"Even if that really seems like two worlds that would not collide, those two industries have worked together for years, and it has worked greatly for both."
Racing sports in general - specially Formula 1, but we can speak for all of them - have never been just about the race itself. Actually, the whole concept and industry of that kind of sports and practice - the adrenaline inducing ones - has always been deeply intertwined with fashion, even if that really seems like two worlds that would not collide, those two industries have worked together for years, and it has worked greatly for both. One could say that the reason why this relationship has been working so well over the years is because of the ower they found in partnerships, with the fashion brands pushing the image of the athletes and the reputation of the sports.
Let’s use Formula 1 as an example here before we really get to Motocross, only because it became internationally popular earlier than the other - it happened in the late 60s. It’s all thanks to Jackie Stewart and John Surtees, the iconic duo that helped all racers to face new challenges: the ability to perform more than just athletically, but to maintain a new celebrity style and status. After that, it only took around two decades until some of the biggest fashion houses became part of the movement. At that time, one of the first brands to hop on the upcoming trend was Benetton, sponsoring team Tyrell and team Toleman, and the success achieved on the tracks also did great to the brand, as it created whole collection built around the concept of Formula 1 and the team, bringing consumers of the sport to get interested - and we can still find these 80s pieces in vintage markets.
And that’s where the real influence and power of those partnerships is found, when the labels specifically design collections thinking about styling the drivers - driving the interest of the fans at the same time. Because when you really think about it, the little logo alongside the cars didn’t do much for the brands - they’re so fast we couldn’t even see it right! That’s the main reason why brands such as Hugo Boss and Hackett have found it interesting to invest their money in racing teams - influencing one of the biggest trends going on now, and our main subject here. Even though the connection between fashion and Formula 1 is historical, what’s been really under the spotlight lately is the motosport - guess we can call it a counter-influence. That’s why we all spotted tons of leather, logos, bright colors and coordinated outfits all over the last runways collections, streetstyle and social media feeds.
We can say the first glimpse of racing and fashion combined happened in 2016, when Jeremy Scott launched his menswear SS collection for Moschino. He staged a big number of bodysuits designed specifically for the racers. A couple years later, when Tommy Hilfiger started to sponsor Mercedes in 2018, the brand used this event to create the whole SS collection around the sport’s concept and aesthetic. And really getting to today's point, we have Dior FW 2022 and Chanel Cruise 2023, two collections who launched showing models in racing gloves, jackets and silhouettes inspired by the aesthetic. And if you ask me, I would say the recent success of the trend is a lot thanks to Rosalía and the studio album ‘Motomami’ released in 2022.
The Spanish singer was wearing nothing but a sported motocross helmet in the album cover, and as the whole album was - and still is - a major success, the motorcycle trend also became a fashion mania ever since. And it wasn’t the first time we had a specific event as the reason why the motocross trend has re-emerged, actually, Rihanna did the same thing back in 2018 when she released a collection for the Fenty x Puma SS campaign fully inspired by the aesthetic. Also, we can’t deny the influence of the y2k era comeback that’s been around for over a year now - and doesn’t seem to be going away soon. A trend that was popular in the 90s was the motocross illustrated prints, specially on genderless clothing such as jackets, trousers and shirts, and it has come back to being in style as the trend cycled back. And nothing says trendy more than our favourite fashion it girls hopping in it, so of course we got to see names like Bella Hadid and the Kardashians wearing the items.
And as we’re still going through the coldest months of the year, it’s the perfect time to incorporate the racing stripes and oversized leather pieces into your outfits - and the best part is there are so many ways to do it. Depending on your own style, you can pair with a cropped tank top and baggy jeans and go for the classics, or combine everything with teeny tiny mini skirts and heels to make it more statement and fashionist. And as we all want to be part of the trend, if there’s one thing we’re not interested in is breaking our bank accounts, so we should all try and go for the neutral-toned pieces - they’re the easiest, cheapest way to achieve that effortless, streetstyle-like outfit. Pair up a black long sleeve shirt with comfy joggers and complete it with a matching cap or even a bucket hat if that’s your thing, to go really casual with the tonal outfit.
Motocross trend doesn't really go for office and other formal moments, so to rock a casual, relaxed look you can go for a quarter-zip jacket or choose a colour block style print and maybe a funnel neck. It will not only keep the temperature warm, it will keep the style in. To add some steam and fun to the look, maybe on a Sunday when we most need it, that’s the time to go for a touch of colour, so maybe a colourful tank top or basic tee will do the work - paired with cream toned trousers to keep the aesthetic. And as we’re still trying to stay warm and cozy, what about completing the look with a beanie for a perfect winter look? I’m sure you’ll love it! And the best part is that it’s not a one season only thing and you can take it to the warmer months and keep it in style for Spring with a loose v-neck and baggy silhouette!
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