Hidesign, a Tokyo-based workwear design company, has taken a bold step into the world of fashion with its innovative ‘Blue Collar’ collection. Known for their practical and cutting-edge designs, Hidesign aims to create clothing that seamlessly blends functionality with style. Their latest collection, presented in a captivating keynote-style exhibition, showcases this philosophy with a unique approach to workwear.
Inspired by the uniforms of physical laborers, the ‘Blue Collar’ collection features a bold color palette of cobalt, navy, and aqua, a departure from Hidesign’s traditional gray hues. Each piece in the collection is meticulously designed, incorporating both form and function into its construction. One standout item is a jacket equipped with a battery-operated fan system, inflating like a wearable balloon to provide cool air circulation. Another garment features compartments lined with aluminum foil, transforming the jacket into a portable picnic cooler. Even the hooded raincoat has been thoughtfully designed to be worn over a backpack, offering protection from unexpected storms while sporting a striking oversized silhouette.
Hidesign’s ‘Blue Collar’ collection offers a refreshing alternative to the current trend of luxury fashion brands appropriating blue-collar uniforms. While vintage Carhartt chore jackets and canvas twill cargo pants have become popular in high-end fashion, they often face criticism for being a form of appropriation and performative blue-collar cosplay. Hidesign, however, avoids this pitfall by presenting innovative designs that are genuinely functional and relevant to modern life.
The collection’s focus on practical solutions for a changing world is particularly relevant as the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent. The brutally hot and humid summers in Japan and around the globe are expected to worsen, making Hidesign’s fan vests and cooler pockets a welcome solution for those seeking to stay cool in style.
Hidesign’s commitment to societal contribution through their designs is clear. As Souta Yamaguchi, one of the designers, stated, “We are very much thinking about how we can contribute to society with these clothes.” Their ‘Blue Collar’ collection is a testament to this commitment, offering a glimpse into the future of clothing design, where fashion and function seamlessly merge to address the challenges of a changing world.
