Dressed to Resist.

During the past two years, the world as we knew it has radically changed. The post-pandemic moment now consists of a swing between instants of lean positivism and rooted anxiety with consequences that reshape fashion. The last winter season integrated loungewear into daily clothing with considerable impact as a safe narrative to bet on. Yet, fashion was able to mirror the post-crisis spirit with a set of shows on elegant and rediscovered beauty. Trying to contrast the perspective of a virtual flat life is re-inventing bodies now. In the dystopian scenario the world is merged into a metaverse, where tactile sensations fade away, the means through which existence on earth can be

perceived, breathed, touched, smelled, and ultimately lived.

Therefore, the runways staged ta great celebration of physical bodies, of flesh and bones: charmingly seen through a devoid of sexual meaning and liberation. Creative approaches to textile generate precious textile webs embedded with protruding jewels as an opulent envelope. Protesting the world’s longing for intangible skins, dressed for the ultimate fancy event or for the last ball on our planet, these styles made an important statement:

the joie de vivre might not defeat viruses or defuse bombs, but it is the most powerful weapon in these hard times.

Y2K With Benefits.

These days, a Y2K obsession is governed by the trend visibility on social media. Gen Z and Millenials are prone to this prolonged obsession, so that the luxury market is ready to nurture and encourage this style revival without a necessary need to reinterpret an aesthetic that already speaks for itself. Fashion is defined by cyclical trends, that do not necessarily link the return of a specific silhouette to a strong cultural message as the Y2K influx of today. The frivolous decay, driven by consumerism and a younger target, set hope for a bright, spotless future.

Yet, the community that broadcasts the trend shares different values than the consumers 20 years ago: particularly advanced ecological consciousness, new desires for inclusivity and respect, and melancholy towards happy days they youth feels robbed of. Fashion provides them with instruments to heal, to feel reckless and free, while privately carrying a heavy burden: a frilly blouse that screams feminine ease, a blank tank top as the anonymous piece to make strong statements, a full fuchsia outfit to fight the blue days, or furry neon trims on a cropped aviator jacket to stand out. Fashion is a medium to remind cultures to stay strong, show colors or gift them a glance of the golden days with vain trims, while waiting for frugal times to come.