t r e n d a n a l y s i s

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1. s o c k s & h e e l s

t r e n d h i s t o r y

The sock and heels/ sandals trend is one that shook the fashion world and produced mixed reviews. Some love it, others hate it. Socks with heels provide a mix of "aesthetic, function and comfort." This style trend allows you to be fashionable while still having leisure. It's aesthetic enhances the regular heel appearance and allows you to wear your heels in any weather/ season.

The actual trend of wearing socks with sandals dates back to 2,000 years ago when it is believed that the Romans wore socks with sandals. Since 2017, the trend has emerged and it is here to stay. The trend is acknowledged the most as a fashion of the Pacific Northwest. It is now a trend of the United States and the United Kingdom.

t r e n d i n f l u e n c e s

Leisure and comfort were the main influencers of the trend. Styling your heels and sandals with socks allows the average person to make shoes that may be uncomfortable at times comfortable. Since the trend started with sandals which are open toed, it then progressed onto heels which add more of a touch and make it fashionable to wear. Street style is a huge influencer in the trend of socks and heels.

e a r l y a d o p t e r s

Sock/ sandals was first visually introduced by an insurance company, in no relation to the fashion industry. The insurance company, PEMCO, put out an advertising campaign that had a "sandals & socks" guy as the main character.

Newspapers & magazines such as the Daily Telegraph had reported that socks with sandals were a trend in 2010 and in 2014 the trend became relevant again. After the trend started appearing in runway shows, the mainstream public then adapted it.

f i r s t d e s i g n e r s

Sock/ heels became a huge fashion trend in 2010s that hit runways by designers Miu Miu, Vivienne Tam, and fashion icons Mary Kate & Ashley Oslen.

2. b i k e r s ho r t s

t r e n d h i s t o r y

Biker shorts traditionally known as cycling shorts, have come a long way from their purpose and their position in the fashion industry. Biker shorts now "add freshness to the standard legging styles" and provide a sporty touch with a stylish feel. They were originally made from itchy wool, sheep, deer, and fibers that were uncomfortable and harmful for cyclists; the main users of the shorts. Companies in Europe decided to add chamois to the shorts and capitalize on the need for less uncomfortable shorts and ones that reduced chaffing of the thighs. The fiber was first developed in Japan and then brought to Europe. De Marchi was the first clothing manufacture to start changing the production of biker shorts back in the 1940's.

t r e n d i n f l u e n c e s

The need for comfort and protection of personal parts of the human body of males and females influenced the trend of biker shorts. The type of fabrics/ materials used needed to change and are now considered the most comfortable pair of shorts to throw on and style any outfit.

e a r l y a d o p t e r s

The early adopters of this trend were cyclists who used the shorts as part of their uniform for their professions. Princess Diana was the main celebrity pioneer of wearing the cycling shorts and making them a sportswear classic. The early adopters of the now it trend, could be considered Kim Kardashian as she has influenced those on social media through the promotion of Kanye's Yeezy merchandise.

f i r s t d e s i g n e r s

The first designers to introduce and revive the trend of biker shorts start with Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander Wang, Dion Lee, Dolce & Gabbana and Off-White.

3. t r a c k s u i t s

t r e n d h i s t o r y

Tracksuits are the ultimate, staple clothing item that has managed to be a cult fav every time the trend is back in style. Dating back to the 70's for their sole purpose of jogging and mount climbing, the tracksuit has changed from an athlete's go to outfit, to everyone's go to outfit. Germany is dated to be the origin of where the trend emerged for athletic purposes. Tracksuits have shifted the game as they have moved away from an athletic staple to a culture staple. The 90's was an era for tracksuits to shine in the areas of Olympic sports and hip-hop culture.

t r e n d i n f l u e n c e s

Athletes, sports, rap artists, and designers were the top influencers of the trend. Each subgroup had their own pivotal influence at the time of when the trend started and at the times when the trend has come back.

e a r l y a d o p t e r s

Early adopters of the tracksuit trend were athletes and then were overpowered by hip-hop icons who started their own brands such as Diddy and Jay Z. Through the movement of hip-hop and rap culture, the tracksuit was known as a street style piece became mainstream.

f i r s t d e s i g n e r s

Which designers introduced the trend first?

Patagonia was the among the first group of designers that designed the concept/ materials needed to sustain the activity of mountain climbing. Adidas is known for innovation of the iconic three-stripped tracksuit along with Juicy Couture and their velvet suits.

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A R T I C L E S

• https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/82345/page/2

• https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/81275/page/2

• https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/81723/page/8

• https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/79934/page/14

• https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/celebrities-wearing-cycling-shorts

S O U R C E S

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socks_and_sandals

• https://www.bicycling.com/news/g20044798/a-softer-ride-the-history-of-the-chamois/

• https://www.complex.com/style/2015/11/history-of-the-tracksuit