Oakley didn’t drop Henrik Harlaut. Henrik Harlaut dropped Oakley.

01.25.24, STOCKHOLM – Swedish contemporary brand Chimi and Swedish professional freestyle skier Henrik Harlaut today reveal that Chimi has become Harlaut’s exclusive eyewear and ski google sponsor until after the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Chimi replaces Harlaut’s previous eyewear sponsor – Oakley – with whom Harlaut had been for 15 years. Harlaut publicly announced the severing of his deal with Oakley on Monday, becoming the first skier ever to cancel a deal with Oakley of their own volition.

Henrik Harlaut comments: ”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. The products are awesome – really stylish looks, but also great performance products! And it’s Swedish. My hope is to help Chimi grow and become one of the biggest eyewear companies in the world. I also look forward to moving in new directions beyond the skiing industry and pushing the limits of what’s possible both within fashion and in performance. See you on the runways and on the slopes!”

Harlaut signs to Chimi

Harlaut will first wear Chimi equipment competitively this weekend at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado, looking to repeat his famous perfect 50 points that won him gold at the Games in 2013. The deal will see Harlaut wear Chimi exclusively through the Winter Olympics 2026.

Charlie Lindström, Creative Director and Co-founder at Chimi, comments: “I first came 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! Henrik is an icon in skiing, for his skill and performance levels, but also for his unique, carefree, authentic style. He is Swede who is a total individualist in his industry, who stays true to his spirit, which perfectly reflects Chimi. That really resonates with us. The match just feels right, aesthetically and emotionally, and we are proud to begin this journey with Henrik.”

Under the Chimi sponsorship agreement, Harlaut will wear only sunglasses and ski goggles by Chimi, selected by Harlaut himself from Chimi’s extensive ranges.

Chimi: Paris runway to Aspen piste

Chimi launched its first ski products in 2019, and has since challenged traditional ski eyewear and facewear brands by combining forward-thinking and avant-garde designs and aesthetics with pro-standard performance. Chimi collaborated with snow sports creators The Bunch in 2021 on a limited-edition range of ski goggles. Chimi’s latest ski collection, released in November 2023, includes an updated range within ski goggles, a ski jumpsuit, a ski jacket and a merino baselayer.

Henrik Harlaut: Skiing’s maverick genius

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Henrik Harlaut is one of the greatest living freestyle skiers and one of freeskiing’s best-known characters. Instantly recognizable for his distinctive, anarchic style and infectious enthusiasm, Harlaut’s fearless approach and innovative technique have made him a modern pioneer in the sport.

Harlaut gained widespread recognition with impressive competitive performances in the 2010s, including taking gold and silver at the Winter X Games XVII (the former won with the world’s first “nose butter triple cork 1620”) and representing Sweden at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics. Harlaut has also starred in numerous ski films.