A fashion fad of the early noughties, cargo trousers lost its appeal (and street cred) for about two decades – until now.
Thanks to popular e-commerce platforms like Depop, and pop culture’s ongoing obsession with Y2K trends, this functional pair of work trousers – originally designed for the British army in 1938 to hold necessities in large utility pockets – has emerged again from the annexes of history.
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The appeal of cargo trousers in the ’90s and 2000s could be attributed to the rise of female R&B and pop groups such as TLC and the Spice Girls, who stood out with their unique personalities – these icons were often seen in cargo trousers and tank tops. Not only did it signal a strong shift into unisex fashion, it was also a transformative look that championed female empowerment.
For Resort 2023, the usually dressed-down cargoes, got a sophisticated makeover.
At Blumarine, iterations of the multi-pocketed pants have become one of the brand’s signatures, under the helm of 32-yearold creative director Nicola Brognano. The Italian designer showed off cargo trousers paired with a chic, frilly long-sleeved blouse – all in satin.
Another stunner is Nicolas Ghesquiere’s posh creation for Louis Vuitton: gold cargo trousers in crinkled leather with contrasting patchwork metallic pockets. Paired with a textured ruffled crop top, it’s refreshingly modern, eclectic and effortlessly glam – a look that’s sure to be snapped on a Gen-Z celebrity soon.
This article originally appeared in Her World.
