Maximalism is having a moment in 2022, taking over the fashion scene in a post-pandemic world.
Maximalist fashion isn’t anything new, the “aesthetic of excess” has influenced fashion since the 1950’s.
And after years of embracing a minimalist approach to fashion and design, maximalism is on the rise.
To understand maximalism in fashion, think of extreme and eccentric designs, bright colours, clashing combos and the belief that more is more.
TikTok has brought the trend to the forefront, with many accounts gaining thousands of views thanks to their unique maximalist approach to fashion.
For many users online, maximalism is shocking. It rebels against the minimalism and Scandinavian style trends that have dominated fashion, architecture and design.
And whilst it won’t be for everyone, beyond the dramatic and shocking outfits is an interesting insight into how fashion trends are inextricably tied to human experience.
What is Maximalist fashion?
Forget the phrase “less is more,” maximalist fashion is all about bold, unique looks that break traditional style rules.
The more textures, colours, and prints the better when putting together a maximalist outfit.
Maximalism isn’t just about throwing together the most extreme outfits – adding accessories, experimenting with textures and adding more colours to an outfit are all ways to implement the trend into your everyday life.
Why is Maximalism popular now?
The covid pandemic threw the world into a state of minimalism we hadn’t experienced before.
All aspects of life were filled with minimalism – minimal contact with people, minimal trips outside the house and even minimal wardrobes.
As people began to work and study from home, fashion was strongly affected, with minimalist trends such as loungewear and activewear dominating styles.
Now, as the world emerges from life in lockdown people are looking for more joyful and uplifting prints and the extremity of maximalist style has intrigued many people as they escape the mundanity of isolation.
Mellissa Marra-Alvarez, the curator of education and research at The Museum at FIT explained to WWD that “shifts in fashion are often a reaction to what came before it. When quarantines lifts, we could see people yearning to dress up again and a strong move toward a return of maximalist glamour as a sartorial expression of liberation.”
Is Maximalism just a TikTok trend?
Whilst maximalist fashion has influenced fashion trends for decades, the current cycle has been strongly shaped by the rise of maximalist fashion Tik Tok accounts.
Whilst many maximalist fashion videos get slammed by viewers who label the looks, “messy” or “ridiculous,” the videos offer many others a new way to view and interpret fashion.
Thalia Castro-Vega, a personal stylist who boasts over 140k followers on TikTok explained to Buzzfeed why Maximimalism is popular at the moment explaining:
“Maximalism is the opportunity to free ourselves out of creative restrictions and let ourselves explore our sense of style with reckless abandon.”
“To truly have fun getting dressed and bring joy to our lives. Clothing is an emotional experience; we have to wear it for practical reasons, but it also becomes our second skin.”
“Taking time to get dressed can even change our moods! So, I like to dress joyfully, and in turn, that brings joy to others.”
Is Maximalism just a fashion trend?
Maximalism hasn’t just affected fashion trends, it also seeps into the style choices in design, architecture and art.
Minimalist design influences are slowly beginning to decline as over-the-top interiors make a return.
Think bold decorations, statement ceilings, busy wallpapers and eye-popping textures.
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