YAH but no but... how Vicky Pollard’s tracksuit got posh
THEY have long been seen as the preserve of joggers, disaffected teenagers and downright slobs – like Little Britain’s Vicky Pollard, the loudmouth character whose catchphrase ‘yeah but, no but’ helped make the TV comedy a smash hit.
Yet now, hard as it is to believe, the humble tracksuit has turned posh.
The two-piece, normally banned from offices and nightclubs, has appeared on the spring catwalks of Gucci, Chloe, Versace, Moschino and Loewe – fashion houses that are more usually known for their haute couture.
And their designer price tags are likely to work you up into a sweat. A zip-up suede tracksuit top by JW Anderson costs an incredible £3,525, while a Chloe tracksuit top is £1,125 and a hooded cotton and polyester sweatsuit from the Paris label Vetements is on sale for £790.
Celebrities have been quick to adopt the comfortable trend, with singer Rihanna seen last week wearing a pair of £1,140 Gucci ‘embroidered slim leg track pants’ on a shopping trip in New York.
The tracksuit is also hitting the high street, with American singer Beyoncé’s ‘athleisure’ range soon to be launched in Topshop.
Celebrities who have already embraced the look include Gigi Hadid, Jourdan Dunn, Cara Dele- vingne, Jodie Kidd and Daisy Lowe, who wear them with smart coats, designer heels and sunglasses.
But can the tracksuit really be the next big thing?
In the dedicated pursuit of fashion, I tried a pair of grey jogger pants from Urban Outfitters (£39) with a red Adidas T-shirt from Topshop (£25).
Feeling self-conscious in the street, I cover up with a Whistles jacket (£95).
The black patent stilettos make me feel like a basketball player in his girlfriend’s high heels.
This look isn’t for everyone, least of all me, but below we show some who can – and can’t – carry off the latest trend.