is decidedly darker and brings in a touch of the rugged and the leathery. Palettes veer on the dark side in blacks and greys, and layering is quite crucial. Shell jackets in various reflective panels are topped over slinky, roomy pants. Also, what look like a hybrid of long john leggings and sweat pants are layered underneath cargo shorts. In this season, there are no rules to layering, and whoever thought denim jeans cannot be worn with fleece, can possibly attempt to push the boundaries as well. As for whether that would work out for those who are trying this on at home, it will remain an open ended question until proven otherwise.