LAX LUXE?

Fashion seems to be constantly pushing limits and crossing boundaries. It’s a mixture of innovation and recycled ideas that keeps new season lines fresh but that also ensures they have an element of familiarity. Should the inclusion of sports and fitness inspired pieces in many different forms across the collections from workwear to occasion wear be applauded or discouraged?

The Manhattan sidewalks of the 80’s were pounded by city workers who pioneered the suit and sneakers look. Secretaries, Doctors, CEO’s and Shop Assistants alike donned uniforms and suits with running shoes in order to make their commute a little more comfortable. Practicality initially taking president and starting a new fashion trend that would grow and leech throughout all elements of society. Catsuits, leg warmers, tracksuits and baseball jackets have all been leaders in the fashion stakes at different points during the 80’s, 90’s and now. However, has something that was based on practicality now metamorphosed into innate laziness and slack standards with regards to how we present ourselves?

Many fine dining restaurants, nightclubs and hotels insist that guests and clients adhere to a dress code. No place for sneakers or T-shirts without collars and shorts as they are distinctly frowned upon. However, across the pond in Hollywood or on the Cote D’Azur models, actors, singers and writers combine haute couture with leggings, training shoes and dri-fit technology on catwalks or red carpets. So, should standards be relaxed to match new socially accepted trends? Or should we uphold tradition and ensure that expectations remain high?

This seems to be a commentary on changes not just in fashion but society as a whole. At one point businessmen and women would not have ventured into the office without a collar, jacket or tie l, or to coin a phrase... without being ‘suited and booted’, but now companies encourage a more relaxed approach with dress down days. Certainly in warmer climes such as this traditional dress is favoured over western convention. So it seems that perhaps there is a place for evolution in terms of social expectations regarding appearance and presentation.

Throughout history fashion has reflected the modes of society combined with practical necessity and methods of adhering to social expectations. In Victorian England ankles and shoulders were covered, waists were pinched and bottoms accentuated. Men would not venture outside without a hat, gloves and tie. This reflected standards and expectations which simply don’t apply in the modern age. We have evolved and perspectives have shifted as ethics and morals have advanced and expanded. Shabby chic and industrial finishes with exposed brick work and rough edges have replaced sharp edges and immaculate finishes. Therefore it seems that blending casual accessories or styles with formality has become the norm. Rather than being lax or lazy incorporating sportswear or casual pieces is a very deliberate choice with a lot of thought given to it. Instead of illustrating slipping standards it might actually represent more attention to detail and an asserted effort to reflect modern social conventions within fashion. Lazy or Modish? Slapdash or chic? That’s for you to decide and ultimately dress accordingly … but forever fabulous!