
Rhonda Swenson is the driving force behind Néve Designs' unique designs and impeccable quality. No stranger to wool, Swenson has been committed to this finest of natural fibers long before it became fashionable. Rhonda has been involved with the design and manufacture of wool garments dating back to 1993.
Inspired by her passion for snow sports and close connections to the ski industry, Rhonda established Néve Designs in January of 2002.
Previous to Néve, Rhonda was the owner of EIR Sports and Chompas Knitwear—companies specializing in merino and alpaca wool.
Rhonda's Inspiration
"As you travel around the globe, you can't help but gather influences from a wide range of cultures… and for me those influences show in the designs of our fashion sweaters and accessories. Wherever I go, I'm on the lookout for the latest colors and styles. I'm after the look and feel, but also seek good form and function. I want people to have a warm, comfortable sweater for a day on the slopes, yet have it be soft and stylish enough for a night on the town. With natural fibers we can offer sweaters that are soft against the skin and lightweight with crisp, clear stitch definition."
If you ever run into Rhonda cruising down Pearl Street in Boulder, you won't find her lovable Aussie Blue far behind. The athletic duo are well known in the sports industry; aside from being an avid skier Rhonda was a team rider for the Luna Women's Mountain Bike Team and the always impressive Blue is the 5x reigning champion of the Boulder Canine 10k Classic.
Why Merino Wool?
The performance properties of wool have been known for thousands of years and there still isn't any other natural or synthetic material that can even begin to rival its warmth and comfort. A common misconception is that natural wool is both heavy and itchy; while this may have been true in the past, refinements in the way wool is processed have resulted in a fabric that is soft and pleasing to touch.
Merino wool is the pinnacle of natural fibers and is revered as the softest sheep wool. In fact, it's widely acclaimed as the best choice for garments where temperature regulation, wicking moisture, and comfort are the primary concerns. By insisting on 100% ultra-fine merino wool, Néve sweaters are lightweight and comfortable with an indulgent, cashmere-like feel against the skin. The ultra-fine fibers allow for intricate designs and clear stitch definition.