For many individuals, pants are simply a functional garment to wear. However, for a select group of fashion enthusiasts, pants represent a canvas to display their personal style and demonstrate their awareness of current trends. To this discerning crowd, including fashion director Maddie Bailis, the right pair of pants can rival, and perhaps even surpass, the significance of carrying a coveted ‘it’ bag.
“Wearing specific pants is a clear indicator of being in tune with the fashion zeitgeist, much like owning a designer handbag,” explained Ms. Bailis, 33, who serves as the director of merchandising for the New York-based clothing brand Kule. “Today, many people own luxury bags. They are easily accessible — from airport shops to platforms like The RealReal, and even counterfeit versions available on Canal Street. As a result, these bags have lost some of their previous allure and prestige.”
Moreover, the escalating prices of luxury handbags over recent years have led even affluent consumers to think twice before making such purchases, noted Luca Solca, a senior analyst in luxury goods at the research firm Bernstein.
Ms. Bailis herself possesses two standout pairs of pants that fashion-savvy women instantly recognize. One is the Basic pants from Pleats Please (starting at $375), an iconic line of accordion-style clothing established by the renowned Japanese designer Issey Miyake. The other is the Tie pants by Brooke Callahan ($155), a Los Angeles-based designer who previously worked in public relations for the esteemed French brand A.P.C..
- Pleats Please Basic Pants: Starting at $375
- Brooke Callahan Tie Pants: $155
