Some things are sent to try us, which – quite frankly – can be the only explanation for Y/Project's latest denim creation. First seen as part of the brand's spring/summer 2019 catwalk presentation, there was a lot of fervent discussion around the item last week (including on Grazia's own Facebook page), when it initially went on sale. In case you missed it, the item in question is what can only be described as a pair of denim knickers. A sort of jeans/nappy hybrid, really. A hybrid responsible for the truly disturbing new portmanteau that has been coined by our American friends – Janties.
In this Instagram era, novelty has flourished. Take, for example, the rise (and rise) of Jacquemus, with his tiny bags and huge hats – both of which may have seemed like a joke, back in the days when we weren't all fighting for a virtual thumbs up. Indeed, Vetements was one of the first purveyors of the ridiculous, flogging DHL T-shirts for around £400 and printed hoodies for closer to the £1,000 mark. Y/Project itself has already re-imagined Ugg boots in thigh-high, sloughy proportions, which were worn by Rihanna (of course) last year at Coachella. And now, it seems that festival goers the world over are keen to get their hands on a pair of Janties. Bear in mind that they cost £286.
According to the global fashion search platform Lyst, searches for Janties have increased hugely since mid-March. In fact, there's been a surge in traffic, with page views going up by an enormous 2250 per cent. So, what does this mean? Will Janties be the breakout star of Coachella? Will we all be wearing them come summer? Will anyone escape a hideous case of chafing? Given that, on Farfetch, the darker wash Janties have already almost sold out (only one pair of XS is left), it seems more likely than we'd care to admit. But hey – if you need any advice, at least US Vogue sought the expertise of a gynecologist. We're shuddering at the thought.