Workwear is the new luxury
Luxury Workwear Takes Center Stage in Fashion
In the realm of fashion, 2024 has seen a notable trend emerge: the rise of luxury workwear. This newfound fascination with the attire of blue-collar workers has captured the attention of fashion houses, particularly evident in their embrace of iconic pieces from brands like Carhartt.
The trend initially gained momentum through collaborations featuring Timberland boots, but it has since expanded to include Carhartt, the renowned establishment hailing from Detroit. While some fashion labels have collaborated with Timberland to put their spin on its classic 6" boot, others have opted to borrow from Carhartt's signature shapes and styles.
Although these fashion houses may label it as homage rather than imitation, their designs undeniably bear the influence of Carhartt's significant impact on culture. A prime example is Pharrell's Fall/Winter 2024 collection, where LV-branded chore coats paired with Timberland boots pay subtle homage to Carhartt's enduring influence.
Sibling labels like Prada and Miu Miu have also embraced the workwear trend. Prada's FW24 and SS24 collections featured chore coats reminiscent of Carhartt's iconic style, while Miu Miu offered its interpretation of Carhartt's hooded Active Jacket and painter pants, reflecting the Prada adult vs. Miu Miu youth dynamic.
Luxury brands such as Fendi and Valentino have also integrated Carhartt jackets into their collections, while Junya Watanabe and sacai have directly collaborated with Carhartt, offering remixed jackets as part of their collections.
The term "Carhartt jacket" has become synonymous with classic workwear, encapsulating iconic styles like the Detroit jacket, Eisenhower-style jackets, and the OG chore coat. These jackets are distinguished by their inimitable Carhartt patch, contrasting collars made of soft corduroy, and durable duck canvas cloth.
Vintage Carhartt jackets have become sought-after luxury items due to their uniqueness and durability. Luxury brands seek to replicate this exclusivity by offering pre-distressed and washed versions of Carhartt-inspired designs.
However, there exists a stark contrast between the inspiration drawn from manual labor and the emulation by luxury brands. While Carhartt jackets represent real clothes designed for real-life wear, luxury imitations are rarified goods with hefty price tags, offering a reinterpretation of familiar workwear pieces.
In conclusion, the original Carhartt pieces will always retain their value, and luxury brands have finally acknowledged Carhartt's status as a symbol of luxury in the fashion world.
Source: Highsnobiety. Read the full article at:highsnobiety