The world of fashion moves so quickly. Who has the time to keep up? There are a few things that are absolutely certain though. As we move further, two things become apparent. First, with the 21st century in full swing, the bounds of nostalgia are widening. Looks from the ’90s and mid-2000s are creeping back into view. Next, as Generation Z becomes of age, their unique styles and tastes are making more of a mark on the fashion world.
To see these trends on display, look no further than the recent affair of Fashion Week in Milan, Italy. Fendi, Prada, and Dolce and Gabbana pulled out all of the stops at their own respective shows. Each of these classic fashion houses provided some insight into the hottest trends around, and where the industry is headed.
1. Minimalism Is Out
Look no further than Machine Gun Kelly’s stellar showing on the Dolce and Gabbana runway. The sheer opulence of his pieces shows that maximalism is in full effect. The rap and rock superstar debuted two double-breasted suits, one black, and one white. Adornment is what sets these pieces apart.
Kelly’s white suit was decorated with elegant spikes that draw influence from the punk movement of the late 1970s. Completed with a turtleneck, it was a look that was perfect for the rockstar that he is. The black suit offset seriousness with beauty, by adding a collection of jewels that attracted a fair amount of press coverage.
The maximalist approach was also mirrored in the new collections from brands like A-Cold-Wall and Blue Marble. Both of these labels have incorporated similar amounts of glitter and glam into their collections.
2. Subversion in Sizing
Think back to all of the mainstays of millennial fashion. Much of the designs of the era were form-fitting and intended to highlight the body’s features. Slim-fit sizing captured the men’s fashion market, and skinny jeans were all the rage.
These trends seem to be on the way out if Men’s Fashion Week is any indication. Names like Dolce and Gabbana and Prada have embraced the oversized look. All of a sudden, boxy jackets, bell-bottomed pants, and gratuitous puffer jackets seem to be the norm.
One trend of particular note is the embrace of shoulder pads. Seemingly reminiscent of an 80s sci-fi flick or a Talking Heads music video, Dolce and Gabbana’s most recent collection features a plethora of outerwear with shoulder pads and cropped bodies as key features.
3. Pastel Colors
Everything about the contemporary market indicates a flair for the dramatic. The ethos of Generation Z seems to demand statement pieces. As such, the use of color is a further indication of the embrace of a more maximalist aesthetic.
Rather than leaning on more subdued color palettes, today’s looks feature pastel colors. Set against darker hues of black and deep violet, today’s detailing sees an embrace of fluorescent greens, daisy-like yellows, and rose pinks. The embrace of these floral tones could be seen in the new collections from MSGM, Dsquared, and Moschino.
It remains to be seen which trends will make their way into more mainstream and contemporary look books. However, given Gen Z’s rapid rise to prominence, it is a safe bet that this more maximalist approach to fashion will be apparent on the streets very soon. It is the natural cycle for subsequent generations to challenge the assertions of the generations that preceded them.
While it has yet to catch on in the popular imagination, the millennial era is drawing to a close. Generation Z is prepared to take the helm, eager to subvert and blaze new territory.
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