CARHARTT WIP
Fabulous Functional Fashion
Carhartt, Inc. has been around for quite a while. One hundred thirty-two years, to be exact.
Founded in 1889 by Hamilton Carhartt, Carhartt, Inc. is an American apparel company known for its practical working gear, such as jackets, overalls, vests, and fire-resistant clothing. The brand was marketed towards railroad workers’ need for solid and long-lasting work clothes and carried the slogan “honest value for an honest dollar.” Although forced to downsize during the Great Depression, Carhartt, Inc. found its footing again during World War II.
As the brand continued to grow, so too did its collaborations. In 1989, German denim designers Edwin and Salomee Faeh were given license to represent Carharrt in Europe and soon began selling designs under the Carhartt name – more specifically Carhartt’s Work in Progress (WIP) – in 1994. Over the years, WIP morphed into a streetwear version of the classic Carhartt brand, comparable to Stüssy or Supreme, and often collaborates with other streetwear labels like A Bathing Ape and skate brand PACCBET. In addition, the Faehs wanted to fully immerse themselves in subcultures that interested them, including skateboarding, graffiti, hip-hop, and biking.
For the brand’s most recent Fall/Winter 2021 collection, you’ll see all the hallmarks of classic WIP: thick corduroy, dyed duck canvas, flannel, washed denim, and thick wool. Tones are earthy and moody, and nothing is too loud or flashy – don’t expect anything fancy. For example, look for tonal color blocking and beautifully done intarsia knitting on the coats, aprons, and chunky cardigans – reminiscent of old-school collegiate style. Elsewhere, you’ll see plush fleece jackets, pigment-dyed hoodies, and reworked Detroit jackets, all with that subtle WIP twist to take the pieces from utility to streetwear fashion.
Check out some of our favorite looks from WIP’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection. What else would you expect from the brand besides wearable workwear in streamlined cuts? WIP’s latest outing provides perfect options for adding some workable accents and functionality into your winter wardrobe.
