13 March 2025

Luis Trenker’s Fall/Winter 2025/26 Collection: A Fashion Tribute to Cortina’s Legacy in Sports, History, and Culture

Luis Trenker Fall/Winter 2025/26 Collection: A Tribute to Cortina

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Luis Trenker Fall/Winter 2025/26 collection is presented under the motto "Cortina Alpine Bespoke," merging alpine heritage with contemporary fashion. Named after the South Tyrolean mountaineer, director, and actor Luis Trenker, the brand pays tribute to his adventurous spirit. The theme resonates with the upcoming Winter Olympics in 2026, set to take place in Cortina d'Ampezzo, a location steeped in history, sport, and cinematic fame.

Cortina d'Ampezzo and the 2026 Winter Olympics

Cortina d'Ampezzo, situated in the Dolomites, will serve as a key venue for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, co-hosted with Milan. While several events will be spread across various locations, Cortina will host disciplines such as alpine skiing, curling, and the bobsleigh competitions, reaffirming its status as a world-class winter sports destination.

A Historical Perspective: From Austria to Italy

Originally part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Cortina became Italian territory following the Treaty of Saint-Germain in 1920. Despite resistance from the local Ladin-speaking population, the region was annexed and later became a hub for tourism and winter sports.

Luis Trenker's Connection to Cortina

Luis Trenker, the South Tyrolean mountaineer, filmmaker, and writer, had a deep connection to Cortina. His 1931 film Berg in Flammen (Mountains on Fire) depicted the dramatic history of the region during World War I. Trenker's personal history and career also intertwined with Cortina—beyond his filmmaking, he was an athlete who competed for Italy in the 1924 Winter Olympics, an architect who studied in Graz (Austria), and an author known for his mountain literature and television documentaries. His passion for skiing was evident from his youth, when he worked as a ski instructor in Gröden, then still part of Austria.

A Cinematic Legacy: Cortina in Film

Cortina's stunning alpine scenery has long attracted filmmakers. Luis Trenker's works helped popularize the region, and later, major Hollywood productions such as The Pink Panther (1963), the James Bond franchise For Your Eyes Only (1981), and Cliffhanger (1993) were filmed there. Over time, Cortina became synonymous with luxury ski resorts, drawing comparisons to St. Moritz and other elite winter destinations.

Fashion Inspired by History and Heritage

The Luis Trenker Fall/Winter 2025/26 collection pays homage to these intertwined histories of sport, film, and alpine culture. Elements of Trenker's life appear throughout the designs—jackets modeled after classic ski instructor uniforms, the recurring motif of the number 42 (his competition bib number), and all-over prints inspired by 1930s ski resort advertisements.

For women, the collection introduces elegant Norse-inspired velvet prints and damask patterns in shades of greige, caramel, and powder pink. Quilted jackets, coats, and key pieces incorporate fine embroidery, echoing the artistic tradition of alpine craftsmanship.

For men, the collection highlights retro-inspired sportswear, such as smooth velvet jackets featuring prints reminiscent of 1930s ski posters. Patchwork designs in gray and blue tones, accented with bold blues, create a sophisticated yet dynamic look, blending vintage aesthetics with modern tailoring.

A Tribute Woven in Time

Luis Trenker's latest collection is more than just fashion; it is a tribute to a place where history, sports, and culture intersect. By drawing inspiration from Cortina's legacy and the pioneering spirit of its namesake, the Fall/Winter 2025/26 collection connects the past with the present, crafting garments that embody the adventurous, timeless elegance of the Alps.


Image: The photo features a model wearing a blue-green velvet jacket from Luis Trenker's Fall/Winter 2025/26 men's collection. The jacket showcases an all-over print inspired by 1930s advertising posters. The model stands on a road near a viaduct bridge, with a sign reading "Cortina". The rings below are not the Olympic rings, but the logo of the car manufacturer Audi. Cortina d'Ampezzo, a renowned winter sports destination, previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and will once again welcome the games in 2026. Photo: © Luis Trenker.