On the fourth anniversary of Taylor Swift’s seminal album “Folklore,” the pop icon took a moment during her sold-out Eras Tour in Hamburg, Germany, to reminisce about the unique creation process of her eighth studio album. This intimate reflection offered fans a deeper appreciation of the artistry behind “Folklore” and highlighted the return of a beloved piece of Swift merchandise – the folklore-themed cardigan.
“Folklore,” released in July 2020, emerged as a product of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional collaborative efforts were impossible. “Because making an album is usually such a collaborative situation, you usually get lots of people together,” Swift told the enthusiastic crowd. “You usually get to play all these new songs for your friends or your band, and you get to be in the same room with the people that you’re either writing with or producing with.”
During this unprecedented time, Swift adapted by building a studio in her home, showcasing her adaptability and resilience. Via video calls, she collaborated with her trusted co-producers Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner. Swift shared that she recorded vocals in her guest bedroom while Dessner and Antonoff provided guidance over the phone. “It was just like such a challenge for us as creators, but it was so fulfilling,” she reflected.
The album, consisting of 17 tracks, was a critical and commercial success, winning the prestigious Album of the Year award at the Grammys. Swift also delved into the inspiration behind the album’s simple, woodsy, and grayscale aesthetic. “Then came time to take some pictures for the album,” she said. “You can’t have hair or makeup. You can’t have wardrobe. You have to just do it yourself. I called my friend who has some woods behind her house and was like, ‘Can I take some pictures in your forest?’ and she said, ‘Yes.'”
Swift’s resourcefulness extended to her appearance for the photoshoot. “I like ordered all these nightgowns online and brought them and then did my own hair and makeup,” she shared. The result was an album cover that perfectly encapsulated the ethereal, introspective mood of “Folklore.”
In celebration of “Folklore’s” fourth anniversary, Swift has restocked the folklore-themed cardigan sweater, a fan favorite since its initial release. The cardigan, prominently featured in the music video for “Cardigan,” the lead single from “Folklore,” quickly became a symbol of the album’s cozy, nostalgic vibe. The original cardigan, a tan cable knit sweater with navy blue stripes and gray patches on the elbows, sold out almost instantly when it first hit Swift’s website in 2020.
Now, fans have another chance to own a piece of Swift’s iconic era. The restocked cardigan, available from July 24 to July 27 or while supplies last, features some design tweaks. The newer version retains the cream cable knit design with black matte buttons and dark gray trim but includes light gray star embroidery on both arms and a light gray Taylor Swift patch on the bottom. This version is slightly longer in size and replaces the original folklore patch on the upper left side with the new Taylor Swift patch.
Taylor Nation, Swift’s official fan page, announced the restock with an enthusiastic tweet: “screaming in lowercase because, after #4yearsoffolklore, the og cardigan is back baby!!!!!! go feral, fly around your house like a folklorian fairy, then scurry over to the store. taylorswift.com to shop for 72 hours or while supplies last. (we know this is a huge deal).” Fans responded in droves, with over 1,500 expressing their excitement and sharing their purchase receipts.
The cardigan, listed at $70 on Swift’s merch website, is described as a cream cable knit cardigan with black matte buttons and dark gray trim, featuring light gray star embroidery on both arms and a light gray Taylor Swift patch on the bottom. Purchasers can expect their cardigans to ship by July 29, ensuring a short wait to receive their coveted item.
Since the release of “Folklore,” Swift has continued the tradition of creating album-themed cardigans for her subsequent albums, including “Red (Taylor’s Version),” “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),” “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” and her most recent album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” Each cardigan has become a cherished item among fans, symbolizing the unique eras of Swift’s musical journey.