Product of the week: The beret

What is it:

The beret, or beret, is a type of headwear that originated in France, probably in the Pyrenees. It was also there that commercial production of the design began in the 17th century. In the 1920s, the hat became a common accessory for women in the region, but found its way into the fashion world thanks to Coco Chanel, who is credited with being the first designer to bring the beret to the catwalk. Through their influence, the design also became popular in other countries, most notably the United States, where it was quickly adopted. In the 1960s, it became a political symbol worn by revolutionaries like Che Guevara and members of the Black Panther movement as a sign of protest. Today, the design is popular around the world and always has a catwalk moment, like right now.

Why you should order them:

As the beret is now a staple of fashion, it is coveted around the world and thus has a large potential market. In alternate variants, it’s made from a variety of materials, from leather to faux fur to wool, making it an accessory that’s appropriate for any season and almost any weather. Unisex fashion has evolved a lot in recent years, and the beret is a true crossover that suits men and women alike. It’s also making a bigger impact in menswear, as evidenced by the S/S23 collections.

Where we saw them:

Kenzo has featured the beret most often on the catwalk of the SS23 season. The fashion house opted for a mix of clothing inspired by college culture and utility wear. Oversized berets were seen on both male and female models, adorned with eye-catching motifs. Moschino also picked up the beret, with an animal print, while Emporio Armani opted for a more minimalist version for his own show. The design was also featured in the popular Netflix series Emily in Paris, where many of the characters wear the clichéd French style in bold tones.

How to style them:

How to style the beret primarily depends on the way it is worn. Most commonly, the beret is worn sitting slightly on the back of the head, with the bottom end at the nape of the neck. The ‘classic’ style is to wear the beret on top of the head, with a slight tilt to the side. Another variant is to wear the beret in the middle of the head, with it then hanging slightly over the face. It goes well with leather jackets or blazers, depending on whether customers want to wear it elegantly or rock.

The beret is a cultural-historical heirloom that has stood the test of time over the centuries and has become something of an evergreen in the fashion world. The rise of gender-neutral fashion and its place in popular culture has given it a boost over the past year that will continue to be in the spotlight for months to come.

This article was previously similarly published on FashionUnited.uk.