Picture this: You're lounging aboard a sailboat, the sun dappling its rays across the blue sea, wind in the sails, blue skies as far as the eye can see. Sounds like paradise, no? We're deeply apologetic if, like us, that is not your reality right now. So why not dress for the life you want? This summer, fashion is taking its cues from the sea, portraying a heavy nautical influence across runways and Instagram feeds. (I may or may not have just purchased a semi-ridiculous vintage sailor shirt on Etsy.)
Plotting this trend's trajectory takes us back to fashion darling Jean Paul Gaultier, who displayed a particular reverence for the garb of sailors, none more evident than in his spring '97 collection. This past spring, the design house released a throwback collection that nodded sartorially to its nautical predecessor. According to global fashion shopping platform Lyst, "the Jean Paul Gaultier reboot has put the designer's signature sailor look back into fashion lovers' radar, with searches for the brand's sailor pieces growing 52 percent over the last month."
Photo: Getty
Though this isn't the only place we've seen sea-worthy references lately. Over the past few years, mariner stripes, sailor collars, anchors, and ropes have been peppered throughout the collections of Miu Miu, Balmain, Margaret Howell, and Emilia Wickstead. Not to mention, have you ever noticed the iconic JW Anderson logo splashed across some of our favorite handbags is actually in the shape of an anchor?
Balmain Fall 2021;
Photo: Courtesy of Balmain
Celine Resort 2021;
Photo: Courtesy of Celine
Margaret Howell Spring 2021;
Photo: Mark Kean / Courtesy of Margaret Howell
A representative from Lyst says that the search is trending outside the runway, as well. "Searches including the terms 'nautical,' 'sailor,' and 'fisherman' are up 66 percent since the start of the year." Fisherman sandals, anyone? "Classic Breton shirts are particularly popular at the moment, causing a 41 percent jump in searches month-on-month." When it comes to styling, we suggest implementing nautical items sparingly and balancing with rougher materials—leather, denim, etc.
Regardless of which vessel tickles your fancy, we highly recommend indulging in this escapist trend to transport yourself (at least superficially) to a calmer place—because isn't that what fashion's all about?
Top photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@jeanpaulgaultier
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