If you missed my Fashion Friday on Instagram, I talked about two big drops that debuted last week.  Yeezy for The Gap and Balenciaga’s second collaboration with Crocs.

Both received a lot of press, and as I found out via Insta polls, they are both quite polarizing.  You either love Kanye or hate him.  Wear Crocs or wouldn’t be caught dead in them. Victoria Beckham famously said…

“I think I’d rather die but thank you anyway @justinbieber 😂”

… in response to Justin Bieber’s collab with Crocs.

Let’s break down these two collabs.

Yeezy for The Gap

The only thing shoppers were privy to when this puffer jacket appeared on The Gap’s homepage was that they’d need to fill out their personal information, sizes and then… be put into a waiting room.  After a $200 commitment, they were informed Yeezy’s first piece for The Gap would ship sometime this fall.

Do I like Kanye?  No.  Do I hate this jacket?  Also no.  But let’s unpack that.  It’s a puffer coat.  As a huge fan of both Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia puffer jackets) and Norma Kamali (the sleeping bag coat) – both created in the 1960’s – it’s clear where his inspiration came from.

It’s a fun color.  But I (of course) will not be buying it.  How about you?

Balenciaga for Crocs 2.0

Balenciaga previously gave us a platform Croc in 2017.  This past week they debuted a stiletto Croc.  Who needs stiletto Crocs?  That’s right, no one.

But here’s the catch.

Demand for Crocs increased 64% in the first quarter of this year alone.  Revenues are through the roof.  So what may seem like an “are you kidding me?” move, is actually smart marketing.

The stiletto Crocs are part of the Spring/Summer 2022 collection and will retail for approximately $1000.  Who will be buying them?

Where do we go from here?

Both of these drops have me begging the question.

Has fashion jumped the shark?  

I love small, indie brands because they stay true to their DNA.  They know what they do well, stick to it, and do it in spades.

I love big luxury brands too.  And you know I love a ridiculous fashion moment.  But when are we going to reign it in from shock value to functionality?  The pendulum hath swung too far, methinks.