After having a conversation with someone during the budget meeting, we had an in-depth conversation about the confusing nature of fashion right now. For example, we still see a lot of functional items like the Salomon XT-6 and XT-4s—a hiking shoe—become a cult classic in the sneaker game. Moreover, the current scope of fashion is trying to mix what would theoretically be used for hiking, skiing, or skateboarding with practical everyday activities. Where the hype used to be Nike Dunks or the New Balance 550, it’s now Salomon and Puma Speedcats.
A different conversation that was had is that with the rise of conservatism and the current state of the world, fashion also followed suit and went two different ways: maximalism and conservative/stripped back. It isn’t like these styles ever left, but it seems more polarizing as the world becomes more divided.
On one side of the spectrum, we see companies like the Row and Bottega Veneta with astronomical growth in sales on social media. This is ironic because popularity is the antithesis of the Row since their roots lie in creating capsule pieces that aren’t meant to be trendy. On social media, they became known for their “quiet luxury” and effortless look with pieces that would last a lifetime. However, when fast fashion houses—Zara, H&M, etc.—try to emulate that same look, it dilutes what the meaning of “quiet luxury” is supposed to be: quality.
On the other side, we see “quiet luxury’s” contrast in maximalism and big, bold patterns. It feels more about individuality rather than trying to get pieces that should last a long time. A good argument is, why are 20-year-olds dressing like they are in their 40s? Maximalism pushes the wearers to try to look from within and break the status quo’s conservatism in fashion. You can still get the pieces that will last you a lifetime, but it’s true to what you believe in.
For me, it’s no coincidence that with the current state of the world, fashion will be held to the same standards. Moreover, I believe that you should be able to look back at what you are wearing and regret what you wore. It is OK to let your wardrobe be a time capsule. Mix and match those stripped-back pieces with clothes or shoes that make your outfit yours. The rise of conservatism can be seen in so many aspects of the world right now, but your self-expression speaks more to the true individualism that people are trying their hardest to aspire to.
