Cyberpunk can a be a bewildering concept to try to define. It’s tenents are hazy but its history is clear, it exists as a homage to a time not yet spent and it’s everywhere. Originating from 60’s and 70’s speculations of what the future held, what with space travel becoming a reality, cyberpunk is about the liberations of technology and a futuristic dystopia illuminated by neon holographs and flying cars. This seemingly shared fantasy has influenced film, literature and even gaming for decades, and now in turn, fashion. Think latex boots, colourful hair and gadgets. It is the steampunk of the iPhone generation. It’s the Matrix meet The Fifth Element meet Blade Runner meet Hackers. It’s escapism in a time where it is truly needed, looking towards the beauty of the hellscape we may very well inherit, we already have the futuristic cars and digital other realm to boot.
Unconventional Cuts
If you’ve spent much time on TikTok, you’ve probably been bombarded by every fit-pic Gen Z’s influencer newest obsession, vintage and current Mugler. That classic strass star has consumed feeds and it’s clear to see why, the late Thierry Mugler had his feet firmly planted in the future, exhibiting cyberpunk designs since the 90s. The 21st centaury is officially no different. Unconventional cut outs aren’t new to fashion and were certainly popular all of last year, but the classic cut-out bodysuits shown at Mugler’s Spring/Summer 22 are definitely giving Leeloo. These types of designs are very versatile, and perfect for dealing with the rolling heatwaves brought on by the increasingly ignored climate change issue (very cyberpunk of us).
NFT Fashion
There is a lot of controversy surrounding NFTs. What do they do? Why should I care? These questions are warranted, and some may never get the answers they really want, but when has fashion ever been about staying in the box – or in this case, the tangible. Fashion shows have been held in the metaverse since its conception and include the likes of Dolce & Gabbana and Karl Lagerfeld. Brands such as Tribute brand have created ‘contactless and cyber’ fashion that can be worn in this other realm and include innovations not yet possible in our reality. NFT fashion might be an easier, more interesting way to try on your favourite brands clothes and collabs.
Chrome Makeup
When it comes to cyberpunk makeup, keep it chrome. Cyberpunk fashion across film is always dramatic and diverse, as is the makeup, but the skin is often clean and shiny. The best base, in our opinion, for cyberpunk makeup is an iridescent highlight across the nose bridge, from the cheeks to the eyebrows and across the cupids bow. Think Mad Max. No one knows what the future holds, you could be a cyborg for all we know, just keep the skin makeup light and glimmery. Afterwards, using a kohl liner, consider lining your waterline for a more dressed down, grungy look or create sharp eyeliner starting from beneath the tear duct and bringing it out.
Punk Hair
Many of the biggest nerd crushes in cyberpunk have bright hair. Reds, oranges, purples and even holographic hair. Some people perceive cyberpunk as very goth and dark, and maybe the future will be like that, but that’s so orthodox. The punk of the future is bright and in your face, they do not exist by the tenets of today. If you are considering dying your hair, a red or orange, you’ll be glad to know that they are the colours of this year so even if you don’t commit to the cyberpunk look, you’ll still be ‘in’. Otherwise, consider punking up your hair with some gel. You can sleek back and stick out hairs with a good holding gel or even twist the hairs into pseudo dreads by putting your gel on your finger and curling small sections of hair.
Innovative Accessories
The tricky part of emulating cyberpunk fashion is, in many ways, we aren’t there yet. The fashion in these films are fabricated from techniques and materials not yet in our capabilities. However, we aren’t that far. Innovative accessories are everywhere, consider the Coperni x Heven glass bags that have been seen spotted all around since it was seen on Doja Cat and Kylie Jenner. Maybe it’s not the most convenient, but the future isn’t either. It’s innovative, as is cyber punk, and we will for sure be seeing more strange designs coming out of fashion in the next few years.
Words by Giuliana Zamudio-Lopez
Header image: @fatannawintour
