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- Embracing Ugly Sweaters this season: The Origins 👕🎄
Embracing Ugly Sweaters this season: The Origins 👕🎄
The Runway
December 28, 2023
This season, we dive into the quirky, the festive, and the downright hilarious: Ugly Christmas Sweaters.
The Origins of Ugly Christmas Sweaters:
The journey of the Ugly Christmas Sweater began in the 1920s, when department stores first introduced them as seasonal must-haves. Initially featuring generic designs like snowflakes and reindeer, they were more about the holiday spirit than style. It was reignited in the 1980s when the Young Men’s Institute (YMI) Club in San Francisco turned the ugly sweater into a fun tradition. It started as a joke among friends to see who could wear the ugliest sweater, sparking a trend that has now become a global phenomenon.
A Blast from the Past - Jingle Bell Sweaters:
In the 1950s, Ugly Christmas Sweaters, known then as "Jingle Bell Sweaters," made their commercial debut with discrete Christmas-themed decorations. These original sweaters were more artistic and joyful than "ugly."
Source: Etsy
The Resurgence in the 21st Century:
Fast forward to the 21st century, where Chris Boyd and Jordan Birch launched the first Christmas Sweater Party in Vancouver. This sparked a global movement, with the parties turning into massive events, often supporting charitable causes. By 2007, Google searches for ugly Christmas sweaters soared, bringing the trend back into the media spotlight.
Source: CBC
Ugly Christmas Sweaters: More Than Just a Fashion Statement:
Ugly Christmas sweaters are no longer just garments; they've become a cultural phenomenon. Since 2010, these festive fashion statements have become an integral part of pop culture, even making appearances in Hollywood blockbusters. It's not just a trend; it's a celebration of joy, laughter, and the holiday spirit.
At The Runway, fashion is celebrated in all its forms, even the unconventional. This holiday season, let's embrace the ugly, have some fun, and spread laughter. Whether you're attending a festive gathering or hosting your own Ugly Christmas Sweater party, let your style reflect the merriment of the season.
Picks of the week (r/streetwearstartup)
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By u/biancaart. In a sea of conventional streetwear creations, we came across this piece that was very much different than the rest. While looking abnormal, we do think think people with a quirky taste will surely love this.
See more here.
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By u/Nanmin-ca. This reversible jacket truly caught our eyes. It’s like getting 2 jackets for the price of 1. On one side, you have a workwear jacket vibe while on the other, you get a flannel look. @nanmin.ca is their Instagram. Check them out!
See more here.
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By u/kdot2x_. These North Star knits embrace both comfort and style. OP looks clean pairing these with green cargo pants. Fans of sweaters will surely love this one.
See more here.
