From Riches to Rags
-SJB
3 min read
Racing behind old-time names Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, streetwear publications are throwing fashion magazines a curveball. With Vogue’s 18.7 million Instagram followers, publications like Hypebeast, with 6 million Instagram followers, aren’t far behind. A company launched a mere fourteen years ago, Hypebeast is already valued at $270 million. The streetwear publication steals headpieces and heels, replacing them with hoodies and the newest sneakers, like the Soho version of Robin Hood.
Lyst released its list of the ten most popular products and brands of Q1 2018, and it’s enough to make your grandmother take her pearl earrings back. Among the Gucci GG Logo Belt and Louis Vuitton Neverfull Bag are the millennial classics: the Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Superstar Metallic Sneaker, the Acne Clea Bomber, the Balenciaga Speed Trainer, and the Off-White Brushed Diagonal Hoodie. Streetwear brands Vetements, Off-White, and Yeezy are among the top ten brands, kicking names like Valentino to the bottom of the list.
These streetwear publications and brands all have something in common: athleisure. The paramount trend of 2018, athleisure is defined as “casual, comfortable clothing designed to be suitable both for exercise and everyday wear.” In other words, why dress up when you can dress down?
While Meghan Markle is learning how to wear pantyhose, celebrities everywhere are embracing the athleisure trend. The Kardashians and Jenners are frequently spotted wearing hoodies and sneakers, courtesy of Kanye West’s Yeezy brand. Models Hailey Baldwin Bieber and Alessandra Ambrosio may rep skin-tight attire on the runway, but they’re all sweatpants on the streets. With older women still wearing the classics, it’s clear that athleisure is a millennial trend. As streetwear publications like HighSnobiety skyrocket to 8 million website visits a month, the athleisure trend is a bit perplexing: since when did looking “effortless” become a reality?
The “effortless” trend doesn’t only find its home in the clothing industry: the fresh-face selfie took Instagram by storm last year, celebrities posting their makeup-free faces by the dozens. In the beginning, the no-makeup movement was a social statement, and captions were “you’re beautiful just the way you are” speeches. However, recently, the fresh-face seems to be--dare we say it--a trend.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba often leave the house fresh-faced. Kylie Jenner and Rihanna, owners of two huge cosmetic companies, often post makeup-free selfies, flaunting their bare skin. Alicia Keys is famous for not wearing makeup in two years, debuting her glowing skin at the 2018 Grammy Awards. Leaving plucked eyebrows in the past, Cara Delevingne has brought the strong and unruly brow into the spotlight.
Is a huge hoodie and messy eyebrows the new power outfit? Are we truly leaving behind a world of complicated, time-consuming fashion? In a city as sophisticated as New York, is it true that the less effort you put into your look, the more in style you are?
To answer this paradoxical question, I turned to the dress etiquette of social gatherings. These parties are simple: if you’re overdressed, your friends will most likely not be seen with you or your Alexandre Vauthier gown. But, if you’re underdressed, you’re making an enormous statement.
The statement is brazen, possibly offensive, and absolutely courageous. Walking around in athleisure, you know you’ll reek of self-esteem, pushing your shoulders back in perfect posture. While ladies wobble in the highest heels they own, you’ll be satisfied with your newest kicks. From your mascara-free lashes to your crew socks, your entire look will declare: “I think I look good, and that’s all that matters.”
In the past, celebrities dressed up to make a statement. Prince wore frilled shirts in electric colors, and onesies with shoulder pads. Lady Gaga took inspiration from him in the early 2000s, dressing in gowns meant for the extra-terrestrial. Following her lead, Nicki Minaj posed in cotton-candy wigs and pink leather boots.
Now, the newest way to make a statement is not to make one at all. But what caused the sudden change in trend? What perpetuated the era of the sweatpants reign?
One thing: the “effortless” look embodies the feeling of confidence. As a society where being insecure seems to be second nature, we all admire those who are brave enough to just be themselves.
Platinum-blonde wigs and high heels command our attention, but bare faces and sweatshirts are revolutionary. Being dressed appropriately for an event is predictable, but your Gucci sweatshirt and Prabal Gurung shades are much more memorable. Looking alluring with makeup is impressive, but society has somehow found something even more impressive: leaving the house completely effortless, and truly believing you look your best.
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