LUCKY-CHARM(ED)

Italian luxury fashion house Marni to join forces with Carhartt’s nippy reform of erstwhile blue-collar attire. An unprecedented collab, preluding us into the new year with what seems like a retrieved fascination for archetypal silhouettes and a plethora of color. Opposites attract and while Francesco Risso’s penchant for gaudy prints has entered the realm of otherwise no-frill workwear, we’re completely and utterly captivated by both brands‘ mutability.

Carhartt WIP’s signature designs, such as the Active Jacket, or their short-sleeved Work Shirt are enveloped in what feels like a meadow of clovers. Whether it may be a two-toned print or split trousers, with one leg being corduroy, the visible duality is a systematic delivery and uniting theme alike. The collection spans both men’s and women’s ready-to-wear pieces, some of which are inspired by lucky four-leaf charms dipped in a bit of funk. Presented by Parliament-Funkadelic’s former bassist and artist Bootsy Collins, his wife Patti, grandson, and musician Babyxsosa, we’re starting to gage the collection’s soulful influences of the frantic 70s. The Marni x Carhartt WIP drop is now available at Carhartt WIP flagships, Marni’s boutiques, ONLINE, and at select stockists.

Fashion’s, profane fixation on workwear, distinguished primarily by rugged materials and functional cuts, has been a longstanding element in skate, and hip-hop subcultures. As Funk; often referred to as the genesis of hip-hop, is not fueled by a series of anticipated cords, but by an undreamed-of rhythmic overload, it makes it an ideal link in this felicitous interplay.