By Rimante Bivainyte
Imagine fashion without heels, sexy dresses and elegancy! It sounds like a very strong statement, however, seeing current fashion and its development, sportswear and trainers is seemingly taking over streets and high fashion. Throughout those two years in university I got to know probably all possible student fashion trends including bomber jackets, skinny jeans, tight dresses, leggings, boyfriend jeans and sports trainers. However, comfortable trousers and trainers became part of my student life here in Cardiff, especially during the time of revision. My love for trainers started with a brand called New Balance. The brand is quite well known, recognized for its designs which have three support points providing greater balance. It was a love at the first sight. I wore my blue ÔÇÿnew balancesÔÇÖ everywhere, matching them with dressy, classy and smart outfits.
Later on, I started following Instagram accounts such as Hypebae, Balenciaga, Topshop, Springsstore where I found my inspiration for other kinds of trainers. Eventually, I got interested in more experimental types of trainers with a focus on a quality, colour palette and shape of a shoe. And, honestly, I cannot stop. While IÔÇÖm writing this article, I already did online shopping and bought one pair of trainers from Urban outfitters (lol).
Nevertheless, is it just me or is the whole fashion industry is acknowledging ÔÇÿathleisureÔÇÖ style and encouraging this sports trend? LetÔÇÖs look into the recent collaborations between sports brands and famous designers. 13-year-old partnership between Stella McCartney and Adidas continues till this day. Stella McCartney known as a lifelong vegetarian committed to the sustainable fashion has launched Spring 2018 collection, again, collaborating with Adidas.
Here, the launch included three groups of sportswear: running, training and yoga. The sportswear involved seamless tank tops and leggings that were made from recycled plastic as well as organic cotton and yarns. The spring launch has also included looks with interesting color matches such as rose pink with a golden yellow (saffron), green and orange, lavender and navy. This collaboration between these brands is not only offering range of colour and diversity in these clothing lines, but also encourages conscious and sustainable sportswear.
Back in 2015, Reebok Classic made a collaboration with Sandro Paris, Parisian accessible luxury brand. The SS15 capsule collection was focused on ReebookÔÇÖs iconic InstaPump Fury sneakers that are known as one of the most technologically advanced trainers in the industry. These brands teamed up to create a collection of trainers demonstrating wearability and urbanity. These sneakers stand out with their strict shape and lines, bright and dark colours.
Moreover, the collection features this urban look inspired by 70ÔÇÖs and 90ÔÇÖs that does not only fit into sports type of style but also into the smart – casual one. Also, this capsule collection seems to reflect the BalenciagaÔÇÖs famous Triple S sneakers. (see: https://www.balenciaga.com/gb/triple-s-shoes_cod11584890ij.html#/gb/women/sneakers) Reebok ClassicÔÇÖs Vice-President Todd Krinsky noted saying that ÔÇ£Sandro are equally bold in their design approach but their execution is always fresh, modern and lean. There is a distinct synergy between the two, so the Reebok Classic x Sandro InstaPump Fury is the perfect collaborative sneaker.ÔÇØ
So, looking at the short overlook of collabs over the past few years, it is clear that sportswear is increasingly influencing todayÔÇÖs fashion and encourages the public to consider this type of change. Vast variety of high fashion designers are open for more diverse collaborations with sports brands to raise the awareness of sportswear as well as put more focus into sustainable fabrics such as Stella McCartney did teaming up with Adidas, whereas other brands are fascinated by designing more advanced models of trainers and sneakers. If you would look at the annual fashion weeks around the globe, you would see fashion influencers filling up the streets demonstrating great combinations of classic, smart-casual, bohemian etc. looks that increasingly are ÔÇÿupgradedÔÇÖ with tank tops or colourful trainers. ÔÇÿThese streetsÔÇÖ are the best places to look for inspiration, so keep an eye on upcoming Fashion Week events.