Versatility is part of Luca Tribondeau‘s DNA. The Austrian freestyle skier known for his performances in slopestyle and big air events has competed at various international levels, including the Winter X Games and the Winter Olympics. Now, he turns his talents from hitting the slopes to positioning himself behind the lens as a photographer. Again, it’s that all-around adaptability that makes him so unique. It’s apt, then, that Tribondeau wears Colmar — a brand known for being versatile and functional — so easily.
“I travelled the world as a skier and, in 2014, I bought my first camera as I wanted to share the beautiful moments I got to see with family and friends,” Tribondeau explains. “What was inspiring me was to freeze time, and to communicate my point of view to the spectators. I wanted to learn something else than sports after the Olympics. I know sports are the ultimate thing for me but the marketing world was always very interesting to me and photography plays a huge roll, so I am very happy to help out companies with my visual language in communicating their products to their customers.”
Working alongside brands and companies has helped shape Tribondeau’s worldview, exploring how he can help translate his own aesthetic vision with the brand’s overall goal. “Of course, my sports background helps me in many ways and there is always the instant connection with people who love the sport of freeriding and freestyle skiing,” he says. “Nevertheless I have totally evolved as a person and my interest is far beyond just skiing, but it is deeply in my heart and there are many ideas to be brought to life.”
As part of their 2024 campaign, Colmar’s goal is to encourage people to explore their essence. For Tribondeau, finding his essence means to stay true to who he is. “Be yourself and find a rewarding way to live your passion,” he says when asked about the advice he’d share with others. “Don’t change just to get better scores, be yourself and follow your instinct and ideas. The right people will recognize you.”
As a sportsmen-turned-photographer, Tribondeau needs clothing that mirrors his versatile lifestyle. The gorpcore trend — a movement that sees outerwear typically designed for outdoor recreation worn as streetwear — is something both Tribondeau and Colmar are embracing. In particular, Colmar’s latest range features timeless products designed for urban streets and atmospheric landscapes.
The same keywords Colmar embodies also mimic Tribondeau’s own lifestyle: smart and minimal, versatile and functional, urban and performance. Colmar’s garments are meant to withstand both the city and nature, which is something Tribondeau can attest to as he looks to be even more sustainable going forward. “My sight of sustainability is reducing [what I] consume in every part of my life,” he states. “It will make you happier and start to appreciate the little things more. I live in an area of wintersport where we don’t have big resorts and I am happy about that.”
View Colmar’s latest collection at colmar.com.
photography. Stefano Sciuto
fashion. Janou Monteagud
talent. Luca Tribondeau
grooming. Danilo Ferrigno @ W-MManagement
digital assistant. Luigi Angelico
lighting assistant. Matteo Conf
words. Kelsey Barnes