If you’ve noticed several high-profile and ’90s brands making a comeback, you’re not wrong! Thanks to Logomania and Instagram’s “IT” girls, labels like Fendi, Champion, and even Crocs are wooing us into loving them again. For anyone with doubt, just look how well it worked out for Calvin Klein, Puma, and Adidas. Maybe it’s our image-driven society, but nowadays if you have designer “something”, you’re going to want to flaunt it (most likely in a snap).
Take a look at 8 brands making a comeback to the limelight below.
Tommy Hilfiger
Instagram/ @tommyhilfiger
Thanks to huge stars like Gigi Hadid wearing Tommy Hilfiger, and other influencers starring in campaigns, the brand is back, and with a fresh look. While it’s not the Tommy we once knew and wore in grade school, the new aesthetic is an elevated take on logomania – gotta love that red, blue, and white. Not to mention their leap into logo-hewn intimates, fueling the same fire as Calvin Klein.
Fila
Instagram/ @filausa
Fila hasn’t missed the rise of the chunky sneaker or branded hoodie, making sure to appease to the masses with their own version of the trend. After popular streetwear brand Supreme started partnering with high-fashion designers like Louis Vuitton, we saw a whole new demand for more affordable streetwear options. Fila definitely falls within that category and is well on its way to being up there in popularity with Adidas.
Fendi
Instagram/ @fendi
After Kim Kardashian or Kylie Jenner give you their blessings, there’s only one way to go, and it’s up. The Fendi logo was basically seen everywhere after some of the Kardashian-Jenner clan (including Stormi) sported it in multiple photos on their Instagrams. Since then, creative director of Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld, has made sure that the brown logo is just about the only thing we see on Instagram and street style pics.
Coach
Instagram/ @coach
If you didn’t have a Coach wristlet in the ’00s then you weren’t living. While the brand was crazy popular back in the day, they faded into the shadows up until recently. The label totally rebranded: less focus on wristlets, and more focus on a new look that included Selena Gomez. This perhaps has been one of the biggest comebacks to watch, as Coach seemingly reasserted itself as more high-end than it was before.
Kappa
Instagram/ @kappa_official
Kappa is another ’90s streetwear brand that is trying to make a come back; emphasis on track suits! Sometimes it’s better to stick to your guns and do what you know, like in the case of Kappa and their now modernized matching track tops and bottoms. It will be interesting to see if they can differentiate enough from other brands like Adidas and Champion, who have already made a very strong presence amongst celebrities and influencers.
Champion
Instagram/ @champion
Similar to Supreme and Louis Vuitton, Champion is another brand who partnered with a high-profile designer label – this time Vetement. The exclusive collection definitely caused a stir with celebs like Cardi B who was photographed wearing it. No doubt faithful streetwear followers scrambled to get their hands on the collab, also doing good things for the brand’s regular duds and status.
Guess
Instagram/ @guess
Celebrities like JLo and ASAP Rocky came to the rescue of Guess, when they starred in the brand’s reboot. This and the increased popularity and sightings of the brand on Instagram slowly reminded us of how much we used to love their jeans (#amiright?). After the much needed update, everyone wants to get their hands on a pair, as well as one of their tees because no one can resist another branded t-shirt.
Crocs
Instagram/ @mon1ka.brand
No word of a lie, but Crocs are actually making an under the radar comeback. The comfy, but horribly awkward looking slides were super popular when we were younger, but no one could have predicted that they’d be so cool. Case in point: the collaboration Crocs did with runway designer Christopher Kane, and then later Balenciaga. The fugly shoe cost $850 US, however still flew off the shelves, evidently becoming one of the hottest fads of the 2018. I wouldn’t be surprised if Crocs made another headlining appearance in 2019.
Featured image: Instagram/ @filausa
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It’s almost the long weekend! That means you have more time to do all the things you love: spend time with family and friends, sleep lots, eat and of course, shop. While most stores are closed for Good Friday and Easter Sunday (including Yorkdale), there’s still plenty of good sales happening this weekend. Take a look at these can’t miss sales to shop below.
Designer Shoe Warehouse Sale
In need of a pair of shoes for Spring? Check out the Designer Shoe Warehouse Sale this weekend. The sale takes place at the International Centre starting Thursday, March 29, 2018, to Monday, April 2, 2018. Shop footwear by Cole Haan, Lucky Brand, Naturalizer & more. Open Good Friday & Easter Monday. Read more about the sale here.
Le Chateau Outlet Store Closing Sale
What: If you want to save big on brand new clothes and stylish shoes, this sale is for you! From now until April 30th, the store is hosting a store closing sale where everything must go. The entire store is 60% – 90% off original prices. For more details, click here.
Where: In-store
Casalife Wrecking Ball Sale
What: If you haven’t checked out the casalife Wrecking Ball Sale yet, you should do it this long weekend. The showroom in Liberty Village is scheduled for demolition and everything in the store must be sold, which means it’s your chance to save big on home furniture and accessories. The sale goes March 10 through April 15, 2018, when the store’s location will be closed for good. The sale is closed Friday, March 30 and Sunday, April 1.
Where: In-store
Crocs Warehouse Sale
What: Who needs a pair of Crocs for spring? If you’re one of us, you should definitely check out Crocs Warehouse Sale that starts March 30th and ends April 2nd. It means you only have 4 days to save up to 70% off on hundreds of current models for the whole family. For more information click here.
Where: In-store
Tent City Outfitters Store Closing
What: This weekend, don’t miss out on some of the best deals and shop Tent City Outfitters liquidation sale. At the sale, you can save up to 60% on such brands as North Face, Sorel, Rockwear, Mustang and more! For more information click here.
Where: In-store
Did we miss any of the best sales happening this weekend? Share them in the comment section.
Featured image: Instagram/ @designershoesale
There is no doubt about it, ugly is in. Just take Balenciaga’s ridiculously blinged out, platform crocs (they sold out before they were even released), or this Gucci fanny pack that retails for over $1,500.
It’s quite clear that there is something about ugly that people love, but what is it? Why are people willing to dish out wads of cash for garish fashion and why has ‘ugly’ become so covetable?
The ‘consumer appeal is understandable’ states The Business of Fashion. There’s an obvious appeal in comfort, so many designers benefit from selling their own luxury versions of things deemed ugly.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfk7yZrHzhv/?hl=en&taken-by=gucci
Christopher Kane was quoted telling The Financial Times, “There is no getting around it, Crocs are ugly… It’s a bonus that they are so comfortable, that’s the whole point, that’s their charm.”
But there has to be more than just comfort involved. If that was the case, why not just buy the original version of a croc for a fraction of the price?
The answer falls to the power of the brand’s name. Rather than just being ‘plain ugly’ it’s ‘designer ugly’. If any ugly was acceptable we’d be championing every poorly dressed father for their ‘cool dad style.’ Popular ugly differs because it has been given a stamp of approval by some of the world’s most influential tastemakers.
Along with functionality and brand power, crossover items like Christopher Kane or Balenciaga Croc’s are also often cheaper. For example, the Christopher Kane crocs retailed for $623, which may seem expensive, but when compared to the price of a regular pair of designer shoes, is much more affordable.
It turns out it’s as much about comfort, as it is unfamiliarity. Most people don’t associate ugly with high-end, so there’s a juxtaposition that adds interest. This coupled with a more reasonable price might be why hideous shoes, especially, seem to be the gateway to ugly fashion.
Miuccia Prada, is another prime example of this contrast, being one designer who’s built an entire luxury empire around ugly… she’s even based collections off the thing’s she hates. The designer once said, “Ugly is attractive, ugly is exciting. Maybe because it is newer.”
When put like that, you realize that there is this novelty surrounding ugly fashion. It’s something people have never seen before, it’s shocking and it’s memorable. Good taste is saturated, while ‘tasteless’ makes headlines. Whether you’re a fan or not, you remember it.
It’s something people have never seen before, it’s shocking and it’s memorable. Good taste is saturated, while ‘tasteless’ makes headlines
This obsession with novel things would also explain why creating this ‘ridiculous space’ works so well. It draws attention, interest, disgust – it creates a reaction similar to that of viral videos and posts on the Internet. It’s almost too weird to believe and in a retail environment that struggles to create newness, this is desirable.
Ryerson’s Tanya White tells the Globe and Mail that she believes it’s a ‘reaction to both the speed and ubiquity of fashion – it simply has nowhere else to go.’ She states that “…we’ve come to a point where the cycles are moving so quickly that it’s difficult to find new aesthetics and new ideas.”
Rather than recycling beautiful fashions that have been done hundreds of times, why not disrupt the system? What is beauty anyway? “People are drawn to bad taste fashion because – well, it’s so bad it’s good,” says Vogue news writer Liana Satenstein.
Perhaps it’s also a reflection of beauty ideals evolving or society undergoing changes in power distance. If categories of low and high culture can mix, that’s a sign of a more ambiguous line between class and style; people have more freedom to dress. It’s less about showing one’s status, as it is about dressing for entertainment.
You could say that perhaps the fashion world, which is often deemed pretentious, is only trying to have a little fun. One would have to agree that there is definitely a certain irony in a designer croc or an ugly sneaker that makes you chuckle.
Sources: Business of Fashion, The Financial Times, The Globe and Mail, High Snobiety
Featured image: Instagram/ @christopherkane
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A while back Balenciaga was hinting at the possible collaboration between the luxury fashion brand and Crocs footwear. This past week at runway shows in Paris, the collaborative effort became a reality. The Balenciaga Platform crocs have officially been released to retailers for customer pre-orders.
The Balenciaga x Crocs platform will be available in two colours: Pink or Tan and feature jewels attached to the top for a custom look.
The crocs will retail for $850 USD, and surprisingly are expected to be a huge hit. If you do have $850 to blow you can pre-order them at Barneys New York.
Collaborations used to be a rare thing in the fashion industry. With the fear of tarnishing a luxury house’s name, high-end labels rarely ever partnered with another brand, designer or influencer for fashion collaborations. But sometimes in order to survive, brands need to either rebrand or collaborate with other fashion designers and influencers to make a comeback.
Fashion collabs used to be reserved for streetwear brands — like Supreme or adidas — that partnered up with Louis Vuitton and Alexander Wang accordingly. However, things have since changed. The fashion landscape has become increasingly levelled, meaning limited edition collaboration pieces are proving to be beneficial for both parties involved.
Collaborating with different fashion labels and influencers helps dying brands survive by keeping them top of pop culture and current trends. Unexpected connections are increasingly cool and add to a brand’s authenticity, making outdated fashion brands seem new and exciting again.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZM59QJhmGA/?taken-by=crocs
One of the most recent collaboration examples would be that of Christopher Kane and Crocs, who debuted a new line of earthy-hued, geode and rhinestone embellished Crocs at his Spring 2018 runway show. But this isn’t Kane’s first collab with the Colorado-based shoe company. The designer has collaborated with Crocs for three consecutive runway seasons, further highlighting the ugly shoe trend which started back in 2013 with the comeback of Birkenstocks and Tevas. Now it’s the new normal to spot ugly-chi footwear on the runway; look at Preen’s Ugg flatforms or chunky sneakers from Gucci, Balenciaga, Acne and Raf Simons. Whether you’re for or against Crocs, Kane’s collaboration with them is onto something.
The joint collections between Christopher Kane and Crocs have allowed the high fashion brand to tap into the mass market, offering its designs for prices more people can afford. The result is increased brand awareness across a more diverse audience that would otherwise be unachievable for a luxury fashion brand. Aside from an increase in fanfare, collaborations also often create one of a kind, collectable pieces that consumers flock to.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXUzkp0BAVL/?taken-by=christopherkane
But Kane isn’t the only designer doing this. One major example would be H&M and their annual partnerships. The affordable, Swedish fashion brand has worked with everyone from Versace to Lanvin to Karl Lagerfeld, and most recently, Kenzo and Canadian fashion brand ERDEM.
Taking note from Kane, Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga jumped on the Crocs bandwagon, showcasing his own Crocs creation in Paris — a nearly four-inch platform Croc shoe, customized with Balenciaga-branded Jibbitz. This design went on to create quite the stir on social media and among media outlets. Vogue said the ugly shoe trend is “funny, freaky and not exactly come-hither… but maybe that’s the point,” while the debate of whether or not Crocs should be a part of the high fashion world nearly tore the GQ team apart.
The Balenciaga design cultivated over 9,000 likes on Instagram and more than 2,200 comments, adding to the polarity of the brand. Many celebrities and their children have been spotted wearing Crocs since including that of Brooke Shields, Jared Leto, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Garner and more. This is all proof that high-end collaborations work by reviving tired brands and their products into must-have items.
Of course, some collaborations are more successful than others with the potential of failure looming, but Kane x Crocs shows that the risk is worth the reward. With its current high-end collabs and rising fashion cred, Crocs is banking on a moment of chicness now more than ever. The brand’s range of affordable, limited edition Christopher Kane clogs has propelled both labels into new and exciting markets that target millennials. Next Spring, Crocs is planning to release even more fashion-forward styles, because there is, in fact, a market for designer clogs.
Struggling brands need to rise to the challenge by embracing the millennial market with a revamp, and collaborations are proving to be an optimal starting point.
What do you think about this fashion collaboration? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Featured Image: Instagram/@crocs
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Warehouse sale season!
This spring, there are tons of sales you should add to your shopping roster. From furniture and electronics to clothing, shoes and accessories, it’s easy to treat yo’self with discounts of up to 80% off! Below you’ll find some of the more notable Toronto warehouse sales happening in upcoming weeks.
L’Oreal Warehouse Sale
When: March 15 – April 2
Where: 1 Steelcase Rd. West (Unit 5), Markham
What: This invite-only ticketed event features all of the makeup, fragrances and hair products under the L’Oreal umbrella, all at great prices. Think Lancome, Biotherm, Ralph Lauren and more. Didn’t snag an invite? Don’t fret. You can find individual sellers offering tickets on Kijiji. Get full sale details here.
casalife Warehouse Sale
When: April 6-10
Where: 350 Evans Ave., Etobicoke
What: Head to casalife’s Evans Ave. location to save up 75% off furniture and home accessories at the 8th annual casalife Warehouse Sale. Get full sale details here.
Muttonhead x Naked and Famous Warehouse Sale
When: April 6-9 and 20-23
Where: 337 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto
What: One sale, two weekends and locations. Save on the largest selection of previous season samples and out of season stock for Toronto brand Muttonhead and Naked and Famous Denim. Get full sale details here.
Samteck Warehouse Sale
When: April 7-9, 21-23 and 28-30
Where: 1100 Rodick Rd., Markham
What: Save up to 80% on over 50,000 products including name brand laptops, TVs, kitchen appliances, furniture and more. Get full sale details here.
Nordstrom Warehouse Sale
When: April 10-17
Where: The International Centre (Hall 6), 6900 Airport Rd., Mississauga
What: StyleDemocracy is hosting the Nordstrom Warehouse Sale in Mississauga. Save up to 80% off on your favourite Nordstrom designers and labels. Take an extra 10% off on opening day by signing up to be a StyleDemocracy INsider here. Get full sale details here.
Designer Shoe Warehouse Sale
When: April 13-17
Where: The International Centre (Hall 1), 6900 Airport Rd., Mississauga
What: Because you can never have enough shoes, you’ll want to check out this warehouse sales that features footwear from brands like Sam Edelman, Naturalizer, Vince Camuto, Via Spiga and more. Get full sale details here.
Crocs, Roots and Golf Warehouse Sale
When: April 13-17
Where: Markham Fairgrounds
What: This trio may be random, but there are deals to be had. There will be thousands of Crocs for the whole family, plus Callaway and TaylorMade golf gear, and Roots samples and seconds. Get full sale details here.
Did we miss any Toronto warehouse sales? Let us know in the comment section.
Featured Image: Instagram/@tobruckave shares her Nordstrom Warehouse Sale Vancouver finds
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Gucci may be using memes to sell their latest collection but the internet’s latest reaction to the luxury label’s Sock Heel doesn’t have us sold.
Cosmopolitan featured a stream of Tweets bashing and making fun of the Gucci disaster. Interestingly, I think what partially makes the Gucci Sock Heel and other designers’ shoes ugly is the price – it’s one thing to be an ugly shoe but to have an astronomical price as well, well that makes that same shoe a joke.
Below we’ve compiled a roundup of some of the ugliest (and most expensive) shoes on the market right now.
Boots by Balenciaga (Image: REX Shutterstock)
Who: Balenciaga
What: Spring 2017 Square Toe Thigh High Boots
How Much: $1,895.00 US
I actually like these boots but when shown to a friend of mine, the friend laughed non-stop, going on to say how much she hates them and that if she ever saw someone wearing them in public she would start quacking like a duck for every step they took.
Shoes by Gucci (Image: Saks Fifth Avenue)
Who: Gucci
What: Queercore Brogue Knee Boot
How Much: $1,890.00 US or $2,140.00 CAN
I feel like these boots could have potential but the execution just isn’t there. They look like something Wednesday Adams or Matilda would wear.
Gucci Loafers (Image: Gucci)
Who: Gucci
What: Princetown Slipper
How Much: $840.00 US or $1,005.00 CAN
I think it is so sad that the Gucci Princetown fur loafers for both men and women are a thing. Without fur? They look funky and quirky, but the fur doesn’t even look real – it looks like Donald Trump’s hair! Gucci really must have saved cutting corners and feeding what looks like rat fur to trend-obsessed consumers.
Margiela Boots (Image: The Rosenrot)
Who: Margiela
What: Tabi Boots
How Much: $1,130.00 CAN
These have been around for some time, and to be frank I’ve hated them since laying eyes on them. While they take their inspiration from Japanese tabi which are socks worn with sandals that feature straps that go between your big two and your second toe, they just don’t have the same archaic and cultural charm. This boot reminds me of pig feet, goat feet, camel toes, and just any ungulate in general. They are currently available in black on SSense.com for $1,130.00CAN.
Barefoot Finger Sneakers (Image: Vibram)
Who: Vibram
What: Fivefinger Barefoot Shoes
How Much: $130.00 CAN
How absurd… GQ said it best when they wrote, “We always knew Vibram’s toe-shoes were creepy and ugly, but now we know they’re sinful in other ways, too. The shoemaker recently settled a class-action lawsuit for $3.75 million stemming from claims that their gross shoes for chimpanzees “reduce foot injuries and strengthen foot muscles.” Again, how absurd.
Christopher Kane Crocs (Image: Selfridges)
Who: Christopher Kane
What: Crocs stone-embellished rubber sandals
How Much: 385.00 CAN
So apparently Christopher Kane teamed up with Crocs and I’m just finding out about this and laughing so much. Less at the final product that is the brood of the collaboration and more at the price of the product from this collaboration. $385.00CAN for rubber Crocs?! I don’t care if Victoria Beckham and Rihanna both wore them together enjoying splashes of champagne in St Barths on a super yacht – and that’s $385.00 CAN on sale, for rubber. No, thanks.
Marni Boot (Image: SSense)
Who: Marni
What: Black Velcro Platform High-Top Sneakers
How Much: $1,190.00 CAN
I don’t know if it’s the price that’s outrageous or the shoe itself that is actually outrageous? Shockingly, when considering the price, the entire shoe is comprised of man-made fabrics, which seemingly doesn’t exemplify a state of being luxurious. Appalling.
Prada Sandals (Image: Prada)
Who: Prada
What: Satin Sandal
How Much: $990.00 US
Miuccia Prada, you’re wild for these.
Moschino Pumps (Image: LuisaviaRoma)
Who: Moschino
What: Embroidered leather pumps
How Much: $1,745.00 CAN
Unless it is a themed party and you have $1,745.00 CAN to toss on some clownish clogs, let’s stay away from these. Weird.
Dolce & Gabbana (Image: Luisaviaroma)
Who: Dolce & Gabbana
What: Pineapple Clog
How Much: $2,791.00 CAN
I like pineapple but not this much. Fun fact: When you eat pineapple, it’s eating you. Apparently, the acid of pineapple is quite strong. Who else remembers the French speaking pineapple L’ananas that helped teach us speak French in grade 4?
Balenciaga (Image: Net-a-Porter)
Who: Balenciaga
What: Thigh High Clog
How Much: $2,145.00 US
Balenciaga as a brand is very hit and miss – some collections are a total hit and others are a total miss. While some shoes from this collection were epic, this clog boot is straight clownish, and for those who don’t want the thigh high version, there’s an ankle one too available on Net-A-Porter. #SurgicalMaskEmoji
Are there any other ugly shoes that should be added to this list? Let us know in the comment section.
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Temperatures are dropping again and it winter is here to stay for a little longer. Luckily, retailers are trying to push their winter merchandise to make room for spring, meaning tons of winter clearance sales are taking place!
Whether you’re going to stay huddled up indoors or braving the cold outside, here are 5 sales you don’t want to miss out on this weekend.
Frank + Oak Warehouse Sale
StyleDemocracy is throwing the Frank + Oak Warehouse Sale at 533 College St. and this weekend is the last weekend to shop! Come in and save up to 80% on Frank + Oak apparel, footwear, and accessories. There’s also a selection of womenswear! Preview the sale here and get full sale details here.
Le Chateau Outlet
This sale is for those ladies who are looking to save some major cash on a brand new wardrobe. From now until Monday, March 13 at 8:59 am, the Le Chateau Outlet is hosting a DRESS-tination flash sale online. All dresses are $20 and there are tons of other deals on shoes and more, too! Shop the sale here.
Michael Kors
Calling all Michael Kors fans! Head to the website to save 25% on select new styles of handbags, wallets, watches, and menswear for the Spring Style Event. The sale ends on Tuesday, March 21. Shop the sale here.
Crocs March Break Event
Does anyone in the fam need some footwear? There’s a big Crocs sale at the International Centre and we’ve got a coupon that’ll score you an additional 15% on already reduced prices! Get full sale details here.
DSW
Because you can never have enough shoes, you’ll want to check out DSW’s weekend online sale event. From now until Sunday, March 12, they are taking an extra 25% off all boots and booties for men, women, and children. To get your discount, be sure to use the promotion code, “25OFFBOOTS”. Shop the sale here.
Did we miss any of the best sales to shop this weekend? Let us know in the comment section.
Featured Image: Instagram/@DSWCanada
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