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
🏆 We’re 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 you’ve never heard of, and more. Mix that with Bode’s 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 can’t get anywhere else. Well, I have good news. This shit is gonna keep getting hotter. This year we’re going to see indie designers like KPC and Small Talk Studio assume form.
Obviously, they can’t scale the same way as a traditional brand, and that’s the whole point. It’s what makes that piece worth buying even more. And I’m fully here for this.
🧗♀️ 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 don’t hike, run, or climb.
Arguably the two most important genres out there right right now—IMO—are 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 Williamsburg—however—I DO think we’ll 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 women’s brand with their own Hike Club.
😴 Don’t sleep on eBay
Obviously, StockX and GOAT have been on a tear the last few years. It’s hard to deny their influence on the culture around sneakers, and how they’ve 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 L’s*
What’s more, the resell fees can be costly, and StockX and GOAT can make a killing. So, we’ll see eBay continue to go toe-to-toe with them. eBay doesn’t 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 📈
Paraboots
We’re 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 they’re 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)…
Bookcore
Yes, there’s 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, you’re 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 hasn’t 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 you’re copping the exclusive drops or collecting the ol’ reliable 993s, New Balance is in for another huge year. And I’m not entirely mad about this, I’ll happily buy more dad sneaks, as I’ll 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? 📉
What makes a brand basic…
The other day I ran a poll in the Faculty Lounge group chat (and on my Twitter) about whether people think Arc’teryx, 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 model…
How brands can transcend socio-economic barriers
And for as much hype as there is surrounding these three brands, they’re also the butt of every fashion meme at the moment. We’ll talk more about this topic in the coming months I’m sure.
If you had to guess, which would you choose?
Great as always. Have you done any research into Japan’s influence on Gorpcore and the communities there?