FALL / WINTER 2021 TRENDS
GORPCORE
Coined as a hybrid of “good ol’ raisins and peanuts” and technical gear, Gorpcore has exploded into menswear fashion and defined itself as an evolutionary essential. A call to the outdoors inspires an emphasis on function, utility fabric, and tactical layering in earth tone key colors such as Green Olive, Lily White, and Laurel Wreath. Hiker’s boots, anoraks, and cargo pants are fitted with taped seams, drawstring waists, and velcro tabs to create breathable looks that possess enough adversity to complement the elements yet remain refined. Look to A-COLD-WALL and Reese Cooper for a lesson in joining a myriad of outdoor-inspired gear that has enough tech to satisfy the savviest of fashion followers and outdoor explorers alike.
DUVET DRESSING
Comfort has non-surprisingly prevailed as an essential to this season, adopting a voluminous take on all-enveloping, cocooning silhouettes that are transitional for an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Soft, tactile fabrics seen last season reemerge with bold colors to liven up a neutral loungewear aesthetic. Slipper boots, Borg bucket hats, and oversized puffers are paired with loose fit trousers and knitted sets adorned with quilted cashmere and nylon for a dreamy appeal. Key colors Haute Red, Russet, and Caviar drive the cozy look notably seen at Louis Vuitton and Fendi.
SKATER BOY
A grunge revival of skate culture has emerged cross-industry with influence seen worldwide, notably coined by Virgil Abloh’s investment in the budding skate scene in Accra, Ghana. The reemergence of skater attitude has complemented a sustained interest in the present retro aesthetic, though massively drawing inspiration from a steezy, nostalgic-like take on easy tailoring and loose fits. Oversized tees, skate trousers, and loose flannels are paired with trainers for a breezy attitude that satisfies urban appeal. Maison Mihara Yasuhiro channels the perfect skate aesthetic for a generational movement towards not giving a f*ck again.
RETRO RENAISSANCE
The kitsch of the 1970s continues to play out across the runway as men’s trends backtrack from a relationship with 1990s appeal to welcome kick flares and sweater vests in lush earth and jewel tones of Jungle Green, Mustang and Acacia. Collar shirts, bombers, and shearling covered in paisley and geometrics create the modern retro appeal driven by the nostalgia of an era of radical attitude. Casablanca and Etro dictate the draw of the 1970s appeal, consuming the forefront imagination of this generation’s most iconic men.
THE QUARTERBACK
The appeal of athleisure has matured into a prepleisure attitude this season as inspiration is pulled from collegiate graphics and bold, primary color-blocking. The varsity jacket remains a core look that marries the space between sporty and smart and creates the prep man. Haute Red, Primrose Yellow, and Federal Blue resonate with clean cable knit cottons, sweater vests, and sporty striping. Burberry and Isabel Marant embody the prep attitude, creating smart, casual looks that transcend the athletic aesthetic into a modern aptitude for collegiate trends.
OUT OF OFFICE
Workwear stories are continuing to transcend the normal narrative of stay-at-home life into hybrid work from home aesthetics that suit the modern day work environment. The rigidity of pre-pandemic signifiers has transformed into a more mature desire for premium knit sets and loose fit co-ords that provide luxe alternatives to a comfort-driven approach in work life. Unstructured blazers, silk jersey trousers, and ribbed cuffs seen in key colors Winter White and Gull create a tonal mood of optimism and safety. Fashion alumni Issey Miyake and Fendi create soft, spacial silhouettes for the urban work atmosphere.