fashion and how to avoid it

I'm pretty sure that japanese carpenters baggy trousers will be the next big thing on the catwalks. for me it's just down to function, but they look pretty cool to say the least - and I mean that in both senses of the word. I could be wrong though - for one, i was wrong about 'plus fours' about 8 years ago, and yuka has given me all the warning signs of leaving me if I go to the local builders merchant to prove my point.

they come in differing shapes but they kinda look like they were designed by hitlers tailor on acid. in any case - they're very baggy and as they're tight at the ankle there is no chance of getting too dirty. you know how clean everyone is here. its just function.

but you've got to admit - even nike, a few years ago, copied tabi shoes (with the independent big toe) and toe socks are a very functional idea, if difficult to pass by the western fashion police. I'm reminded of a site visit I did a few years ago in glasgow - a typical winters day and I turn up as usual on my bike. all the builders are in having a brew and as I take off my cycling shoes (embarrasing enough) to change to steel caps, I remember I'm wearing my toe socks.
it doesn't go unnoticed and so the verbal abuse ensued. and I didn't live that one down.

anyway - you heard it here first. maybe.