Anything from art to architecture or graphics to catwalks the linear, painterly trends have been evident for decades. The big question is now with trends moving so fast, the number of macrotrends rapidly reducing and the rise of the fads, is it now year to year changes?
In my opinion 2019 has been a year of changes. Changes made like our Prime Minister, changes we wish to see in the world for example climate change and it's growth in conversation, changes to behaviour such as having a sustainable wardrobe. With all these changes taking place around us it's no wonder trends are going in and out of fashion in a blink of an eye.
In this post I'm going to dissect a few of 2019's fashion fads to try and work out if 2019 is a year of linear or painterly fashion.
Let's start with the annual Met Gala. Arguably the biggest event in the fashion calendar, this year's theme was 'Camp'. Can you get a more painterly theme? With jewels, fabric and feathers galore adorning the red carpet, a night of pure glamour displays some of the globe's biggest celebs all dressed to impress. And with this year's theme being camp, more, more, more was what the crowd wanted.
Alexis Mabielle, a couture London based designer has taken the spotlight this year with a new take on the rather glamourous, tailored, smart style of gowns. With bold silhouettes and striking pops of colours, Mabielle's gowns are fit for any Instagram feed around. Paired with the hi-low styling her latest collection has really caused quite a stir. But is it, like most couture, painterly or does Alexis buck this trend and fit with the linear title? Mabielle states
“I’m passionate about retaining original vibes and inspiration in newer collections. From tailoring, to shirt dresses – details are definitely borrowed from the boys”
With stiff fabrics, tailored cuffs, buttons, strong silhouettes and minimalistic details, I'd say Alexis' designs fit firmly in the Linear category.
Now for a trend perhaps a few more can relate to; casual sportswear. 2019 has seen the resurgence of lounge wear lovers and fitness freaks. On the high street this year you can hardly go anywhere without spotting a vibrant pair of leggings or adidas sweatshirt. And with popularity booming the demand on new designs is higher than ever. This year has seen quite some sights and with all these prints running round the parks of the UK, can we still call sportswear linear?
Now for an accessory that took the country by storm this year, the hair clip. Whether it's oversized and covered in pearls or spelling a diamante message, it's what the female population have bought and loved. Now all this bling, just to hold the bangs back must mean they fall in the painterly category.
Finally a trend with some subtance behind it: Diversity. 2018/19 has seen such a huge change to the fashion and beauty advertising campaigns with the use of much more diverse models. Having finally broken the taboo of speaking out about mental heath and self confidence, people all over the world have managed to make a really positive change. I for one am not the most body confident person, so seeing models of all shapes and sizes, races and skin tones stepping infront of the lens makes me and so many others feel good about ourselves. But where does this trend fall? Well going from a stereotypical individual look of traditional beauty, to infinite and unique individuals, I would call that painterly.
Now having looked at some of fashions biggest fads I've come to the conclusion that even though we are living in pretty uncertain times, with not only Brexit hanging on our heads but also a general election looming it's ugly head 2019 has been a painterly year. A year of celebration; of beauty, glamour and self love.
St.
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