Post-Ironic Clog

Lucrative Crocs collaborations amplify the obsession with "ugly" footwear

Implications - Once considered a pariah in the world of footwear, the Crocs brand has reemerged as a benefactor of fashion's current fascination with the unsightly, exemplified in a stream of successful collaborations with streetwear brands and influencers alike.

Insight - The reflexive nature of fashion trends is increasing in the social media age, upending seemingly steadfast norms of what's considered stylish or tasteful. The clearest example of this is an increasing interest in "ugly" items. This approach to luxury design signifies a shift in what's considered truly exclusive. Put simply, a consumer's ability to "get" a design is more important than their ability to afford the item.
Workshop Question - How can you take advantage of the current fascination with hyper-normal apparel in a way that highlights the cyclical nature of fashion?

Trend Themes

  1. Ugly Footwear Trend — Collaborations and designs featuring 'ugly' footwear are gaining traction in the fashion industry.
  2. Comfort Meets Luxury — Luxury fashion is incorporating comfort-focused designs to cater to a consumer preference for functionality.
  3. Punk and Metal Influences — Design influences from punk and metal culture are being incorporated into fashion collaborations with Crocs.

Industry Implications

  1. Fashion Industry — The fashion industry is responding to consumer demand for unique and comfortable yet stylish footwear designs.
  2. Streetwear Industry — Streetwear-centric brands are partnering with Crocs to cater to a younger demographic that desires new and unconventional styles.
  3. Accessories Industry — Collaborative accessories, like bags and jibbitz for Crocs, represent market opportunities for product diversification.
3.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
6 Featured, 41 Examples:
133,276 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Oct 17 — Feb 19
Trending:
Average
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

Barbed Wire Graphic Clogs
Barbed Wire Graphic Clogs
Post Malone Joins Crocs for Another Classic Clog Collaboration
Post Malone joins forces with footwear label Crocs once again on a new collaborative ‘Classic Clog’ silhouette for the season. The latest drop features a colorway that is bound to draw... MORE
Rubber Shoe-Inspired Bags
Rubber Shoe-Inspired Bags
Pizzaslime and Crocs Work Together on a Capsule of Accessories
Pizzaslime works in collaboration with Crocs to create a collection of bags that directly represent the visual aesthetics of the iconic Croc footwear. The selection is carefully crafted by hand and... MORE
Comfortable Grass Footwear
Comfortable Grass Footwear
Crocs and Chinatown Market Launch a Turf-Inspired Silhouette
Some designers are familiar with the freeing feeling of walking barefoot on grass and to mimic this, grass footwear is made available to consumers who would like to experience this on-demand. The... MORE
Skeletal Perforated Shoes
Skeletal Perforated Shoes
PLEASURES and Crocs Draw Inspiration from Punk Metal Culture
PLEASURES and Crocs work in collaboration on the latest iteration of the footwear label’s signature foam-clog silhouette. The special edition collaborative design draws inspiration from punk... MORE
Streetwear-Themed Lifestyle Shoes
Streetwear-Themed Lifestyle Shoes
Alife and Crocs Joined Forces to Drop a Range of Footwear
An unpredictable partnership between Alife and Crocs has surfaced, as the two dropped a series of footwear models that boast both the visual aesthetics and functions of both brands. The New York City-... MORE
Remixed Designer Clogs
Remixed Designer Clogs
The Balenciaga x Crocs Collaboration Debuted at Paris Fashion Week
An unexpected Balenciaga x Crocs collaboration was unveiled at the labels’s Paris Fashion Week presentation for Spring/Summer 2018. Known as one of the world’s most unfavorable footwear... MORE

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