Comic fashion is all the rage right now

Instead of dark goth looks or trendy raver outfits, fashion is currently celebrating a completely different aesthetic. Pieces that allow the virtual world to merge with reality are increasingly appearing on the runway and on social media.

One fashion house that is driving the trend towards playful fashion is Loewe. For spring and summer 2023, the Spanish fashion house has apparently been inspired by the cult game “Minecraft”. With Loewe’s presentation, it’s not entirely clear at first glance whether this outfit is actually clothing or digital fashion for your avatar. The blue hoodie from the Spring Summer runway appears to be made out of pixels instead of fabric.

Pieces like the Pixel sweater may look like they’re straight out of the video game, but they’re actually meant to be worn. The sweater looks deceptively real thanks to the 3D hem. Loewe is showing more pieces of this type for this season: the luxury house takes Minnie Mouse as an example for a pair of statement pumps.

For autumn and winter, Loewe remains in the land of toys and pixels. At Paris Fashion Week, the fashion house sends some models down the catwalk in a shirt that gives the illusion of a doll’s outfit.

There is no programming art hidden behind the shirt, but a masterpiece of fashion craftsmanship. The piece was seamlessly made of leather and gives the impression that it is a piece from Barbie’s wardrobe.

Prada is also unveiling voluminous accessories for the coming season, such as puffer-style bags reminiscent of the comic look.

Art collective MSCHF also embraces digital-themed pieces, recently going viral with giant red boots reminiscent of manga character Astro Boy.

Not only high fashion labels are now showing designs that could also be found on digital avatars. Red Wing Shoes is best known for its tough work shoes, but in celebration of the Mario movie, the US label is bringing our favorite plumber’s shoes to life.

There are various reasons why childlike pieces are going through the roof right now. On the one hand, the playful designs are unique statement pieces that attract attention. For the street style magazine “Highsnobiety”, this trend is a sign that real and virtual worlds are merging more and more.

“Vogue” also finds that models and clothes from Loewe’s runway show look “like avatars from a virtual world incarnate.” Similar to other maximalist styles such as kidcore or clowncore, nostalgic references can also be found in current cartoon fashion.

Therapist Dafna Kronental also sees these maximalist looks as a way of escaping the seriousness of adult life. Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, the psychologist explains: “At a time when ‘adulthood’ means grappling with existential questions about the state of our planet, there is a tendency to wear clothes that convey a sense of playfulness evokes, a meaningful way of coping.”