Avant Apocalypse: Dystopia made Fashion
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
What do maximalism, grunge, and impending doom of dystopia all have in common? They’ve been a part of inspiring the trend called “Avant Apocalypse”. The term was first used in a TikTok video by trend forecaster Mandy Lee (@oldloserinbrooklyn) to describe this new take on a maximalist style. According to her, the key features involve neutral tones, asymmetry, and clothes worn “the wrong way”. Ultimately, the trend ends up looking like a high fashion version of an outfit that you might see in a science fiction movie.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Although neutrals are a focal point of this trend, the look can be brightened up with color and more mainstream fashion accessories, like sunglasses and headphones. The main point is to emphasize deconstruction and “unconventional silhouettes”. Even with the neutral motif, Avant Apocalypse is far from basic, with holey shirts and long pieces of fabric hanging off the body. The look is less focused on practicality and more so on the curation of pieces to ultimately create a somewhat fantastical look of a dystopian near-future.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
The look is reminiscent of grungy designer Rick Owens and the avant-garde Maison Margiela, however Avant Apocalypse can be DIY-ed with layering and distressing of pieces you already own. Consequently, this trend does seem to be on the more sustainable side despite the specificity and uniqueness required to capture the look. Avant Apocalypse thrives on the use of repurposed old clothes and neutral basics, both of which combat the likes of fast fashion and textile waste. These pieces can be worn again and again and still appear new and innovative every time with this trend. Plus, basics and repurposed clothes aren’t trend-specific, and can be worn after the hype dies down.
Image Courtesy: WWD
The appearance of this trend at this specific time doesn’t seem like a coincidence either. Often, characters in the aforementioned science fiction movies are rebelling, or fighting for justice. With the constant demand from citizens for change in regards to the economy, the climate, and racism - just to name a few - and the constant lack of response and action from the people in charge, the world around us is starting to feel like one of these films. Aside from general political unrest, the pandemic is also a notable force that makes our world feel almost pre-apocalyptic. Avant Apocalypse seems to reject the fear many of us have of a dystopian world, and instead turns it into something enjoyable and entertaining for the time being.
It’s obvious that achieving this look requires a certain level of creativity and effort. However, seeing elements of scenarios that have so far been fictional incorporated in real life makes this trend hard to look away from. Not to mention the basic principles of rethinking clothing you already have and creating something out of the box, or even out of this world, is something that doesn’t just come and go with trends.
Strike out,
Writer: Sara Micale
Editor: Ridha Islam
Athens