Maximalism Returns to Fashion and Design as a Rebellion Against Minimalism
A resurgence of maximalist style is occurring as a counter to minimalism, rooted in Japanese street fashion characterized by bold silhouettes and dramatic layering. This style emphasizes volume, materiality, pastiche, and extravagance. Notable designer Christian Lacroix, who gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s, worked with Dries van Noten for the spring-summer 2019 collection and partnered with Desigual for the fall-winter 2020 collection titled 'Where is the real Monsieur Christian Lacroix?'. Renowned for her surrealism and oversized accessories, Elsa Schiaparelli outfits stars like Bella Hadid and Adele, showcasing the Face Bag in her fall-winter 2023 collection. Meanwhile, Gen Z has embraced maximalism, drawing inspiration from the Memphis Movement and postmodern aesthetics, particularly during the initial lockdown.
Key facts
- Maximalism is returning as a reaction against minimalism.
- Its origin in fashion is Japanese street style.
- Christian Lacroix is a key maximalist exponent from the 1980s-1990s.
- Lacroix collaborated with Dries van Noten for spring-summer 2019.
- Lacroix collaborated with Desigual for fall-winter 2020.
- Elsa Schiaparelli pioneered maximalism with surrealist inspirations.
- Daniel Roseberry leads Schiaparelli, dressing celebrities like Bella Hadid, Adele, and Cardi B.
- Lady Gaga wore Schiaparelli at Biden's inauguration.
- In design, Gen Z uses organic forms and saturated colors.
- Robert Venturi's motto 'Less is a Bore' is referenced.
- Maximalism in design gained attention during the first lockdown.
- The trend references the Memphis Movement and postmodern styles.
Entities
Artists
- Christian Lacroix
- Dries van Noten
- Elsa Schiaparelli
- Daniel Roseberry
- Robert Venturi
- Lady Gaga
- Bella Hadid
- Adele
- Cardi B
Institutions
- Schiaparelli
- Desigual
- Paris Fashion Week
Locations
- Japan
- Belgium
- Spain
- France
- Paris