DOCKERS REINTERPRETS THE KHAKI IN NEW CAPSULE
As a nod to its khaki heritage, Dockers has teamed up with one of the world’s most powerful stylists, creative visionaries, and founder of “x karla” — Karla Welch — to put a fresh spin on Dockers khaki classics. Welch’s vision of inclusivity and minimalism has resulted in a modern collection to be worn by all.
The Dockers x karla capsule collection features a lineup up of five menswear staples and accessories designed to be worn by all. Included are wide-leg and tapered khaki pants, a trench coat, a white oversized dress shirt, a cotton piqué pocket tee, a bucket hat, and a utility belt-bag. Each piece treads that perfect line between classic and contemporary: Classic in their references to old films and styles from Welch’s childhood; Contemporary in the way each piece plays with proportion and adopts her own personal modern-day aesthetic with the khaki craftsmanship expected from Dockers.
“Our mission has stayed true for the last 30 years: quality, innovative, and versatile product infused with the energy of the West coast,” said Karyn Hillman, SVP and chief product officer for all Levi Strauss & Co. brands. “Karla has a talent for zeroing in on people’s individual style balanced with her creative and bold vision. Her authentic style and our khaki expertise was a natural collaboration that resulted in a range of product that is effortless, inherently Dockers and can be worn by anyone.”
When Dockers teamed up with Welch on the new capsule collection, she saw it as a perfect continuation of her story — who she is, who she’s been, and where she’s from. “It’s a natural extension of what I’d wear besides jeans,” said Welch. “I have a real khaki obsession, and I always have. It’s such a staple of a man’s wardrobe, and I was always thinking…well, where are mine?” said Welch. “My dad carried Dockers in his store and I have just always loved a good khaki pant on a man – my dream was to do a Dockers collaboration.”
The x karla Wide Leg khaki pant was inspired by the full-cut trousers worn by screen legend Fred Astaire, as well as Welch’s own collection of baggy pants. “I love a full pant on a man and I think most men, and women too, will think they’re incredible when they put them on.” Also featured is the Trench that draws inspiration from the cool, slightly rumpled style of classic French cinema. For Welch, a great trench functions as the perfect finishing piece – little bit soft, a little bit oversized, nothing too precious.
The campaign for the collection, shot by Matthew Welch, also touches on Karla Welch’s memories of youth. Set on a tranquil beach similar to the one near where she grew up, it speaks to both a connection to nature and the comfort we derive from getting lost in a beautiful landscape. Much like the collection itself, it’s a mix of new and familiar, past and present.
The Dockers x karla collection ranges in price from $60 to $600 and genderless sizing from XS to XL. The collection launched on June 20th at Dover Street Market New York, Los Angeles and on xkarla.com.
