Style Meets Function: North Face x Gucci
Style Meets Function: North Face x Gucci
By: Kate Abraham
In January 2021, Gucci released a much-anticipated collaboration collection with The North Face, bringing a whole new approach to the fashionable functionality trend. These two brands compose a beautiful pairing that responds to a prevalent need in the market, especially during this chilly winter season among a pandemic requiring many to work remotely with public outings limited only to the necessities.
Photo sourced from hypebeast.com
This fabulous collection includes a multitude of items that are at the top of everyone’s most-wanted list, especially while living in the midst of a time where comfort items are a necessity. With many opting to reach for their oversized matching sets, cozy socks, and other pieces that can be worn while working from home or running necessary errands, the desire to do so fashionably is very present. Gucci and The North Face quickly identified this demand from consumers and developed a stunning collection that many didn’t even realize they needed. Expectations were far exceeded once this collaboration met the market following the many suspenseful hints and sneak peeks beginning in December of 2020 that left customers full of impatient excitement.
Functionality, comfort, and high style epitomize this collection of windbreakers, coats, hats, socks, shorts, joggers, boots, tees, and more. These two brands bring radically different approaches together, creating pieces that perform and attract. Combining the style of Gucci with the scientific, purposeful design of The North Face resulted in multi-purpose pieces drawing the attention of consumers worldwide.
Another factor at the heart of the purpose of this collection is that of sustainability. The drive to produce long-lasting, high-quality, and functional pieces able to be worn for years past purchase builds on the large movement towards reducing clothing waste and caring for the environment that houses the people of this world.
The primary debut of the collection occurred in London on January 4, 2021, at the Selfridges department store. This exclusive access drew many consumers itching for the opportunity to get their hands on the collection before others. Following this release, specific Gucci store locations worldwide opened over the days leading up to the online release that was available to all on January 22, 2021. This process emphasized the exclusivity factor and elevated its quality and favor in the eyes of many.
As if Gucci fans couldn’t get any more excited for the release, celebrities were seen days before the collection was available online wearing the limited-edition styles. Jennifer Lopez and A$AP Rocky’s appearances further drew excitement and further emphasized the need for these fashionable and warm pieces among the chilling weather.
Photos sourced from @jlo on Instagram and CR Fashion Book
One of the best-selling styles of the collection, the iconic puffer jacket embellished with the signature GG Diamonte icon pattern and a bold collaboration logo, flew quickly off the shelves and is currently unavailable for purchase. The classic print made this piece a must-have for many, thus explaining its quick sell-out time.
Photo sourced from British GQ
Bold, 1970s-inspired floral patterns were also included in this collection, which spectacularly addressed the increasingly popular trend of color and pattern that will be all the rage in 2021. These pieces are classy, yet striking, making them all the more desirable.
Photos sourced from gucci.com
Another strong appeal of this collection is its emphasis on heading outside and being in nature, which is a practice that many made a habit during the strict COVID-19 quarantine period in 2020. Although gatherings and public places were largely postponed and shut down, nature was a reliable and safe place for all. The photoshoots taken to advertise for this campaign built on this idea, inspiring consumers to get outside, go on a hike, and enjoy the fresh air and beauty of nature. Doing so brings so many positive effects on the inner and outer self, so it is even more intriguing to be fashionably equipped for everything that nature holds.
Photos sourced from highsnobiety.com
The success of this collaboration is obvious due to the very limited number of pieces left available for purchase. This was to be expected following such a brilliant partnership and stunning collection, which leaves so many wondering what these companies have planned for the future. Without a doubt, it will be nothing short of amazing.
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