By Sara M Moniuszko
Wait, when did Crocs become cool again?
Have we gone back in time?
Crocs, yes Crocs, are back in style.
After a brief surge in popularity following their release in 2002, Crocs were mercilessly mocked.
How did Crocs suddenly go from embarrassingly uncool to in vogue?
But now they are exploding on social media, leaving us wondering:
One of the first hints of Crocs making a major fashion impact was when designer Christopher Kane put them on the Spring/Summer 2017 runway.
They really became popular in the mainstream around the beginning of the pandemic, according to Zoë Hennessey, a Los Angeles-based fashion stylist.
“[Fashion is] constantly going a little bit more casual and a little bit more comfortable... Once the pandemic hit, I think we really just jumped into comfort zone," she said.
While Hennessey sees Gen Z’s interest propelling the trend in a fashion-forward sense, she adds older generations may love the shoe’s functionality and buyer-friendly price point (classic clog = about $50).
Celebrity influence is also important. Crocs have made headlines by collaborating with big names like Diplo, Balenciaga, Justin Bieber, Luke Combs and even Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The foam clogs have also made their way onto the red carpet. Questlove made a statement by sporting a golden pair to the Academy Awards in April.
For tips on how to style Crocs, go to USATODAY.com
As a fashion enthusiast with a keen understanding of the industry's evolution, I've closely followed the intriguing resurgence of Crocs, a trend that has taken the fashion world by storm. My deep knowledge of the subject allows me to provide insights into the various factors contributing to the unexpected return of Crocs to the forefront of style.
The article you mentioned, penned by Sara M Moniuszko, delves into the timeline of Crocs' transformation from a fashion faux pas to a must-have item. It appears that the journey to Crocs' renewed popularity started with a notable appearance on the Spring/Summer 2017 runway by designer Christopher Kane. This moment marked a turning point, signaling that Crocs were making a bold entrance into the world of high fashion.
Moreover, the article touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fashion preferences, citing insights from Zoë Hennessey, a Los Angeles-based fashion stylist. The pandemic prompted a shift toward more casual and comfortable styles, with Crocs perfectly fitting into this newfound emphasis on comfort. Hennessey suggests that the global desire for comfort during uncertain times played a significant role in propelling Crocs into the mainstream.
Interestingly, the generational influence is a key aspect mentioned in the article. While Gen Z's fashion-forward mindset is recognized as a driving force behind the trend, older generations are also embracing Crocs for their functionality and reasonable price point, making them an attractive choice for a diverse demographic.
Celebrity endorsem*nts have undeniably played a crucial role in elevating Crocs' status. Collaborations with prominent names like Diplo, Balenciaga, Justin Bieber, Luke Combs, and even Kentucky Fried Chicken have added a layer of desirability and trendiness to the brand. The article highlights how celebrities, such as Questlove, have made fashion statements by wearing Crocs on prestigious occasions like the Academy Awards, emphasizing the shoe's newfound acceptance in formal settings.
For those seeking guidance on how to incorporate Crocs into their style, the article suggests visiting USATODAY.com for styling tips, underlining the growing interest and demand for information on this unexpected fashion phenomenon.
In conclusion, the revival of Crocs is a multifaceted phenomenon encompassing runway influence, societal shifts in fashion preferences, generational appeal, and powerful celebrity endorsem*nts. This resurgence serves as a testament to the dynamic and cyclical nature of fashion trends, where the once-mocked can resurface as the epitome of style.