Embracing Excess: The Rise of Maximalism in Tech Accessories and Garden Decor
In the world of fashion, a long-standing principle has guided many design houses for decades. Think about the monochromatic elegance of Issey Miyake or the sleek leatherwork of Hermès. For years, muted tones, simple silhouettes, and chic materials have been celebrated due to the allure of "quiet luxury." Shows like HBO's "Succession" have further popularized this aesthetic, but recent runway exhibitions by brands including Valentino, Prada, and Ashish hint at a potential comeback of maximalist fashion.
Maximalist fashion, tracing its roots as far back as 17th-century Rome, is characterized by bold colors, eccentric patterns, and lush textures. This trend is currently experiencing a resurgence, made increasingly popular by social media platforms. The societal and political climate plays a significant role in shaping fashion trends. Indeed, maximalist fashion's return indicative of economic hardships experienced post-Covid-19 world.
Speaking to CNN, Melissa Marra-Alvarez, curator of the 2019 exhibition “Minimalism/Maximalism” at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, explained that the back-and-forth nature of minimalist and maximalist aesthetics drives fashion forward. Every iteration is unique, reflecting the preferences of its time.
On TikTok, @llolfashiondump boasts 1.2 million followers. In an interview with CNN, she revealed that her maximalist approach to fashion has allowed her to express her inner creativity. Through her popular “get dressed with me” videos (average 200,000 views), she challenges fashion conventions, often wearing jumpers upside down or incorporating an assortment of accessories.
Myra Magdalen, another TikToker popular in the maximalist space, also shared her experience with CNN, discussing the challenges of anchor heavy embellishments and her reliance on secondhand clothes for unique finds.
Stylist Kristine Kilty, who focuses on maximalist fashion, encourages dipping toes into the maximalist pool by starting with a statement piece and building a color palette around it. Drawing inspiration from social media helps combat the anxiety that comes with experimenting with a new style.
Curating wardrobes, both Myra and Jaclyn rely on secondhand clothing, whether from thrift stores or online platforms. Depop and Vinted's algorithms have also played a part in their unusual taste discovery. In incorporating statement pieces and accessories, both women have found their creativity being well-received not only on social media but also in real life.
Kilty emphasizes that fashion should be a source of inspiration and confidence. Whether it's sleek silhouettes in muted colors or clashing colors and patterns, what matters most is embracing personal expression.
Social media has been instrumental in reshaping and popularizing fashion trends. However, it has also led to a sense of conformity and the fear of missing out, encouraging individuals to adhere to the latest trends to avoid feeling left behind. Economic factors like anti-capitalism sentiment and the pandemic's impact have further contributed to the rise of maximalist fashion.
As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of fashion, the choice ultimately lies with each individual. Whether one prefers muted tones and clean silhouettes or bold colors and eccentric patterns, there exists a style that can resonate with one's personal identity.
Maximalst fashion's resurgence on social media platforms has allowed individuals like TikToker @llolfashiondump to express their creativity through bold colors and eccentric patterns. In contrast, stylist Kristine Kilty suggests starting with a statement piece in maximalist fashion and building a color palette around it.
