In his new editorial for V Magazine, Jason Kim has succeeded in transforming traditional derby fashion from play-it-safe pastels to risky choices involving a lot of leather. Titled ‘Derby Season,’ this editorial shows model Josephine Skriver in a series of all-black, no-nonsense outfits; it's an ironic twist on the usual derby fashion.
Each of the photos indicates a self-reflexive shift from the traditional to the avant-garde. One photo shows Skriver wearing a derby-style hat, but instead of the soft, floppy fabric the traditional derby visitor is accustomed to seeing, the piece is made entirely of a stiff, wiry material. Another shot shows Skriver holding a leather whip, while wearing pearls, leather gloves and a masculine derby-style hat, shattering the submissive female archetype.
With this editorial, Kim is clearly attempting to highlight the recent rejection of traditional fashion by women—and the effect is staggering. These outfits are magnificently original and strong, but I doubt they’ll be seen at the Queen’s derby any time soon.
Dark Derby-Inspired Fashion
Leather and Lace Take Over the Derby in the New Jason Kim Editorial
Trend Themes
1. Dark Derby Fashion - Traditional pastels are being replaced by risky choices which involve a lot of leather and black attire, transforming derby fashion.
2. Leather and Lace Fashion - Leather and lace are being incorporated in Derby fashion, breaking traditional norms.
3. Self-reflexive Derby Style - Derby style is undergoing a self-reflexive shift from traditional to avant-garde, showcased in recent photo-shoots.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - Fashion designers can explore dark and edgy themes in their Derby collections, taking inspiration from leather and lace designs and creating unique pieces to break away from traditional pastels.
2. Luxury Industry - Luxury brands can conduct research on consumer preferences for unconventional derby fashion and capitalize on this emerging trend.
3. Equestrian Industry - The equestrian industry can explore ways to incorporate leather and lace in traditional equestrian wear to create a new range of Derby fashion attire.