The sweatshirt’s rise to high fashion

S:S 2014 by Hermès Paul Smith Givenchy

S/S 2014 by Hermès; Paul Smith; Givenchy

When Microsoft distributed a press photo of Satya Nadella, its incoming chief executive, last month, his outfit brought a surprising item of clothing to the fore: the sweatshirt.

This wasn’t just any sloppy Silicon Valley hoodie, though; the snappily dressed Nadella was wearing a fitted, navy marl sweatshirt that reflects the garment’s elevation from gym or lounge­wear to fashion statement.

“The sweatshirt is the new sweater,” says Todd Snyder, a New York-based menswear designer who has teamed up with activewear-maker Champion on a co-branded line. On the catwalks for spring/summer, there were grey sweatshirts with lambskin fronts at Hermès; a pale pink style with a mushroom motif at Paul Smith; and versions featuring collaged artworks at Givenchy. Read more..