Behind The Lyst Index: The Slow Burn of Our Legacy
To say that the Stockholm-based purveyor of esoteric, grunge-infused clothes, Our Legacy has been an ‘if you know, you know’ brand is somewhat of an understatement. Beloved for years by the menswear-obsessed and celebrated for collections that have more often than not followed an individual path rather than a trendy one, Our Legacy has had 20 years of cult-building before the explosive growth the brand has experienced in the last couple of seasons.
Beginning its long-standing following alongside the rise of Scandinavian designers like Acne Studios, Our Legacy’s initial collections were riding a wave of the #menswear online movement, which saw enthusiasts buying into the brand’s sharply cut oxford shirts, neatly fitting denim, and no-nonsense knitwear and jerseys.
This baseline of staples allowed Our Legacy to grow into its manifesto over two decades, which saw not only an ever-expanding collection that now includes womenswear, but also a sub-line called WORKSHOP, launched in 2016. This, in turn, gave the brand a space to experiment with reworking existing pieces and collaborating with a host of partners, from streetwear leaning with Stüssy, to outright luxury with Emporio Armani. This agile approach to collaboration meant that the brand became a natural fit within a niche that's allowed them to speak to a broad audience — whether you want a bold, graphical statement or understated craftsmanship, Our Legacy is able to cater to you. By relying on the familiar while increasingly playing with the irregular, the brand has evolved, with its hallmark designs now feeling more fashion-forward than their normcore origins.
In the years post-pandemic, Our Legacy has seen a reported growth of over 500%, attracting investment from LVMH’s Luxury Ventures. This follows their previous support of similarly cult-followed brands like Aimé Leon Dore, before that brand pivoted toward a more preppy, ‘dressed-up’ aesthetic. Where Our Legacy differs, however, is the 20 years spent world-building and the confidence in its unique point of view — a combination that the investment is capitalizing on, as opposed to trying to develop or change outright.
The brand has seen a 22% increase in demand on Lyst over the past three months, placing it firmly in The Q4 Lyst Index as one of the fastest-moving brands of the quarter. Our Legacy capitalizes on the popularity of its output not through making products designed for virality, but through making products that transcent specific time periods and remain resilient against the ever-changing tide of trends.
When scrolling through any given collection, you'll find a solid foundation of timeless wardrobe staples, punctuated by exaggerated silhouettes, subtly distorted proportions, bold and innovative fabric choices, and experimental dyeing techniques. There's also a playful subversion of expected references, all from a brand deeply rooted in the design motifs of grunge and the laissez-faire attitude of punks and skaters.
This rebellious attitude is, however, delivered through a more luxurious lens. Longer-length coats that at first glance could have been pulled from a boutique vintage store are cut from elegant mohair and alpaca. Wider-cut denim bears the requisite wear and tear of a band’s frontman but, in reality, is an illusion, using a trompe l'oeil scan and print of the design team’s favorite vintage denim to evoke the appearance of something more distressed than designer.
The secret of Our Legacy’s maintained success isn’t through jumping on every bandwagon rolling through but sticking to that manifesto and offering wearable clothing, rooted in the classics that have just enough interest to keep you coming back. It’s an attitude towards clothing design that is thoughtful but not inaccessible, and one that has an authenticity difficult to claim without the time spent building it — as those at the helm of Our Legacy have been able to do.
The Camion boot is a style the brand has offered for over 10 years, but only in the last couple of years has the shoe developed a wider audience — those searching for a new silhouette in an increasingly post-sneaker fashion landscape. A more squared-off toe, slight heel, and side zip construction aren’t anything new design-wise, but the universe of Our Legacy and pervasive co-signs from tastemakers have placed the style on a pedestal similar to previously ‘must-have’ items like the ALD New Balance 550, or hard-to-find product from brands like Supreme.
Similarly, the digitally printed Third Cut Jeans have become synonymous with the brand. Despite a spate of similar styles following suit, Our Legacy’s attention to a more timeless silhouette, high-quality denim, and just subtle enough illusory print means that the brand can confidently maintain the style as part of its ‘core’ collection. It’s not a trend that’s being followed, but rather an innovation that is baked into the brand's DNA.
The Camion boots and Digital Print Third Cut Jeans have become frequent out-of-stock favorites, and have aided in cementing Our Legacy’s next decade as one that is likely to see them expand and increase collection sizes. Throughout this growth, however, they must maintain the design tenets of what made the first 20 years so important, as well as the attitudes that have earned it a legion of die-hard enthusiasts.