On the occasion of the launch of our exclusive Team Limited Edition, we had the pleasure of gaining deeper insights into the creative world of Jacques Summermatter and Sophia Zurniwen. This special Limited Edition marks the beginning of a fascinating collaboration between Jacques, an established name in the freeski scene known by his pseudonym @crackjack , and Sophia, an up-and-coming designer from Zermatt who creates handmade, fashionable accessories with her label @soso_studios_ .
Jacques, who has been part of our team for years, brings his extensive passion and creativity for the sport of freeskiing to this partnership. Sophia, on the other hand, who drives her fashion label with impressive dedication despite her full-time studies, brings a breath of fresh air and innovative design ideas to the collaboration.
Let’s go on a journey behind the scenes of this collab to explore the stories, inspirations and ambitions behind this limited edition.
huh? wear: Hello Sophia, hello Jacques! Tell us, where are you right now and what's going on in your life?
Sophia & Jacques: Gugus. We're sitting in the car together right now, driving around the valley, just a normal day. Jacques works in Zermatt and mostly skis in Zermatt, whether it's in the backyard or in the ski area - a good work-life balance is important :) Sophia is currently taking her semester exams and is therefore busier than usual, trying to juggle crocheting and school.
huh? wear: Can you briefly explain how your collaboration on this mask came about?
Jacques: When I asked Sophia if she could do something like that, we only knew each other superficially. She was in Portugal during that time and so we kept writing back and forth to get the end product the way we both imagined it. But the writing back and forth somehow didn't stop after the mask was finished - and now, lo and behold, thanks to the mask we found each other :)
huh? wear: Sophia, you're studying and doing soso studios on the side. How did you discover this hobby? Do you still have time for your studies?
Sophia: The basic idea of ​​"back to the roots" occurred to me, like so many others, during Corona. Ever since I was little, I've been knitting, crocheting and creating other things with my grandma. I've always been creative and interested in fashion and sustainability. I think one thing just led to another. I guess I've had to prove my multitasking skills most recently. I hardly sat in the hall during a lecture without wool on my lap. :) On the other hand, I am strongly convinced that the skills I learned in my interior design studies are very helpful and beneficial at soso studios.
huh? wear: Do you have any concrete plans for what will happen with the brand? Are there any projects you are currently working on?
Sophia: I'm a dreamer and I have to admit that I have a lot of cool ideas in my head. But it's hard to say what exactly will happen. My studies still have priority, but I'm open to anything and I'm happy to leave this decision to fate.
huh? wear: Jacques, you've been on our team for what feels like an eternity. What else do you do besides skiing?
Jacques: I do a lot of things in my life. Like everyone else, I'm getting older and finding more and more things in life that interest me. Mainly I just try to do what I enjoy. Whether it's "hunting" for crystals, screen printing, skating, hiking, biking or just doing something with friends and experiencing something, it doesn't matter. Ultimately, everyone does the same thing, just in their own way. I've been working with a great friend for almost a year and it's the first time that it's not a must, but a want, and you can stand behind your work, which motivates me a lot. But of course skiing is my favorite in every respect. Whether it's a nice tour up a peak or a street spot. Freeskiing is balm for my soul. I also enjoy snowboarding more and more because it's just a nice feeling to learn and discover something new.
huh? wear: On what occasions do you wear your limited edition? Is the mask also suitable for the street?
Jacques: Actually, always when it's cold! On the street you always get funny looks, people looking at you in surprise and strange, but I also always get a lot of compliments. The mask is very warm, but the crochet stitches also allow it to be well ventilated. I practically always wear it when I'm skiing, because it's just so cool to wear a hat and a scarf in one. And you save on sunscreen too. ;) But if it gets too warm, you can just roll the mask up and you've got a beanie.
huh? wear: What else do you have planned for this season?
Jacques: Most of the time I try to ski and film in Zermatt. The area has everything to offer and you have endless options in all areas of skiing. In the spring I want to go up to Riksgränsen to enjoy the last snow of the season. Riksgränsen has been on my to-do list for a long time and now it's time to experience that beautiful midnight sun up north.
