The Influence of "woke" culture in 2021 fashion trends

Luxury, that a word you’ve probably seen flying about a lot lately. Its not a new word or a new term. The reason I believe this word is flying around a lot is because there is a general shift in what luxury looks like and the people who experience it. What do I mean ??

Typically luxury and luxury brands where often associated with minimalism. In the past decade id say most luxury brands have stuck to the minimal approach. Clean structured finishes. The change in the way luxury looks, I believe was brought about by the raised voices of the "woke" culture. If you’ve seen the term luxury you’ve probably seen it followed by black women in luxury or black people in luxe. This is significant !!

With the screening of movies like Black panther where you see a introduction to bright colours and patterns within the cast wardrobe. We see luxury within the movie and within the style of dressing, And we start to see less minimalism.

In addition to the African cultures on the big screens, 2020 brought out an increase in support for black businesses. This general awareness for black businesses and specifically black fashion brands and their designers created a drastic shift in colour pallet as well as popular patterns such as the exaggerated puff sleeves and rouched dresses . This visibility of African culture within the designs has lead to change in what luxury looks like, and equally a change in who wears luxury.

I reckon now is a great time to highlight some of the trends that are found in the African cultures. Most cultures use textured fabric with detailed pattern work. Most of the textiles are brightly coloured. Some of the fabric patterns take inspiration from the environment. For example the Hanifa’s pink congo dress. You can even find the detailed embroidery within designers such as NaNawax who take inspiration from ancient African carvings. Then you have extravagance within the Kai Collective designs with bright pronounced colours.

They do say fashion trends come and go with seasons, we have seen such brightness and pattern in the 80's. Does the only difference between the 80's fashion and now lay in the term 'luxury' ?? Is it really just a trend making a resurface or is it the beginning of African designers pioneering and leading the trends??

One thing that is for sure, is the increase in women who are confident enough to wear bright colours. Confident enough to not shy away from being seen and being dramatic. Women who are wearing Fashion that reflects who they are !!