Love or Loathe: Minimalism

We've been flipping through the shows in New York and...let's just say we won't be featuring as many designers as last year. One big trend has already become apparent: minimalism. A key reason I hate this trend is that it's impossible to work on a budget. You end up looking like a cast off from the 90s in clothing sucked dry of personality and joie de vivre. On top of that, it comes across as elitist. Have you noticed, for example, that a $20 jersey tee from Old Navy is a basic but a $200 jersey tee from Alexander Wang is minimalism? I'm all for fine tailoring, but this isn't about the perfect pant or a finely cut jacket. Most of Spring 2011's designer minimalism is sloppy ("casual") and ill-fitting ("relaxed"). Is anyone else disheartened by this trend or are you all for plain clothes?

BCBG keeps it simple.

Comments

Steve said…
What passes for minimalism in fashion is actually anti minimalism, a nasty pastiche.

To a lesser extent the same can be said for the fine arts.

In true minimalism function dictates surface appearance.
rachel said…
I want fashion shows to awaken my imagination and make me think, "what sort of dream would I wear this in?". Minimalism on the other hand, just makes me want to sleep.
Robin said…
This dress is a total snore. It looks like a pillow case.
Sarah Dee said…
I love minimalism, but only minimalism that is structured and high quality!!

Sarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com
Anonymous said…
Alexander Wang's entire line is made in China. As far as Minimalism goes that's $200.00 for a $30.00 garment.
Add marketing- still a VERY healthy profit...Go to Target.
Jael Paris said…
I read that about Wang the other day. Marc Jacob' stuff is also made in China as are most designer purses.
Jennifer Wells said…
I hate to say it, but I graduated from high school in 1996, and I like minimalism, although that isn't ALL I like.

That being said, concerning the economics of making these garments, as you mentioned--shame on them.
Fanya said…
I love minimalism.

It's the one time I can be lazy while getting dress and feel good knowing I look chic-er than 50% of the models that walked down the runway in a minimalism look.

...and of course I'm ignoring the other 50% which is high quality and I will never be able to afford.

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