In Defense of Sweatpants…
I don’t know who started it but…someone did. The Kardashian sisters are trying to take credit, models are behind it, and Alexander Wangis laughing all the way to the bank.
Photo from: http://reallifeiselsewhere.blogspot.com
This whole anti-sweatpants campaign using Karl Lagerfeld’s now infamous quote as ammo, is entirely out of control. Karl’s quote raising a ruckus from Lynn Yaeger’s Vogue piece:
“Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.”
Photo from: http://www.greytheblog.com/
Of course, I love Karl, his vision, and many, many of his quotes (that I often disagree with). But this one is just plain wrong! If you are living in sweatpants, there’s obviously an issue, but if you wear them occasionally, and cutely, I’m all for it!
About three years ago, A. Wang paired narrow legged sweatpants on the runway, paired with leather or tuxedo jackets and other not-so-typical items. He has done many iterations since then, and loads of other labels and brands have since knocked him off.
I think what’s key here is to not go out in your velour matching Juicy ensembles — get more creative! Even if you are in a rush, is it that much harder to throw on a denim collared shirt under your hoodie? Or even better, instead of your hoodie?
Photo from J.Crew
One of the best places to look for great sweats that are chic, soft and are in hip, of-the-moment colors is J.Crew.
The company’s style director, Jenna Lyons, quickly picked up on A.Wang’s trend and has made a killing. In the pages of her catalogue, tapered sweatpants are always styled in the cutest ways. This season, it’s with a comfy Oxford patent flat; they’re completely unpredictable to pair with the comfy slouchy pants, and that’s exactly why the look works so well.
Luhv the J.Crew sweats. Super cute. Gonna get some.
I think the quote from Lagerfeld has well taken well out of context. Fashion changes at such fast rate. Designers like Rick Owens and Alexander Wang have re-defined the attitude of sweatpants, the way they are worn etc. What Lagerfeld said at the time was probably true. But he was referring to a very specific attitude that sweatpants were worn with and made like at that specific time.
Thank you for your comment, Dan! He made the remark in 2011. What time do you think he said it? The 80s? 90s even? I could see his point if he said it over a decade ago, but I think he literally said it but 2 years ago.