Fashion has long been something of an inscrutable industry. To say nothing of the haute couture looks on the runways, streetwear has become increasingly forward-thinking as well, albeit occasionally to the expense of the consumer. Nothing illustrates this point more clearly than the latest fashion question we’re all pondering: Who thought “Clear Knee Mom Jeans” was a good idea? And will anyone buy them?
You may think I’m kidding, but I’m not. Produced by Topshop (a brand infamous for previous sartorially questionable designs), these Clear Knee pants are available for sale online at Nordstrom. For how much you ask? Oh, $95.
https://twitter.com/hcpeterson/status/841314090261856256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Predictably, the internet was not amused. Responses ranged from “ew, no” to “WHY GOD, WHY?!” Even the comment section on the Nordstrom website was not immune.
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“These jeans seriously make my knees look so good. It’s like a window to my knees. I just hope they wash well,” one reviewer wrote. “Haven’t washed them yet but I will post an update once they hit the cycle.” (FYI: machine wash, line dry. At least they’re not dry clean only.)
Another reviewer noted, “I’m modest and I hate to wear a swimsuit in public, so when my kids insisted that I play with them in the front yard on the slip and slide, I threw these on and I was sliding in style!”
Some on Twitter reacted in a rather darker way:
These are actual jeans you can buy at @Nordstrom that cost $95.
Called Clear Knee Mom Jeans.
We are truly living in the dark time line. pic.twitter.com/vv9flwQeXx
— Jed Whitaker (@Jed05) March 13, 2017
It got ugly very fast:
https://twitter.com/McKelvie/status/841139798584745984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Although, to be fair, the jeans did have a few supporters here and there:
can someone buy these for me please https://t.co/4zMSuCAD16
— benj 😷 (@basicbenny) March 13, 2017
Many fashionistas are suggesting those desirous of their own Clear Knee Mom Jeans (but unwilling to shell out) merely make their own. A plastic baggie, bubble wrap and a clear shower curtain have all been floated as potential material for the “windows.”
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Whether you’re for them or against them at least we can all agree on one thing: they are going to make your knees sweat like crazy come summer. Enjoy!