A few sub-par predictions for 2022
Are ALD and Carhartt WIP basic, the rise of Bookcore and Gorpcore, why you can't sleep on eBay, and more
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My sub-par predictions for 2022
๐ Weโre all unique
The secondhand shopping scene has been insane lately. We have got SWARMS of Instagram/Grailed/Depop resellers flipping you vintage Carhartt, Levis, band t-shirts from subculture bands youโve never heard of, and more. Mix that with Bodeโs rise to absolute badassness and you get one thing: everybody wants to be unique.
We want the 1-of-1 jacket. Our life story on a sleeve. That piece we canโt get anywhere else. Well, I have good news. This shit is gonna keep getting hotter. This year weโre going to see indie designers like KPC and Small Talk Studio assume form.
Obviously, they canโt scale the same way as a traditional brand, and thatโs the whole point. Itโs what makes that piece worth buying even more. And Iโm fully here for this.
๐งโโ๏ธ Dirty ivy and Gorpcore gonna dominate
Let the traditional preppy fits hit the remix. And may the Gorpheads do so as well, even if they donโt hike, run, or climb.
Arguably the two most important genres out there right right nowโIMOโare repurposed prep and Gorpcore. From brands like Rowing Blazers to everyone creating their own hiking boot, nothing is slowing down the thirst for more Ivy & Outdoor.
For as obnoxious as it may be to see someone decked in functional gear head-to-toe whilst sipping a latte at Blue Bottle in WilliamsburgโhoweverโI DO think weโll see communities continue to pop up who are dedicated to actually doing shit together in Mother Nature. Flock Together in the UK is a prime example of this. Or Hikerkind in NYC, a womenโs brand with their own Hike Club.
๐ด Donโt sleep on eBay
Obviously, StockX and GOAT have been on a tearย the last few years. Itโs hard to deny their influence on the cultureย around sneakers, and how theyโve furthered the cycle of consumption-as-a-luxury. That said, a lot of sneakerheads and resellers are pissed off with how hard it is to actually cop a pair.
*cue the enraged SNKRS app users taking Lโs*
Whatโs more, the resell fees can be costly, and StockX and GOAT can make a killing. So, weโll see eBay continue to go toe-to-toe with them. eBay doesnโt charge seller fees for any shoes over $100, and they allow buyer and seller to connect before transacting, which creates space to haggle or iron out concerns before committing.
Stock Rising ๐
Paraboots
Weโre not really in a post-sneaker world but Paraboot sure as hell makes us wanna be. The French brand has been around for a while and it feels like theyโre a de facto shoe at most tasteful retailers these days. And the Paraboot effect is real. Even brands like Knickerbocker are doing their own spin on them.
Long live Paraboot.
Peggs & Son has a fantastic lineup (below)โฆ
Bookcore
Yes, thereโs another core. There always is.
We can thank Derek from Die Workwear for this wonderful, splendid name, where dives deeeep into the Bookcore aesthetic.
Essentially, youโre on the Bookcore train if you dress like you:
a) Work in a library
b) Teach philosophy
c) Are Oscar Isaac in Scenes from a Marriage.
There are also rumbles from Londoners that Bookcore reigns supreme in the UK at this very moment. I see it a bit in the US, but it hasnโt quite hit the same way. Expecting that to change going forward.


Anything New Balance
I mean. We already know the kind of run that NB is on. And you can expect that to keep going UP. Whether youโre copping the exclusive drops or collecting the olโ reliable 993s, New Balance is in for another huge year. And Iโm not entirely mad about this, Iโll happily buy more dad sneaks, as Iโll officially be one here in a couple of weeks.
Donegal meets California
Buck's new Donegal collection is composed of a mid-weight, merino wool blend with polyester and alpaca. This gives each piece a mix of shape retention, softness, and warmth. Check out their collection here (crewneck sweaters, scarves, and beanies).
Stock down? ๐
What makes a brand basicโฆ
The other day I ran a poll in the Faculty Lounge group chat (and on my Twitter) about whether people think Arcโteryx, Carhartt WIP, or ALD are the first to be considered basic. It sparked a ton of good discussion in the chat (you had to be there!). Brought up points like:
What makes a brand basic?
Hype as a business modelโฆ
How brands can transcend socio-economic barriers
And for as much hype as there is surrounding these three brands, theyโre also the butt of every fashion meme at the moment. Weโll talk more about this topic in the coming months Iโm sure.
If you had to guess, which would you choose?
Great as always. Have you done any research into Japanโs influence on Gorpcore and the communities there?