Maximalism iOS 16.6: more is more in fashion and lifestyle

Image credit: Min-Ji Kim and Not Just A Label

Maximalism? What about the quiet luxury trend? Can the two coexist? The answer is they can, and they do. They’re called counter trends. Two conflicting trends that occur simultaneously. And let’s face it, these extremities depict the current global climate pretty accurately.

Let’s dive into what maximalism means, how this trend manifests in different fields, and ways we can implement it ourselves.

What is maximalism?

Maximalism embodies the “more is more” aesthetic in quantity and quality, with extravagance and abundance, loudness and boldness. In the simplest of terms, it’s the opposite of minimalism.

A little bit of history 

Two early examples of maximalism can be found in the 19th century, exemplified in the Victorian era of mixing and matching aesthetics from different places and times, as well as the experimental Art Nouveau style of dramatic colors and designs.

Art Nouveau ©Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Vanna.

The rise of current-day maximalism

In recent years, many people have been feeling like they’re constantly battling: viruses, economic crises, declining trust in government and politics, pollution, new technologies, and a genuine fear of the future. Historians will probably describe the early 21st century as the era of ‘polycrisis’, and these hardships affect our mood.

Source: Financial Times

In a time of uncertainty and instability, brands will be forced to adopt creative and innovative strategies to win consumers’ attention. How? Probably by embracing the Maximalism iOS16.6 trend. This trend has been evolving for thousands of years, expressed in different ways, reflecting different times. It’s constantly updated, just like the iPhone.

From minimalism to maximalism 

As the 2020s unfold, Gen Z has been claiming its place in the world with bold perspectives and even bolder aesthetics. With a counter reaction to quiet luxury, platforms like TikTok and YouTube empower their audiences to reimagine the world and experiment with their identities and individualism, thus influencing the transition from minimalism to chaotic maximalism and stepping out of the ‘sea of sameness’.

Gen Zers are proud of their identity. After growing up in the opinionated online world and diverse lifestyles, they’ve brought on a cultural shift with organic shapes, colorful elements, and colliding patterns that are ruling art, media, fashion, and interior design. All affected by saturated screens and the desire for uplifting and positive spirits.

Credit from left: Gret, Bleach London x Heavn, Not Just a label ,The Future laboratory ,egnarts

Credit: Craig Green SS23

It’s time for color

One of the ways in which maximalism is reemerging is through vibrant and strong colors as a marketing strategy, revealing a glimpse of optimism. Towards the year 2025, color will play a key role in capturing consumers’ attention and receiving an emotional reaction through mood-based retail experiences and products. Just like Woo’s “shop by mood” section.

Credit from left: Valentino, Jacquemus, Plaza Indonesia ,Eyewear brand Loving Victorious, Alexander Mcqueen, Forrest

Credit: Woo

In fashion

In 2022, major brands introduced new signature colors: the Valentino pink, followed by Bottega Veneta’s bright green, and Jacquemus’s pink and baby blue.

Fall-Winter 2023 and Resort 2024 fashion shows,  follow the maximalism approach: 

all over colorful prints at  Simon Miller & Helmstedt. Balmain- Maximalism styling with clashing colors and big wide hats. Collina Strada: in their signature minimalist aesthetic and strong colors with a mission to increase self-confidence and happiness, believing in bubbly clothes as a means to make you feel better throughout the day.

Eyewear brand Loving Victorious Beings creates sunglasses with diverse color lenses, created by the color therapy methodology, to cheer, uplift, and put a positive filter on the harsh and challenging reality we live in.

Credit from left: Simon Miller, Helmstedt, Balmain, Collina Strada

In design 

The 2023 Milan Design Week also exhibited strong and clashing colors in textiles, as fashion houses Etro, Missoni, and Dolce & Gabbana revealed bold, clashing, and colorful textiles, some inspired by the 80s disco era, others by 90s innocent pastels.

Credit from left: wallpaper: Pasticceria Cucchi COURTESY LA DOUBLE J, Etro, Dolce & Gabbana, Futur Liberty, ‘Prato’ (2023) rug, Missoni

How to implement this trend?

#1 Add color. Lots of color

Sounds small, but it will do more than better your marketing and business strategy. It will help consumers by uplifting their spirits and bringing optimism back into their lives. And that’s no small thing.

#2 Be bold

Don’t be afraid of clashing patterns and textiles in ways you wouldn’t consider before. By doing so, you will expand your customers’ minds and tastes and help them experiment with their own style boundaries.

#3 Create a fantasy

Maximalism is a perfect tool for delivering an immersive experience, evoking emotions and living out fantasies. It doesn’t need to be all or nothing. Choose a small section, like a bathroom or a dressing room, and go wild. Remind yourselves and your customers of the passion for life within us all.

Credit from left: Ceramic Studio 1300, Jun Objects, Cake: Alana Jones -Mann, Sofa: Mathieu Lehanneur