Innsbruck’s own Melina Pilgenröther—aka Mel—isn’t just about rocking fresh gear; she’s all about building something special. As the creative spark behind Melt Headwear, Mel’s handmade beanies scream individuality, community, and creativity. What started as a side hustle during a snowboarding injury has become a full-on vibe. Now, she’s teamed up with us at CLWR (Colourwear) to drop Meltwear—a collab that’s 100% about style, sustainability, and doing it for the culture.

Despite curveballs like broken hands, sick photographers, and last-minute hiccups, the partnership thrived—proof that when passion meets perseverance, magic happens.

Melt Headwear’s Humble Beginning

Mel laughs when she recalls how Melt Headwear came to life. “I had way too much time on my hands. I couldn’t snowboard and thought, ‘What can I do?’ So, I started sewing beanies,” she shares. Fast forward, and people were stopping her in the streets, asking where she got them. That’s when she knew she was onto something big.

Her designs? Straight from the heart of mountain culture. “The park vibes in Innsbruck are massive for me. Watching people blend old-school, funky, and raw styles—it’s pure energy,” she explains. “And being outside? That’s my reset button. The mountains are my sanctuary.”

CLWR Team Rider Tobi Woerner and Melina Pilgenröther

Teaming Up with CLWR

When we slid into Mel’s DMs, it was an easy “yes.” “It might be a little cheesy, but one of my first snow jackets was from CLWR, so this collab felt like a full-circle moment,” she says. But this wasn’t your average slap-a-logo-on-it collaboration. Meltwear is handmade from start to finish, something Mel is proud to highlight.

“We went all in—from choosing fabrics to tweaking designs. It was a full-on team effort,” she shares. The result? Beanies that aren’t just functional but ooze personality. And even during the mountain shoot, people were already giving props. “Hearing compliments while we were still in production? That hit different.”

Built on Local Love

Meltwear isn’t just about cool gear; it’s about doing things the right way. Mel sources materials locally and hand-sews each piece in her own space. “It’s my way of supporting the Innsbruck community while keeping each product personal,” she says.

The local crew is all in, too. “Seeing kids wear my beanies on the mountain and parents saying how much they love them—that’s why I do this,” she beams.

But Mel’s vision doesn’t stop at beanies. “I want to create opportunities for people—whether they’re riding during the day or crafting at night. To me, that’s what community is all about.”

Throwing It Forward

For Mel, this collab is a highlight, but it’s just the start. “It’s been a wild ride, and I hope it inspires others to take creative leaps and support local,” she says.

Meltwear isn’t just a product; it’s a vibe, a story, and a movement. For Mel, it’s proof that when the community comes together, the possibilities are endless. This is just the beginning—watch this space.

What are you waiting for!? Pick your Meltwear beanie now at www.colourwear.com and join the community!

Credits

Mastermind: Melina Pilgenröther // @melt.headwear

Photography: Jessica Wilbert // @stokeshot_media

Video/Editing: Mirko Paoloni // @mirko_paoloni & Nicolas Bredeston // @pampibredeston

By the Crew, For the Crew: Melt Headwear X Colourwear A Chat with Melina Pilgenröther, Melt Headwear’s Creative Powerhouse

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