Gardening Clogs: The Unlikely Invasion of City Streets
From Brooklyn to Brighton, a peculiar phenomenon is taking over city streets - Gardana gardening clogs. These pliable yet sturdy shoes, made from 100% recycled PVC and hemp, have captured the hearts of many fashion enthusiasts, including Josh Chalmers, a gardener at the West Sussex rewilding project Knepp. "Wearing a delicate shoe is pivotal," he says, explaining why Gardanas are ideal for his walled garden work.
Initially popular among urban dwellers in Brooklyn, Gardanas have now infiltrated the streets of certain UK quarters, with people wearing them to hang out in Brighton and pairing them with trendy selvedge denim. TikTokers style them with everything from hickory stripes to suit trousers, often showcasing their gardening credentials alongside city life.
While the fashion community has welcomed Gardanas, there is a growing conversation about appropriation and the borrowing of workwear for leisure pursuits. However, as gardening clogs sit neatly in the genre of "ugly shoes," which has become aspirational, it's hard to deny their appeal. The shoes are gross, beautiful, confusing, and - ironically - make us like them more with each passing glance.
But what lies behind this trend? According to Dr Bridget Dalton, a semiotician and cultural analyst, Gardanas embody the values of #slowlife and cottagecore, connecting us to our spaces, cultivating mindfulness, and grounding us in nature. They're not just shoes for gardening; they've become a symbol of the intersection between workwear, leisure pursuits, and urban fashion.
As we await the arrival of Gardanas on high-street shelves, one thing is certain - these unassuming clogs will continue to inspire our sense of style and connection to the outdoors. Whether you're digging veggies or strolling through the city, Gardanas are here to stay, offering us a chance to experience the beauty of slow living amidst the chaos of urban life.
From Brooklyn to Brighton, a peculiar phenomenon is taking over city streets - Gardana gardening clogs. These pliable yet sturdy shoes, made from 100% recycled PVC and hemp, have captured the hearts of many fashion enthusiasts, including Josh Chalmers, a gardener at the West Sussex rewilding project Knepp. "Wearing a delicate shoe is pivotal," he says, explaining why Gardanas are ideal for his walled garden work.
Initially popular among urban dwellers in Brooklyn, Gardanas have now infiltrated the streets of certain UK quarters, with people wearing them to hang out in Brighton and pairing them with trendy selvedge denim. TikTokers style them with everything from hickory stripes to suit trousers, often showcasing their gardening credentials alongside city life.
While the fashion community has welcomed Gardanas, there is a growing conversation about appropriation and the borrowing of workwear for leisure pursuits. However, as gardening clogs sit neatly in the genre of "ugly shoes," which has become aspirational, it's hard to deny their appeal. The shoes are gross, beautiful, confusing, and - ironically - make us like them more with each passing glance.
But what lies behind this trend? According to Dr Bridget Dalton, a semiotician and cultural analyst, Gardanas embody the values of #slowlife and cottagecore, connecting us to our spaces, cultivating mindfulness, and grounding us in nature. They're not just shoes for gardening; they've become a symbol of the intersection between workwear, leisure pursuits, and urban fashion.
As we await the arrival of Gardanas on high-street shelves, one thing is certain - these unassuming clogs will continue to inspire our sense of style and connection to the outdoors. Whether you're digging veggies or strolling through the city, Gardanas are here to stay, offering us a chance to experience the beauty of slow living amidst the chaos of urban life.