Maximalism, Not in Your Home, But on YOU
Image Courtesy: Vogue
Throughout time, we have been taught “less is more.” The mindset of getting rid of the excess and focusing solely on the necessities is how many people view life. We call these people the minimalists. Minimalism, chiefly an American movement in visual arts originating in New York City around the late 1960s, is characterized by extreme simplicity of form. We see minimalism primarily in our homes: white walls, minimal decorations and quiet color patterns. In fashion, however, minimalism means having a very small amount of clothing in your wardrobe that can be universal and paired with a myriad of items. Although this can be cost-effective, there is little life to one’s closet and style. While I love black and white pieces as much as the next person, I am beginning to find myself blending in. That being said, I have consciously decided to reject minimalism and embrace maximalism with open arms. In reaction to the minimalist movement, a maximalist style goes beyond the confines of conformity. The bigger, the brighter, the busier, the better. As seen on Tik Tok and other social media platforms, maximalism is taking the home decor world by storm, but I have yet to see it take on the fashion world with full force. Therefore, I have a proposition, are you willing to give up simple and dive headfirst into bold and extraordinary? Yeah, that's what I thought. Let’s go.
What was once a category of literature, visual arts and music, has now infiltrated the world of design, both interior and fashion. Many people believe Maximalism is the hoarding of items and the clutter of “stuff,” a perspective I find insulting. Maximalism fashion is so much more than bold patterns and prints. It is defined by extra embellishments and adding that extra layer that can truthfully pull an entire look together. This is not a new concept, but one in need of a resurgence. Similar to how one would design their living room, maximalism encourages one to fully utilize their space. In this case, our space is the beautiful blank canvas our bodies represent. Maximalism is personal. We as people are not simple, we are unique and complex. Our style should represent that.
Below are a few brands to look to for inspiration as you begin your maximalist journey.
Hopefully, I have been able to show you the joys of maximalism’s bold, extraordinary world. I myself am still discovering the ways to be a successful maximalist. I have found more of myself the more I dug into and discovered this style. It has been one hell of a journey, and my closet has benefited immensely. If you choose to accept maximalism, take your time and have fun with it, for maximalism is yours.
I’ll leave you with this: forget “less is more,” and instead think “more is more.”
Strike Out,
Writer: Margaret Russell
Athens