It seems as though fashion is diving into a relaxed environment. Sometimes, the trends come as a shock to some, but most take what is offered and wear it with confidence they did not have when evening wear was a must. Take for instance, the windbreaker, camping-esque clothing that star-studs like ASAP Rocky is donning at Fashion Week. Although the brand was Calvin Klein, it looked as if the jacket was worn to a freezing college lecture an hour before. Because of the questioning that came with the dawn of the fleece, the style came slightly and then socially accepted like we fashion lovers do not see coming.
North face, Columbia, Patagonia, and Arc’teryx are the mass-brands we see printed on the backs of hurried bodies trying to escape the cold. Many did not think there was a chance parkas would appear on waiters seating you at your favorite restaurant, people keeping them on during coffee visits and taking hipster Instagram selfies, or individuals flaunting their puffer jackets while they are merely on the streets of New York.
Camp gear as it should be called has found its way into the fashion industry.
Maybe now I can wear my huge black parka everywhere without a remark about it not being that cold out. I would flash a smile and say it is from the North Face.
It is a fashion statement that screams “I do not care.”, but that could be the perfect silent insult that people are looking for. Celebrities are making a name for themselves while they are snapping photographs in parkas that are bigger than them.
Tremaine Emory was spotted in London sporting a Martine Rose poncho that could have slightly resembled Big Bird, but his fans loved the new look, creating similar parka inspired ones for themselves.
The paparazzi captured the model and actress Solveig Almaas calmly smoking a cigarette outside a venue while pulling out the peace sign that perfectly found itself forming around her fleece’s logo.
Drake is also a pop star known for donning huge parkas that barely fit over his sculpted shoulders. The singer/songwriter was seen at the Adult Swim, a brand he adores performing while wearing a Stone Island windbreaker.
We all know how a celebrity influences society. It will not surprise me to see young people mimicking the clothing that Drake thinks is cool next winter. Even Popeye, a Japanese menswear magazine has been giving us the “OK” when it comes to heavy jackets. The trend is becoming internationally cultivated.
Not to worry though, the trend will not only be available to consumers in winter. Summer is approaching, but the weather outside is chilly still, with a chance of the rain not stopping any time soon. Out with the parkas and in with the downsized vests and light windbreakers.
Anoraks have become short-sleeved tee-shirts and sleeve-less sweatshirts are on the rise for casual, but fashionable wear as well. The cool kids are not yet done with the trend, putting on clothing that makes them look like a professional mountain climber.
“Camping chic” is not what many high-end designers are wanting to put down the runway, but somehow, other mass-brands like North Face have been selling their merchandise at a brisk pace. it may not be the look of the season for everyone and it might die out soon, but fashion lovers are eager to see what else they can work with involving a gigantic jacket. I do not know if a swimsuit could behold a puffer jacket as a cover-up, especially when you faint from heat stroke. Jackets are not the only fashion piece people are wearing from the camping gear lookbook. Patagonia hiking shorts have been made an essential by designer Justin Sloane who said the trend has an “inconspicuous appeal”.
Normcore was an athletic trend three years ago that stimulated this one now, but the difference is that the one now loves the woods. Fashion lovers have deemed the improved trend “gorpcore”.
