Apocalypse-core – straight outta East London is dressing like it’s the end of the world.
Last week we featured Grandpacore fashion. This week we’re talking Apocalypse – core. This isn’t a new phenomenon— but it is going to define winter 2024.
We are now witnessing the rise of “prepare-wear”. As climate change continues to challenge weather patterns and natural disasters become increasingly common, we all need clothing that can adapt to different temperatures and climate circumstances more readily. Think mountaineering gear — with a hint of apocalypse.
Everyone appears to have taken note. Puma has enlisted SKEPTA for a second collaboration, this week dropping a Tech-Luxe Collection consisting of hiking boots and Pertex puffer jackets. The Britpop revival has fanned the flames too, with Liam Gallagher fronting STONE ISLAND’s winter campaign to launch its new “Glass parka” (“made from polyester mesh protected by a semi-gloss transparent polyurethane film”). We also saw his son Lennon and ex-wife Patsy Kensit model for Italian outerwear label Napapijri’s Arctic Circle archival capsule push.
The North Face’s latest collaboration with Japanese label Undercover dropped this week too, and Represent 247, Manchester’s hottest streetwear label, just launched its first, 44-piece “vintage hiking” collection.
There’s a pull from the lifestyle market for highly technical products that look good regardless of whether you intend to go up a mountain – or very much don’t. For this reason, heritage brands like Berghaus, which was founded in 1966, alongside industry newcomers, are all piling into the resurgence.
Look up #gorpcore on Instagram (home to 251,000 posts) and you will quickly pick up on how outdoors devotees wear this trend. In short, everything from the hiking and ski cupboard, all in one ensemble. From the feet up this includes, but isn’t limited to: hikers, thick walking socks, long johns, waterproof trousers, Uniqlo Heattech second-skins, bright-coloured fleeces, a shell or puffer jacket, Alps-appropriate gloves, balaclava, cycling shades and an Arc’teryx “Head Toque” to polish everything off. Looks scary to me.
