Airblaster continues to push the design and function of women's outerwear all thanks to one who sometimes goes by MJ Radical. Melissa Grandkoski began working for Airblaster over 5 years ago, her development and women's design skills created the best Airblaster women's outerwear line to date. We thought it was appropriate to share her perspectives on fashion, designing outerwear and women's snowboarding. We asked her to not sugar coat anything and that's exactly what we got...

This is Melissa Grandkoski, she knows fashion, you can check out her inspirations and other things over at her blog. http://www.mjradical.com/

AIrblaster: Where are you from?
Melissa: I grew up in So Cal.

AB: How long have you been snowboarding for? What’s your background in snowboarding?
MG: I started snowboarding when I was 14 yrs old at Big Bear. Let’s just say that was in the 90’s. Back when there was no such thing as women’s outerwear or hardgoods. I wore men’s Airwalk boots that were way too big, men’s Swag pants and a Special Blend Jacket. Oh man, those were the days. I fell in love with snowboarding instantly have been riding all over ever since. In those days, Big Bear and Mountain High were my stomping grounds. I eventually made it to Tahoe after college and now here I am in Portland.

I knew from the very beginning when I started riding that I wanted to design and help to offer women’s specific outerwear. I have made it my goal ever since.

AB: When did you begin working for Airblaster?
MG: I began working for Airbaster in 2006 managed development and production of outerwear and ninja suits. I began handling the women’s design later that year.

AB: What was Airblaster like when you first started working? How many pieces were in the Outerwear line?
MG: We had 7 men’s jackets, 1 women’s jacket, 4 men’s pants, 1 women’s pant. Over the years we have slowly grown our outerwear line. Now in 2011 we expanded the line to 9 men’s jackets, 5 women’s jackets, 9 men’s pants and 3 women’s pants.

AB: What was the first year Airblaster introduced Women’s outerwear?
MG: 2007 was the first year.

AB: What type of female snowboarder do you design for?
MG: Women’s snowboarding is tricky. I honestly feel that what the majority of what the market puts out there is missing the mark on a major group of female riders. Much of it is overly styled and plays too much into the “shred betty” vibe. Not every girl wants purple and pink flowers all over their jacket.

I aim to target a girl who finds much of the outerwear out there too girly, but also does not want to look completely like a dude. A girl who wants nice balance of a feminine cut she can still move in, but with a subtle hint of masculinity. Nothing too over done, but just the right amount of “bad ass” to get you out on the hill, keep you warm and dry, and of course looking good while doing it. Duh.

AB: Tell us a little bit about the Women’s line this year…
This year’s line I was inspired by throw back features of the late 80’s and early 90’s. I have recently been a fan of bringing back a drawcord waistline in jackets and knee patches. So, you will see some of those design features in the new line.
I also took inspiration from our top selling men’s styles and created women’s styles that were sure to appeal to the female customer. For example The Nicolette jacket and My Brother’s Pant follow this idea.

AB: Where do you find inspiration for the women’s outerwear line?
MG: When it comes to color and overall trends, I find inspiration from the streets. I am a big fan of style blogs and street style, so a lot of what inspires is what normal everyday people are creatively putting together. Our riders are inspiration as well. Many of them are rocking the “hot” trend, before it is even hot. So, they are good to keep an eye on too.

I try to stay out of snowboard shops when I am in design mode, because I feel that as a designer you will never progress if you are always looking back to what was already done.

AB: How do you manage to incorporate function into the fashion forward pieces?
MG:As a snowboarder, I ride in all our samples. I like to make sure all the standard features are in every jacket, i.e. powder skirt, wrist gaiters, internal pocket, etc). I have never been into all the bells and whistles that many of the bigger companies incorporate into their outerwear. When you are going boarding , do you really need to bring all that crap with you?

Our female riders, Leanne and Colleen, also provide me with great feedback of where they think we need to improve. It is awesome having those girls out there wear testing the gear in a variety of conditions.

Speaking of function, one thing I added to the 11/12 line is a tampon pocket in our women’s jackets. Earmuffs boys. I know it sounds crazy, but if you are a girl and have ever through tampons into your jacket or pant pockets you know how they get destroyed and damaged throughout a day of riding. My solution, tampon specific storage (ours holds 2) that is at the inside of the jacket tucked close to the side seam so it is out of site and out of harms way.

AB: Can you sum up Airblaster’s woman’s line in three words?
MG: Totally Bad Ass.
Not only can she design, but she loves snowboarding. Photo: Eva Hume

AB: What’s your take on women’s snowboarding these days?
MG: Oh man. This is a tough one. My strongest gripe is the pigeonhole I think women’s outerwear and hardgoods are stuck in. Not every girl wants rainbows and girly graphics on their gear. I keep hearing, “That is what sells”, but I really believe that is not the case. It is because that is all that is offered at the retail level. I really am pushing that industry changes their mentality. We are staring to see this more and more as each year goes by, but it needs to transition faster.

One a progression note, women’s snowboarding is at the highest level it is have ever been. Girl’s parts in the movies are just as good as some of the men’s parts. Women are pushing it to new levels that blow my mind. That is pretty awesome. However, I really want to see a push for more girls who ride the mountains just as well as they ride the streets. I love a well-rounded rider. Hahahah.

AB: If you had a chance to go boarding with anyone in the world who would it be?
MG: Victoria Jealouse

 THANKS MELISSA!