With such an emphasis on minimalism to keep us sane and focused during the pandemic, now it’s the time for a fresh, new start. Enter: Maximalism.
Maximalist, eccentric styles not only have seen a resurgence on recent catwalks, such as the metallic pink Valentino boots to Virgil Abloh’s wearable cityscapes for Louis Vuitton, and current designers are infusing hope into their clothing through maximalist touches and escapist attitudes.
People haven’t seen us in a year… or at least not from our torso downwards from our endless Zoom meetings. And boy, have we all forgotten our legs existed too? Thankfully, we’re slowly easing our way into incorporating every body part into our outfits, and not just what would only be seen on camera. Cue the rise of patterned pants and platform heels (which keep climbing higher). ‘It’ girls are the living proof that maximalist supremacy is reigning over 2021, just think of Dua Lipa’s skyscraper leather knee boots, Prada’s patterned bodysuits and maximalist manicures; but also Bella Hadid’s colorful crochet headwear staples, bright lip colours, tie-dye patchwork pants and more over the top, maximalist clothing. Other fashion icons Rihanna, Hailey Bieber and Irina Shayk have all jumped on the bandwagon of maximalist prints, which are all responsible for our over-flowing online shopping carts.
Several brands have seen an unexpected rise in popularity thanks to the bold pattern trend, in particular brands that are 70’s inspired with a retro vibe, such as Paloma Wool and Gimaguas. Emma Mulholland’s label Holiday is another maximalist veteran: you’ve probably seen their Kokomo bottoms more than once on your feed, and there’s nothing we’ve wanted more. Disco waves are also extremely popular, hence these Gimaguas pants are perpetually sold out.
It seems that nowdays the bigger, the brighter, the better! This maximalist approach is thought to have risen from the desire of escaping lockdown. After all, its loud style, often excessive, saturated appeal in encouraging to be bold, not just in fashion, but as a lifestyle.
Pre-pandemic less was certainly more. Simple blue jeans and sartorial elegance were celebrated as the pinnacles of style continuum. Statement pieces were only rarely worn for special occasions, and clean, classy stand-out brands such as Jacquemus and The Row were the most trending. Featuring soft neutral palettes, they are the opposite of the bold pop of colours we’re seeing everywhere, especially the colour green. It seems strange how pre-pandemic the colour was avoided from everyone’s palette, and now everyone is obsessed with it! Designers persisted during the pandemic to keep the fashion scene growing and evolving; it was within the melancholic darkness of the pandemic that maximalist rose from the ashes.
Words By Tommaso Donati
