By the time Carhartt WIP (Work in Progress)’s story begins, Carhartt had already created a legacy 100 years prior. Starting off with what was initially a small-time licensing agreement for Edwin Faeh to use the Carhartt name in Europe, Carhartt WIP has emerged to be a distinct and influential label on its own while staying true to the original Carhartt brand.
The idea of an American-born, classic product modified for the European audience sowed the seeds of what is now one of the biggest and most popular fashion brands in the world. Carhartt’s 100-year heritage of durable, authentic workwear became the canvas for Work In Progress to explore slimmer, more appealing silhouettes, paving the way to capturing the cultural zeitgeist again and again.
But what continues to resonate from Carhartt WIP is borne out of the division’s sustaining efforts. Carhartt WIP has built a strong, organic relationship with different subcultures, from hip-hop to skate, from graffiti to cycling, pinpointed by unknown, inspiring, provocative and upcoming figures in music and sports. Fashion labels like A.P.C., Neighborhood, Patta, Vans, Junya Watanabe, and many more have collaborated with Carhartt WIP in the past.
But despite pushing boundaries, Carhartt WIP remains true to Carhartt’s brand origins, hence the idea of one brand, two stories. Hamilton Carhartt was an independent thinker, endless creator, but most of all a believer in doing what’s never been done. In doing so, he didn’t just build a workwear brand, he built friendships that have lasted over a century. In the same vein, Carhartt WIP continues to manifest the Carhartt label's ideals across popular culture and on the ground.
We’re happy to announce that our edit of Carhartt WIP’s Spring/Summer 2020, featuring a wide assortment of practical pieces under a muted color palette, is now available at our webstore.
Featured image by Coley Brown for Carhartt WIP.