A Rebellious Revival

If you were sensing the early 2010’s slowly creeping their way back into fashion, you would be right. We’ve all seen the oversized belts, hobo bags, and layered necklaces, now we have the latest nostalgic collaboration between British brands George Cox and YMC celebrating the iconic Creeper silhouette, and we can’t get enough.

Though you may recognise Creepers from the previous decade, possibly even wearing them as your school shoes to quietly rebel against uniform rules, George Cox actually invented the original Creeper back in 1949 and it has since played a pivotal role. The shoe has become a symbol of British youth deeply embedded in the music and subcultures that defined generations. Much of the brand’s influence came from the punk scene with Malcolm McLaren, manager of punk rock group the Sex Pistols, saying “My pair of George Cox Creepers were probably the most important things I ever bought. To wear those shoes was a symbolic act.”

With the resurgence of ‘indie sleaze’ it’s no surprise that the silhouette has been cropping up again, even making its way down the runway last year at none other than Sabato de Sarno’s debut Gucci collection, topped with signature Horsebit. This is not the only time we’ve seen luxury houses adopt the thick-soled silhouette though, with Valentino, Moschino, and Ganni among others incorporating some variation of the Creeper.

Whether you were blasting the Sex Pistols back in the day, or had no idea who they were but spent your teenage years scrolling on Tumblr,  the brands say it’s “not just about creating shoes; it’s about making a statement and continuing the legacy of subcultural innovation.”

For their latest collaboration, YMC brings a fresh treatment to the original Creeper. Think sleek black leather paired with a bold leopard print or suede apron, all punctuated with contrast stitching and black hardware. We’re already digging through our closets to find those other indie sleaze essentials! So, whether you’re embracing your inner punk icon or reliving your Tumblr-era glory days, the George Cox x YMC Creeper is a must-have.