What’s next for Gorpcore? After years of countless crossovers between the fashion and outdoor worlds, that’s the question on everyone's minds right now. At this stage, it feels that trends like Gorpcore and its spiritual style sisters have finally reached their peak. Or have they?
There's no better place to ask that question than at 520M. Launched last year, 520M is a partnership platform between Highsnobiety and ISPO, the largest outdoor trade show, exploring the intersection of fashion and culture in the outdoor world.
At this season’s edition, amid three days of panel discussions, presentations, and workshops, we took the opportunity to ask some of the industry professionals and community leaders about their love of the outdoors and what they think is next for Gorpcore.
Tsellot Melesse, filmmaker, host; founder Black Canary 030
What's your favorite way to spend time outdoors?
Even though I run a social outdoors club, my favorite thing to do in nature is be by myself. I really like spending time alone on a mountain, just me with my thoughts. No partners, no friends. It's really me time when I'm outside, and that's what I value the most.
What do you look for in outdoor clothing?
I mainly go vintage shopping for outdoor stuff. So, to be fair, I don't look so much at what the brand is like, but the material, the design of it, the practicality of it. Outdoor stuff is made to be very long-lasting, so you know what, why not wear second-hand outdoor pieces?
Next big thing in outdoor fashion?
I don't know if it's going to happen, but I really want it to — functional outdoor skirts. Practical skits that I can actually go on a hike with that are long, with different designs, and different styles. If someone out there would focus on that, you'll make so much money. We really need outdoor skirts.
Ollie Olanipekun, creative director/co-founder Flock Together
What’s your favorite way to spend time outdoors?
My favorite time to spend out in the outdoors is birdwatching. Every time I go on a walk or a hike, having my binoculars with me is essential because yeah, birds is the magic.
Most exciting outdoor brand at the moment?
I think the most exciting brand for me is Vibram. The heritage, the products that they've put out, the way they've been able to give space to collaborations, that's the basis of a lot of their work. I think so important to the space right now. So it's Vibram.
Next big thing in outdoor fashion?
The next big thing in outdoor fashion, in my opinion, has to be expression. I think functionality we now have nailed. We understand that this space is based on functionality, but now, with new consumers engaging in this space, let's make it a bit more personalized. Let's be more expressive with our outfits and our wardrobes. Like Demon footwear, the way they took a hiking boot and made it really experimental. I would love to see more of that. So that, for me, is the next thing for everyone.
Julia Lebossé, founder Sneakers By Women
What do you love most about being outdoors?
I do love a hike, but I do also like a casual walk. I really like to just unwind, and I do like to do a lot of solo walks because I find I'm able to really disconnect, connect with nature, and be at peace.
Favorite outdoor brand right now?
At the moment I would say my favorite outdoor brand is Snow Peak. I really like how they do a lot of things that are community driven. They'll invite people on hikes and camping and do workshops. I think that's something I really like to look for in terms of the outdoors, is really incorporating the community and educating them and making it less of a solo thing.
Next big thing in outdoor fashion?
The next big thing for me in the outdoor space in terms of innovation would be something to do with footwear. To see more cross-functional footwear, something you can wear for city life and outdoors.
Irem Erdem, founder Irem Tour
What do you love about the outdoors?
My favorite environment is always when I'm surrounded by big mountains, which reminds me what the core of life is, and brings me the most real version of myself. My favorite way to spend time in the outdoors is hiking. Literally being alone in the mountains, rediscovering a lot of things about myself, my weaknesses, my strengths, and just forgetting the problems I have in daily life.
Best outdoor brand at the moment?
La Sportiva forever because I think they do amazing stuff. They have always been there, and they do really cool functional gear that you really need in the mountains.
Next big thing in outdoor fashion?
While this Gorpcore trend increases, hopefully, people will start questioning what is next. I like trends, I like fashion, I like this Gorpcore rise, but we don't think about earth and the global warming aspect of it. I hope that will become a more critical point.
Moubarak Assima, creative director, stylist; sales Goldwin
What’s your favorite way to spend time outdoors?
My favorite time to spend outdoors is with friends because life is so busy right now. It’s nice to take it slow, and in nature it's the easiest way to take it easy.
What’s the most exciting outdoor brand now?
The most exciting outdoor brand at the moment for me is definitely Goldwin. We understand what the customer wants right now, fusing streetwear with the outdoors, basically tech wear, in a way that is really, really minimalistic and supports everyday life.
Next big thing in outdoor fashion?
Everything is merging with everything, so I think the next thing will be traditional outdoor brands designing more streetwear style stuff, and doing more collabs with streetwear brands. It feels like the logical next step.
Pietro Franceschi, founder Sangi Footwear Observatory
What's your favorite way to spend time outdoors?
Spending time outdoors is about inspiration, really breathing the clean air and having the opportunity to look at real landscapes without any limitations.
What's the next big thing in outdoor fashion?
I think the next big thing will be something to do with digitalization. Wearable technologies in footwear are probably the key. Something we’ll probably see before is personalization – functional personalization using wearable technologies. Modular components so you can really adapt the product to your needs. This is also a very sustainable way to have one product to be used on different occasions.
