NEW YORK, Dec 21 — Leggings, the antithesis of fashion, have been making a remarkable comeback on the catwalks — and in influencers’ closets — for several weeks. And this time, they’re landing in audacious styles, whether flared, sequined or transparent. Could this bold move be leggings’ last-ditch attempt to win over the fashion world?
Leggings have always — or at least often — been synonymous with a fashion faux pas, relegated for many years to the rank of sports or fitness wear, prized only for gym sessions, yoga, running, Pilates classes and the likes. But that was without counting on the persistence of some fashion fans — from designers to style icons — who have been trying for several years to transform this undesirable item into a veritable must-have. So far, they haven’t met with much success, but that could all be set to change this season.
In fact, as the new year dawns, Chiara Ferragni, Kendall Jenner and Camille Charriere are just some of the personalities who seem to have made leggings their new go-to. Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian is popularising the piece in her own special way, and a handful of designers even put leggings in the spotlight during the latest shows for the spring-summer 2023 season. All of these signals suggest that leggings have not yet given up hope of breaking into fashion, and that the coming year could well be the one for the fashion outsider.
Bolder than ever
But gone are the boring old leggings that only come in dull colours, and seem to be constantly striving to imitate either pantyhose or pants without ever managing to match them. It’s time to make way for much bolder versions of leggings, with transparent, glittery, flared and even cut-out styles, making them more desirable than ever. Fans of these comfortable sportswear pants — previously considered an alternative to sweatpants — seem to hope so, in any case.
During the last round of fashion shows, leggings found a place on the catwalks of many major labels. Sacai showed its version in a style partway between leggings and pants, and with a flared cut that could prove popular with many a fashion fan next season. Knwls also opted for a flared style, and even dared a colourful print matched with transparency. For its part, Gucci opted for zebra or leopard print leggings, and to stunning effect.
Influencers are in on the game too, like Chiara Ferragni, who stepped out in cut-out leggings, while Kendall Jenner wore a quasi-transparent version. Camille Charriere went for leggings covered with the logos of a major fashion house. Kim Kardashian, a fan of ultra tight catsuits, has also put leggings in the spotlight in her own way, and offers many versions through her Skims brand.
All of these various style updates and prominent sightings could make the leggings one of the must-have pieces of 2023 — quite the feat for a fashion item shunned for so many years. — ETX Studio
