Highsnobiety kicked off its inaugural event at its Unter den Linden store this week to celebrate the opening of the GANT Archive—an interactive installation showcasing the brand’s evolution over the past 75 years.
To commemorate the occasion, we organized a panel discussion titled 'A Shirt With History,' delving into the influence of 'The Great American Ivy Style' on global fashion trends over the past seven decades.
The panel featured GANT’s creative director Christopher Bastin, Highsnobiety’s own VP of creative & buying Herbert Hofmann, and model Sadiq Desh, and was hosted by founder and editor-in-chief of INDIE magazine Kira Aurelie. Together, the group dove deep into the rich history of collegiate-inspired fashion, tracing its roots from the hallowed halls of Ivy League universities to its far-reaching impact on global aesthetics.
Drawing inspiration from the insightful podcast series "American Ivy'' by Avery Truffleman, the panelists embarked on a journey to unravel the evolution of preppy fashion and its enduring legacy. GANT’s own Bastin shed light on the brand's pivotal role in the cultural and fashion revolution sparked by the Ivy League aesthetic, underscoring the significance of GANT's contribution to this ongoing narrative of style evolution.
Speaking on his own experience navigating fashion trends, Hofmann provided valuable insights into how the iconic Ivy League look has been reinterpreted and revitalized by contemporary fashion enthusiasts. He highlighted Highsnobiety's innovative approach to infusing new life into classic elements such as shirts, varsity jackets, and polo shirts.
Sadiq shared his perspective on remixing the quintessential American sportswear look to reflect individuality and personal style, providing insights that added depth to the discussion on how the Ivy League aesthetic continues to inspire creativity across diverse cultural landscapes.
The discussion culminated in a contemplation of contemporary mega-trends such as athleisure and normcore, which owe their origins to the democratization of American sportswear. The panelists offered their personal perspectives on a world where comfort and individuality reign supreme, reshaping the boundaries of fashion.
With our first in-store event wrapped up, follow our channels and check out more of what’s to come as we get closer to summer. For those in Berlin, the installation is running until May 8, so make sure to check out the GANT archive while it’s still set-up. And for those who aren’t in town, you can check out the online version here.
