Move Over Minimalism, 2022 is All About ✨Extra✨
Bigger, Bolder, Brighter — the 2022 brief.
More than halfway into the year and it seems like the fashion world has unleashed itself; and rightfully so, we wouldn’t accept anything less than full-fledged-freedom after two pandemic-stricken years.
Bigger, Bolder, Brighter is the 2022 lifestyle brief and it’s the polar opposite approach from the past two years which have mostly been about careful, conservative moves.
The World is Your Runway
Too many days/ months spent locked up at home in loungewear have led to a dramatic shift in people’s personal style. While athleisure enjoyed its limelight in 2021, OTT takes centre stage in 2022 — bold colours and eccentric Y2K styles signifying freedom, screaming LIVE-IT-UP. From the Louis Vuitton Cruise show to Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda creations to Balenciaga’s bold outburst of couture, if there’s one thing high fashion brands are telling us, it’s this — the world is your runway.
It’s Giving ✨Glam✨
‘Twinkling eyes’ isn’t just an expression anymore. We’re talking 90’s glam with a twist — glitter eyeshadow, glitter liner, glitter lashes, all that glitters really. At a party recently I saw men wearing glitter in their beards and eyebrows (!!) We went from homely glow in 2020 to fresh glow in 2021 to major glow in 2022.
Accentuated Accessories
Expect the unexpected here. When I first saw the new Valentino Tan-Go platform pumps…um, BRATZ VIBES! You know, those pompous better-than-Barbie voluptuous dolls back in the Y2K era from whom Kylie Jenner gets her inspiration today. Accessorising in 2022 packs a punch, from sparkling headpieces, supersized totes, embezzled clutches to embellished boots and what-not — it’s almost as if we’re re-living the Roaring Twenties.
Maximalism Wellness
Here’s a weird confession, no form of meditation can put me to sleep like a good celebrity makeup/ skincare video. The likes of My-10-Step-Night-Routine videos of the world have a certain therapeutic ring to them, even if I may or may not follow through. There’s an Extra factor here too — instead of just a simple face wash and moisturiser routine, the K-beauty practices of face icing, gua sha rolling, face oils, face massages and ‘glass skin’ techniques are seriously ritualistic and being adopted worldwide.
It’s almost a sense of vengeance on the runways and streets, dressing up to feel fabulous whether it’s to go to your neighbourhood grocery store or an exclusive club. It’s a whole new wave of bold creations all about ‘more is more’, and there’s never been a better time to play dress up.
