Fashion: You know the classic trench, now meet the Frankentrench
- InsightTrendsWorld
- Mar 28
- 8 min read
Why is the topic trending?
Ubiquity of the Classic Trench: The traditional beige trench coat has become incredibly popular this spring, almost reaching saturation point, as highlighted by a viral TikTok video showing multiple influencers wearing similar styles.
Reimagining a Classic: This widespread adoption of the classic has paved the way for designers and brands to experiment with the silhouette, leading to innovative and deconstructed versions dubbed "Frankentrenches."
Media Attention: The emergence of these unconventional trench coat designs is generating buzz and discussion within the fashion media.
Overview
The article discusses the significant resurgence of the classic beige trench coat as a must-have item for spring. While acknowledging the enduring appeal and current ubiquity of the traditional style, the focus shifts to a new emerging trend: the "Frankentrench." This term describes reimagined and deconstructed versions of the trench coat that go far beyond its military origins. The article explores various interpretations of this trend, from detachable capes to spliced tops and trench-inspired skirts, highlighting the fashion industry's penchant for innovation and the modern desire for unique twists on classic pieces.
Detailed Findings
Classic Trench Popularity: The article notes the widespread presence of the classic beige trench coat this spring, referencing a viral TikTok video and its appearance in curated collections by celebrities like Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Enduring Appeal of the Trench: The trench coat's timeless appeal is attributed to its history and its association with iconic figures like Audrey Hepburn. It's currently seen as a key component of the "Montecito-core" aesthetic.
High Street Adoption: Major high-street retailers like Uniqlo, M&S, and Sézane are experiencing strong sales of various trench coat styles, indicating broad consumer demand.
Designer Influence: High-fashion brands like Dior and Balenciaga featured trench coats in their Spring/Summer 2025 collections, demonstrating its continued relevance at all levels of the industry.
Celebrity Endorsement: Celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Rihanna, and Kendall Jenner have been seen wearing diverse and contemporary versions of the trench coat, further fueling its popularity.
The "Frankentrench" Emergence: The article introduces the concept of "Frankentrenches," describing deconstructed and reimagined designs. Examples include trench coats with detachable capes (John Lewis, Aligne, Albaray), a cropped and sleeveless trench top (Cos), a halter neck top spliced with a trench midsection (Zara), and a midi skirt with trench coat details (Arket).
Historical Context: The article briefly references the trench coat's origins as a military garment and questions what its inventor, Thomas Burberry, would think of these modern, unconventional interpretations.
Key Takeaway
The classic trench coat's overwhelming popularity this spring has led to the emergence of the "Frankentrench" trend, where designers are creatively deconstructing and reimagining this iconic garment in innovative and often unexpected ways, showcasing the fashion industry's continuous evolution and the desire to offer consumers something beyond the traditional.
Main Trend
The main trend is the deconstruction and reimagining of the classic trench coat, leading to the rise of unconventional and innovative designs referred to as the "Frankentrench."
Description of the Trend (Please Name It)
The Deconstructed Trench: Reinventing a Classic: This trend involves taking the well-established silhouette and functional elements of the traditional trench coat and creatively altering them through techniques like slicing, splicing, cropping, and removing parts. The result is a range of new garments that retain the recognizable essence of the trench while presenting a fresh, modern, and often unexpected aesthetic. This trend reflects a broader movement in fashion towards deconstruction and the innovative reinterpretation of iconic wardrobe staples.
What is Consumer Motivation
Desire for Novelty: Consumers who already own a classic trench might be drawn to these deconstructed versions for a unique and fashion-forward update.
Self-Expression: The unconventional nature of the "Frankentrench" allows for a bolder statement of personal style and individuality.
Engagement with Trends: Fashion-conscious consumers are likely motivated to experiment with this emerging trend to stay current and showcase their fashion knowledge.
Versatility (in some cases): Detachable elements like capes offer a degree of versatility within the deconstructed design.
What is Driving Trend
The Cyclical Nature of Fashion: The return of the classic trench coat to popularity has naturally led to designers looking for ways to update and innovate the style.
Designer Creativity: Fashion designers are constantly seeking new ways to interpret familiar garments and push creative boundaries.
Influence of Social Media: The rapid spread of trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram can quickly popularize unconventional styles and inspire both designers and consumers.
The Urge to Modernize Classics: There's an ongoing trend in fashion to take iconic pieces and give them a contemporary twist to appeal to a modern audience.
What is Motivation Beyond the Trend
Beyond the immediate trend, consumers might be motivated by:
Challenging Fashion Norms: Embracing deconstructed designs can be a way to question traditional fashion rules and express a more avant-garde sensibility.
Finding Unique Pieces: In a market often saturated with similar styles, "Frankentrenches" offer a way to stand out and own something distinctive.
Description of Consumers Article is Referring to
The article refers to a wide range of fashion consumers:
Influencers: Highlighted in the viral TikTok video, showcasing the widespread adoption of the classic trench.
Celebrities: Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow, representing a more sophisticated and classic take on the trench, as well as celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Rihanna showcasing more avant-garde versions.
High Street Shoppers: Consumers purchasing trenches from retailers like Uniqlo, M&S, and Sézane, indicating broad appeal and accessibility of the classic style.
Fashion Enthusiasts: Those likely to be interested in the more experimental and deconstructed "Frankentrench" designs from brands like Cos, Zara, and Arket. This group is likely more trend-aware and willing to embrace unconventional styles.
Conclusions
The fashion world is currently experiencing a significant "trench moment," with the classic style enjoying widespread popularity. This saturation has paved the way for the emergence of the "Frankentrench" trend, where designers are creatively deconstructing and reimagining this iconic garment in innovative ways. This reflects the industry's continuous cycle of revisiting, modernizing, and pushing the boundaries of even the most established wardrobe staples.
Implications for Brands
Offer Both Classic and Innovative Styles: Cater to a broad consumer base by providing both traditional trench coats and more experimental "Frankentrench" designs.
Experiment with Deconstruction: Explore techniques like detachable elements, splicing, and unexpected material combinations to create unique variations.
Highlight Versatility: Showcase how both classic and deconstructed trench coats can be styled for different occasions.
Consider Different Price Points: The trend appears across various price ranges, so brands at different levels can participate.
Implication for Society
Demonstrates Fashion Evolution: Highlights how even the most timeless garments are subject to ongoing interpretation and change within the fashion landscape.
Reflects Creative Expression: Showcases the fashion industry as a platform for artistic experimentation and pushing traditional boundaries.
Implications for Consumers
Increased Choice: Consumers have a wider array of trench coat styles to choose from, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Opportunity for Individuality: The "Frankentrench" trend offers a chance to express unique style through unconventional designs.
Implication for Future
Continued Reimagining of Classics: This trend suggests that classic garments will continue to be a source of inspiration for designers, leading to ongoing innovation and reinvention.
Acceptance of Deconstructed Styles: The "Frankentrench" could signal a growing consumer acceptance of more experimental and unconventional takes on traditional wardrobe staples.
Consumer Trend (name, detailed description)
The Remix of the Iconic: Consumers are increasingly drawn to familiar and classic fashion items that have been updated and reimagined with contemporary twists. This trend reflects a desire for both comfort and novelty, appreciating the recognizable silhouette of a beloved garment while seeking modern design elements and unconventional details.
Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description)
Deconstructed Utility: Building on the inherent practicality of garments like the trench coat, this sub-trend involves taking functional pieces and deconstructing or altering them to create a more avant-garde and fashion-forward look, appealing to consumers who appreciate both form and function with an edge.
Big Social Trend (name, detailed description)
The Celebration of Individuality Through Fashion: Society increasingly values personal expression and uniqueness in style. Trends like the "Frankentrench" reflect this by offering opportunities for consumers to stand out and showcase their individuality through fashion choices that deviate from the norm.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description)
The Global Language of Remix and Reinterpretation: The trend of taking classic cultural artifacts, including fashion items, and remixing or reinterpreting them is a global phenomenon, reflecting a shared desire for innovation and a continuous dialogue with tradition across different cultures.
Social Drive (name, detailed description)
The Urge to Update and Personalize Classics: Consumers are often motivated to update their wardrobes with modern versions of classic pieces, seeking items that feel both familiar and fresh, allowing them to personalize their style within established frameworks.
Learnings for Brands to Use in 2025 (bullets, detailed description)
Don't Neglect the Classics: The enduring popularity of the traditional trench coat shows the importance of offering timeless staples.
Embrace Creative Innovation: Explore unconventional design elements and deconstruction techniques to offer unique and trend-forward options.
Monitor Social Media: Pay attention to viral trends and online discussions to understand consumer interest and emerging aesthetics.
Balance Tradition and Modernity: Find the sweet spot between honoring the heritage of classic garments and injecting contemporary flair.
Strategy Recommendations for Brands to Follow in 2025 (bullets, detail description)
Offer a Range of Trench Coat Styles: Include both traditional and deconstructed versions in your collections to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Experiment with Detachable and Interchangeable Elements: Design trench coats with removable capes, sleeves, or other details to offer versatility and a nod to the "Frankentrench" concept.
Collaborate with Innovative Designers: Partner with creatives who have a fresh perspective on classic garments to develop unique and attention-grabbing designs.
Showcase Styling Versatility: In your marketing, demonstrate how both classic and deconstructed trench coats can be styled in various ways to appeal to different personal styles.
Final Sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified)
The enduring popularity of the classic trench coat has spurred a wave of creative deconstruction and reimagining, giving rise to the "Frankentrench" and reflecting fashion's constant drive for innovation on a beloved staple.
What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it.
In 2025, brands should capitalize on the trench coat's continued popularity by offering a diverse range of styles that cater to both traditional tastes and the desire for novelty. They can achieve this by:
Investing in innovative design teams that can explore deconstruction and unique reinterpretations of the classic trench silhouette.
Creating capsule collections featuring both timeless trench coats and more avant-garde "Frankentrench" designs.
Highlighting the versatility of their trench coat offerings through creative marketing campaigns showcasing different styling options.
Monitoring social media and trend reports to stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences and emerging aesthetics within this category.
Final Note:
Core Trend:
Name: The Deconstructed Trench: Reinventing a Classic
Detailed Description: The classic trench coat is being transformed through deconstruction and innovative design, resulting in unconventional "Frankentrench" styles.
Core Strategy:
Name: Offer a Spectrum of Styles: From Classic to Deconstructed
Detailed Description: Brands should cater to diverse consumer preferences by providing both traditional and reimagined trench coat options, balancing timeless appeal with contemporary design.
Core Industry Trend:
Name: The Continuous Reimagining of Fashion Staples
Detailed Description: The fashion industry consistently revisits and reinvents classic garments, offering fresh perspectives and modern updates to iconic pieces.
Core Consumer Motivation:
Name: Balancing Familiarity with the Desire for Novelty
Detailed Description: Consumers are drawn to the recognizable comfort of classic styles while also seeking out unique and innovative designs that allow for personal expression.
Final Conclusion
The "Frankentrench" trend perfectly illustrates the dynamic nature of fashion, where even the most established and beloved garments are continuously reinterpreted and reimagined to capture the current cultural zeitgeist and fulfill the ever-evolving desires of consumers.
Core Trend Detailed (name, detailed summary)
The Deconstructed Trench: Reinventing a Classic: The enduring popularity of the classic trench coat has led to a surge in both traditional styles and radical reinterpretations. Referred to as "Frankentrenches," these new designs involve slicing, splicing, and deconstructing the familiar silhouette, incorporating elements like detachable capes, cropped and sleeveless tops, halter neck tops with trench midsections, and midi skirts with trench coat detailing. This trend showcases the fashion industry's current interest in taking iconic garments and infusing them with modern, often unexpected, design elements. While classic beige trenches are ubiquitous, the "Frankentrench" offers a bolder, more avant-garde approach, appealing to consumers looking to express their individuality while still nodding to a timeless fashion staple. This movement signifies a desire for novelty and creativity within a familiar framework, demonstrating the continuous evolution of even the most established pieces in the fashion lexicon.
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