Fresh off filming Thom Browne's "Wizard of Oz" -inspired Fall/Winter 2021 short film, the four-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist details her fashion journey and rediscovering her skiing form

Few designers have created a catwalk spectacle as pleasing to the eye as Thom Browne. Whether it's dead trees rising from a smoke-filled Arctic tundra, acrobats prying through a dreamlike scene of pastel hues or a group of swimmers preparing to plunge into a municipal pool, his shows can always provide a surreal feast for the senses for those who watch fashion Week's showcases.

So what to do when Brown can't bring his circus to Paris on tour this year?

A return to the US, the birthplace of his brand, of course, though it would cost him his trademark whimsy. While filming for his Fall/Winter 2021 fashion collection, Brown set his sights on the mountains of Utah, enrolling Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Cup ski champion Lindsey Vonn to star in his "Wizard of Oz" -inspired short film.

"I'm a sports fan, and Lindsay's skiing career is unmatched, and I've seen most of her races," Brown told Vogue of his initial approach. "Lindsay is one of those rare athletes who has iconic status and is polite whether she wins or loses. Such an athlete can become a true icon."

Vonn paired her blonde braid with Thom Browne's perfectly tailored suit and skied through snow-covered ski slopes, creating stunning visual effects even in black and white.

But the real standout in this fashion blockbuster was the luxurious quilted down gown draped over the suit, which glowed with gold throughout. Speaking about the stunning gown, Vonn said: 'It's stunning, beautifully crafted and perfect.' "He's really warm, even though he weighs about 20 pounds," she laughs afterwards.

The 36-year-old Vonn, considered one of the world's greatest skiers, retired early in 2019 due to a knee injury. However, she has stayed busy since her retirement, mainly due to her evolving interests in the fashion field, she has attended the Met Gala twice and launched a number of sportswear collaborations with brands such as Under Armour and Legacy. On a pleasant morning in Vonn's California home, we listen to her talk about sports, sensuality and her fashion journey.

How did you meet Thom Browne and what was the creative process for this campaign?

"I've never met Tom in person before, but I've been a fan for a long time. I love his passion for sports, but I also love his creativity. When he called, I was so excited. When making this gown, they took my measurements and it was perfect on the first try. When we arrived in Utah, I was amazed, every piece of clothing on site was exquisitely crafted and perfect."

The film looks pretty good. What was your experience with this shoot?

"The whole team worked very hard during the two days of filming. Tom was on the mountain all the time, at every stage, climbing up and down to make sure he covered every shot. It definitely means we spend a lot of time outside, and I haven't worked as hard since I retired. Sometimes it's freezing cold, but Tom still looks like the most adventurous explorer in his classic shorts - so elegant and chic, even up in the mountains."

In the past year, how did you stay active and keep fit?

"In fact, I went to the extreme and exercised far more than I expected to after I retired. During the lockdown, I realized how important exercise was to my state of mind. Also, exercise helps my knee (permanently damaged from impacts), which hurts more when I stop exercising. So I train very hard and have a lot of fun. This winter, I started skiing again, and it felt so good. Last year, I really didn't have enough energy to ski again, and I was in retirement. But I've been getting used to it."

Do you experience skiing differently now, not with a competitive mindset?

"Yes, I find more pleasure in it. I love skiing and that's why I've stuck with it for so long and through so many injuries, because I have a great passion for skiing. But the main thing that drives me is competition. So it's a different experience to love the sport now without the premise of competition. It was great to enjoy skiing time in the mountains with my friends and family and then do some post-ski entertainment."

"I've loved dressing up since I was a kid, and I think since then I've made a habit of trying to look my best in front of people. I would say that I like the classic fashion style, but I would also like to try something a little edgy if possible. Like everyone else, my fashion style has changed over time. You go through different trends, sometimes more cool, sometimes more feminine and sexy, depending on where you are in life, but I've always been passionate about fashion."

As an athlete, do you think your relationship with clothes tends to be more pragmatic (especially in winter sports, where they can be life-saving), and does that in any way affect what you wear on a daily basis?

"Yes and no. I actually used to design my own ski suit, although there wasn't much to design. It's not fashionable at all, but I always wanted to style it a little bit. No other player on the tour has done anything like that, and I don't think anyone has done that since I retired. Obviously, you can't show too much fashion because you're skiing and you're wearing a team uniform, but I actually always wear full makeup when I race. I just like to be as feminine as possible."

How are you celebrating the premiere of Thom Browne's fashion collection?

"I'm excited, although I haven't told many friends yet, because I want to wait for the final film. Tom loves champagne, so I'm going to open a bottle of champagne for him."