THE LILAC VEIN: Wherefore Art Thou Sweatpants?

Embracing your cotton obsession in an anti-elastic world

Photograph via GQ

Women and men take immediate offense to anyone commenting on their favorite pair of sweats. Doe-eyed, many ask what one does when the leader of a fashion revolution mocks their entirety. Most shrug House of Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld off and run in the opposite direction, grasping their Hollister-brand sweatpants in their teeth, hoping the shadow of high school “lazy days” covers their naivety.

"Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants," Lagerfeld said.

To account for the individuals unwilling to pray to the “almighty Chanel gods,” there are a sacred few who decide to take his words as scripture found in the figurative Fashion Bible held dearly by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour.

Having read the magazines that base their entire existence on quotes like Lagerfeld’s for years and finding myself ultimately a slave to their Times New Roman font and the words printed, I can say with confidence that the guru doesn’t determine street style. For those that live and breathe their embroidered soft wear, you’re in luck.

Designer sweatpants found their lazy way down the runway this year, sporting a giant, mocking, “look at me” name tag. Designers Alexander Wang (ultimately credited with the first pair of truly “designer” sweatpants), Thom Browne, and Marc Jacobs all found a way to incorporate the cotton-comfort into their portfolios.

While the legitimacies of fashion gospel truth are tested, Lagerfeld remains the power figure in the situation.

For those questioning their fabric choices, 17 words uttered by the fashion guru won’t send fashion police to your closet door with tongs to remove the supposed “mistake” inhabiting your wardrobe.

However, harem pants may be something to invest in this winter.

- Sierra Stewart, Design Editor