In high school, when I wanted to purchase a T-shirt with holes intentionally perforated throughout, my mother was appalled. I garnered the same reaction when I bought a pair of jeans pre-shredded within an inch of their life, my mother in disbelief: "Why spend money on something that's so destroyed?"
The allure of imperfection in fashion has been around for decades now, one of the main proponents being Miuccia Prada, who's been proudly making "ugly-chic" clothes since the '90s. For spring 2024, it seems that more designers are getting on the same page. The pushback against perfection in fashion, and on social media especially, is giving way to something less refined, with intentionally tousled and even dishevelled looks. Miu Miu, styled by Lotta Volkova, featured shirts layered haphazardly over one another, and handbags stuffed to the brim with random shoes and trinkets. Or consider Bottega Veneta's gaping tote bags, filled with papers and other random ephemera, and Maison Margiela's deconstructed, almost tattered tops, skirts, and dresses, accessorised with hats made out of ... cardboard. But why is fashion reverting back to the undone look now?
It generally never bodes well to look back in fashion, but the 2010s could be seen as our decade of decadence. We saw the rise and ubiquity of the Instagram aesthetic-that is, perfectly primped looks to run errands, lest a paparazzo catch you unmade-up.
This story is from the May 2024 edition of ELLE Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2024 edition of ELLE Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Who's That Girl?
For 2024, Dior proposes a new interpretation of its iconic Miss Dior—one that returns to the fragrance’s very roots in 1947. Natalie Portman shares her thoughts on the floral and fruity scent.
Imperfection Is The New Perfection
From artfully déshevelled, onthe-run looks to everyday-core, the rising runway aesthetic is one of considered widoneness. How will it translate in real life?
Dear Agony Aunt: What Should I Do?
The business of giving advice is booming, but who is qualified to offer guidance?
Follow The Green Path
Our pursuit of harmony with the planet is mirrored in the choices we make. We seek to adopt the best practices, drawing nourishment and inspiration from nature itself. Fortunately, the beauty industry is exploring promising avenues in this regard.
Bring On The Glow
Founding director of the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health, Professor Cuilin Zhang shares why more should be invested in women’s health.
Harmony AMIDST THE HUSTLE
To cope with the relentless pace of corporate life, New York Times bestselling author Deepak Chopra unveils the keys to tranquility in the concrete jungle.
Embrace the Art OF JEONG
Creator of premium skincare brand Then I Met You, Charlotte Cho wants you to take a moment for yourself to connect with people… and your beauty products.
GO, GO, Gadget
From an AI-powered bespoke lipstick maker to at-home microdermabrasions, here are the latest gadgets for head-to-toe beauty to get your hands on.
STRAIGHT TO Perfection
From hot combs to keratin treatments and the craze on liquid hair, we take a look at hair straighteners of the past, present, and near future.
IN FULL bloom
Milly Carnivora is back with three new jewellery designs bearing the same hallmarks that made it a Dior classic.