Before acquiring ELHO, Donald served as the Creative Director of Vogue Paris for nearly a decade before founding Donald Schneider Studio in 2002, which quickly became the world’s top matchmaker for fashion collaborations.
He was a true innovator then, and remains one today, introducing the first-ever fashion collaboration between H&M and Karl Lagerfield - a groundbreaking move that reshaped the industry.
This milestone was followed by more exciting collaborations with Isabel Marant, Versace, Maison Margiela, Balmain, and many others, as well as creative partnerships with stars like Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner, Diane Kruger, David Beckham, and Sofia Coppola.
Three years ago, Donald Schnieder was invited to lead ELHO as its new creative director, steering the legendary skiwear brand, founded in the 1950sm into a new era.
Embracing the challenge, he reimagined ELHO’s iconic ‘70s and ‘80s aesthetics for the modern skier, blending playful color-blocking with sleek, technical silhouettes that marry functionality with standout style.
Of course, Donald’s extensive background in fashion collaborations shaped his approach to ELHO. He designed pieces in partnership with Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andri Ragettli among others. But what’s truly remarkable is how, even in its early days of relaunch, celebrities, influencers, and brands began approaching ELHO and Schneider themselves, eager to collaborate with the reborn icon. Today, ELHO is worn by the likes of celebrities such as Rihanna and Zoe van Essen, pro athletes, and outdoor-loving stars, establishing itself as the go-to label for expressive, high-performance mountain wear.
What makes ELHO stand out as the number one brand in modern outdoor fashion is its unique blend of technical excellence and revived vintage design that stays authentic to the brand’s DNA. Working with a dedicated team based in Zurich, Switzerland, ELHO crafts pieces from cutting-edge bio-based materials sourced from Portugal and China, ensuring that each garment’s technical performance matches its eye-catching style.
Some of these standout pieces include the eponymous red bomber jacket, like the one Schneider himself wore at the event, and the bold pink ski jacket worn by Diane Pernet, one of the first fashion bloggers, marking a daring departure from her signature all-black wardrobe.
With innovation woven into his DNA, Donald Schneider is poised to continue taking ELHO to new heights. At The Columbist, we’re also committed to bringing you the very best of Berlin’s creative scene, keeping you ahead of the curve and into the known. Stay curious!
