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 {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Check mate
For DIOR's cruise 2025 collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri weaves Scottish heritage into modern fashion, creating a dialogue between tradition and rebellion.
Glow-Up Goals
Expert-approved aesthetic treatments to get you looking refreshed, natural, and party-ready.
All The Right Notes
Singapore’s biggest Mandopop star to date, JJ LIN reflects on his two-decade career before embarking on the final leg of his world tour.
Dubai: Capital Of The Future
The most visited megalopolis in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a vibrant oasis of modernity; a hotbed of exciting new openings and endless plans.
ARTFUL Indulgence
Le Pristine Singapore IS THE NEW EPICUREAN ESCAPE FOR ART AND DESIGN AFICIONADOS.
Talk of the Town
Miu Miu CONTINUES DEEPENING ITS TIES TO THE art world WITH A PROJECT THAT BRINGS TOGETHER FILM, MOVEMENT AND CONVERSATION.
See Her At N°5
Margot Robbie embodies timeless chic as the new face of Chanel N°5. In this ELLE exclusive, the actress shares her take on the iconic scent.
A closer look at...
You don’t have to be a Warhammer or Arthurian legend geek to appreciate Roger Dubuis’ latest Knights of the Round Table timepiece.
BLUE Paradise
With the support of Rolex and Mission Blue, the Nusa Penida Hope Spot has become a sterling example of ocean conservation.
Counting the Métiers
In this ELLE Singapore exclusive, artistic director of watches and jewellery Francesca Amfitheatrof lays bare what goes into the making a LOUIS VUITTON high jewellery collection.