Last week saw the unexpected news that Henrik Harlaut had parted ways with long-term sponsor Oakley, after an impressive 15-year partnership. We’re told he is the first skier to do so out of choice rather than getting dropped.

Dollo has wasted no time in announcing his new partnership with, Swedish contemporary eyewear brand, Chimi, a deal that extends until the 2026 Winter Olympics. Chimi already has Alex Hackel & Magnus Granér on the books, so they clearly have an affinity for eccentric Swedes (/adoptive Swedes).

It makes sense, Chimi is known for its avant-garde designs and fashion-forward approach. And they don’t come much more avant-garde than Dollo. He’s arguably THE legend of the modern era of freeskiing, and he’s certainly one of the most out-there style-wise.

Henrik Harlaut was typically hyped about the new partnership, emphasizing the importance of style:

"Freestyle skiing is all about style and expression, so I wanted to move to a brand that represents fashion, is a bit crazy, but most of all is authentic. With Chimi, it felt like the perfect partner." - Henrik Harlaut

Harlaut was already rocking Chimi at X the past weekend, often both sunnies and backward goggles at the same time and we’re not gonna lie, it worked. For all his wild persona, Dollo is a pretty ambitious fella, and here his ambitions extend beyond the slopes. His goal is to help make Chimi one of the premier eyewear companies worldwide.

Charlie Lindström, Creative Director and Co-founder at Chimi, expressed his admiration for Harlaut's unique style and authenticity. Lindström remembers first coming across Henrik “as a teen when my own hopes of becoming a pro snowboarder were fading. Even then, I truly appreciated Henrik as a rising star - although I couldn't help being jealous!”

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/1086185/Henrik-Harlaut-Chimi-mov

“Of course,” he continues, “Henrik is an icon in skiing, for his skill and performance levels, but also for his unique, carefree, authentic style. He’s an individualist in his industry, who stays true to his spirit, which perfectly reflects Chimi. The match just feels right, aesthetically and emotionally, and we are proud to begin this journey with Henrik.”

Chimi, founded in 2016 by childhood friends Charlie Lindström and Daniel Djurdjevic, has rapidly expanded its offerings lately with a big move into skiing. And from streetwear products adorned by celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and The Weeknd, to its foray into ski products in 2019, Chimi has consistently pushed boundaries. The recent ski collection, unveiled in November 2023, showcases the brand's commitment to blending style with pro-standard performance and includes base layers and more.

Whatever Henrik turns his hand to is pretty much guaranteed to turn out bold and brash, and his collaboration with Chimi could redefine the overlap between ski & fashion. Stay tuned for a spectacle from the streets to the slopes and beyond. Will we see Dollo on the fashion runway? We wouldn’t bet against it.