Fashion and sport are industries, crafts, professions, and human necessities. Their inception originates from the imagination of designers, influenced by direct or indirect sources, whether emotional, personal, imaginative, or mythical.
The fashion industry, as a soft force, is characterized by flexibility and multi-layered influence, as it can integrate with various other industries, drawing inspiration and impact from them. One of the industries that often merges with and resembles the cultural influence of fashion is sports.
Sports have their own unique beauty and distinctiveness, and their clothing is designed to support freedom of movement and flexibility, catering to different sports types and incorporating modern technology in their evolution.
So, what happens when designers present a collection that embodies the identity of a house or brand, often reflecting a history of elegance, modernity, and aesthetics, while infusing it with sporty elements?
In front of our eyes emerges a hybrid and distinctive collection, forming a symbolic intersection of two industries. Visually captivating, it invites contemplation of its details.
1: Chanel Spring/Summer 2014 Haute Couture Collection
The intense fusion occurs when two contrasting sides meet, such as high fashion and sports, particularly athletic footwear.
Indeed, this merging was brought to life by Karl Lagerfeld in the Chanel Spring/Summer 2014 Haute Couture Collection.
The collection was dominated by a sporty influence, evident in the choice of athletic shoes complementing the looks. The designs were characterized by a 1960s vibe in the necklines and collars and a 1950s corset-like waist, yet nothing was overly precise or historically accurate. The athletic shoes in this collection stripped away the usual sporty specifications and took on a couture identity, embellished with fine crystals, sequins, and fabrics associated with high fashion that challenged athletic norms.
2: Dior Resort 2022 Collection
The focus and main concept behind this “Resort” collection revolved around sports. Maria Grazia Chiuri stated, “Movement is freedom,” something we missed during the lockdown due to the pandemic. Chiuri compensated by infusing evident sporty elements into Dior's elegance. The collection brought together the craftsmanship of haute couture with the dynamism of clothing and technology, creating a collection bursting with dominant athletic spirit. It is a collection that will not fade from our memories, especially with its iconic looks, featuring Grecian-style dresses with a wet effect, reminiscent of ancient Greek civilization sculptures.
3: Dior Fall/Winter 2022 Collection
Dior's distinctive ethereal elegance found its way under a collection of the most assertive accessories this season. Delicate tulle dresses were paired with lace cycling shorts, protective body armor, and padded gloves, all in vibrant neon colors reminiscent of vehicles and cars. If you have a penchant for fast motorcycles, choose this Dior collection for the perfect protection. When living life from a fashion perspective, elegance comes first, and safety second.
4: Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2022 Collection
Various sports exist, and the sports usually associated with women rarely include rugby. However, there is no better time to enter this sport than after the presentation of the Louis Vuitton collection, which referenced the historical game for the Fall/Winter 2022 season.
Nicholas Ghesquière is known for his bold and artistic skills in skillfully blending references, as he paired striped polo shirts with long ruffled skirts, and protective body armor with vibrant neon colors, hinting at the character of vehicles and cars. If you are fond of fast motorcycles, opt for this Louis Vuitton collection.
5: Dior Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture Collection
This timeless collection brought together the elegant symbols of Parisian house with one of the most disciplined and traditional sports.
When former Creative Director John Galliano adapted the iconic Bar jacket for equestrianism.
American model Karlie Kloss opened the collection wearing a satin red jacket that embraced the body, featuring a cinched waist and the jacket's hem flaring outward, in homage to the iconic Dior Bar jacket with its black collar and a stylish checked skirt.
The look was completed with knee-high leather boots, a hat, and a hanging veil over the face. Finally, the model carried the accessory accompanying this look, symbolically signifying the equestrian inspiration of the collection, a leather riding crop.
