In Alaska, fashion is synonymous with function. It’s built to withstand the elements and support us through the extremes of every season. For much of the year, that means bundling up—insulated boots, canvas bibs, parkas, and snowsuits are the daily uniform. The right gear can make or break a snowy dog walk or a weekend ski trip. That’s why we were so excited when SKHOOP—a female-founded outerwear brand beloved for keeping Alaskan women warm with their iconic insulated skirts—reached out about designing a collection together.
Shop the Salmon Sisters x SKHOOP Collection here
SKHOOP was founded in Åre, Sweden in 1999 by Sissi Kewenter. After one too many winters with a warm upper half and frozen legs, she stitched the first down skirt from an old parka on her home sewing machine. Skhoop founder, Sissi Kewenter, and Osa Tham were roommates in Are, Sweden in the ‘80s. Life took them in different directions—Osa moved to the U.S. for school and eventually landed in Anchorage, Alaska, while Sissi stayed in Sweden. Fast forward a couple of decades, on a trip back to Sweden to visit family, Osa ran into a friend who was wearing a long, black insulated skirt. Turns out, it was designed by none other than her old roommate, Sissi! Osa knew that these skirts would be awesome for life in Alaska, so she met up with Sissi and brought 15 skirts home in her luggage. She sold these skirts to AMH and Skinny Raven in Anchorage. This was in 2007, and the rest is history!
Growing up in Alaska, SKHOOP skirts were staples in our winter wardrobes. We’ve worn them skiing, winter camping, riding boats in icy seas, running errands during a blizzard, road tripping, flying, heading out for après, and even lounging at home—because they’re that cozy, and that cute.
"We’ve been inspired by Salmon Sisters from the very beginning,” says SKHOOP’s Megan Baker, “their commitment to sustainable fishing, their deep roots in our local community, and of course, their story as a women-owned and operated brand. Salmon Sisters and SKHOOP are both staples in Alaska, and this collaboration felt like such a natural fit. We’re thrilled to share a little piece of our world with everyone else through these special styles."
Our new Salmon Sisters x SKHOOP Collection features three distinct pieces. Each piece is printed with hand-carved block prints by Salmon Sisters co-founder and designer Emma. The designs—a sockeye salmon and a limpet shell—are inspired by the wild waters and abundant coastlines that nourish us here in the northernmost state. The jewel-tone palette is a tribute to Alaska’s natural beauty during the darker seasons.
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The Sockeye Original Skirt and Limpet Original Skirt – a long insulated skirt, the original SKHOOP design. Like a puffy jacket for your lower half! Loved for its unbeatable warmth and effortless styles, this go-anywhere layer zips right over whatever you’re wearing, giving you instant insulation without needing to remove your boots.
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The Sockeye Kari Skirt and Limpet Kari Skirt – a short “mini” insulated skirt, designed for movement and activity. A sporty sidekick for cold-weather adventures with lightweight insulation and a shorter cut; designed to layer easily over leggings or tights and keep your bum warm while giving your legs the freedom to move.
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The Sockeye Vest and Limpet Vest – a long, cozy insulated hooded vest, which pairs well with leggings or jeans and can be worn as a flattering midlayer or under another jacket in the winter. Filled with Primaloft® ThermoPlume, a synthetic insulation that feels (and warms) like down, but keeps performing even in wet conditions. Whether you’re headed to the forest, the slopes, the dock, or just walking the dog, this vest keeps your core and your bum warm, with room to move and layer.
You can shop the full collection online at salmonsisters.com and skhoop.us. The Sockeye and Limpet Vests are exclusive to our websites. Both skirts are also available at select SKHOOP retailers across Alaska and the U.S. Thank you for supporting our small, women-owned companies.
As we head into fall and winter, we hope these pieces bring you warmth, comfort, and joy—whether you’re heading out on a frosty adventure or staying cozy around town.
Thanks to the many Alaskan women who helped us launch this collection! We can't wait to share these warm layers and see them out and about this winter. We love having the opportunity to make something extra special for women getting outside this season.