Mohammad Nurul Alam
Fashion trends and fashion concepts are ever-changing from abstract to real life rolling up in a period in the minds of individuals and social groups. Today’s fashions are tomorrow’s rejection and acceptance turns into dissatisfaction due to major emotional changes in the context of socio-economic situation. The fashion cycle and its time being flow towards sustainability has been received a new presidential thought namely ‘Minimalism’. Over the first fashion now minimalistic concept is gaining popularity among age groups and various social platforms.
What is Minimalist fashion?
The minimalist concept means simplicity, functionality and elegance where emphasized for a style that is characterized by neutral colors, clean lines and minimal embellishments and timeless silhouettes.
The concept also strips back the unnecessary, leaving only the things that can provide with real value and joy. Minimalist fashion also means having a minimal amount of clothes in someone’s collection that feel right for and bring pleasure.
Minimalist pieces are ‘quiet luxury’ can be categorised as statement coats or trench, an everyday dress, loose knitwear, tailored trousers, high-waisted jeans, a tailored blazer, and elevated basics to layer with such as knits, tees, and tanks.
The slogan ‘Less is more’ a few high-quality pieces of dress that can be worn in different combinations and with self fashion sense is a major minimalistic view by wearing white t-shirts, a black dress, and perfectly fitted jeans to Keep it simple.
Minimalism is also the antithesis of the modern consumerist narrative and for good reason.
Minimalism concept is rejecting the chaos of fast fashion
The storm of fast fashion are devastating because of its water pollution through the use of cheap and toxic dyes, textile wastes that are dumped in the nature, the ubiquitous use of fossil fuel-based materials such as polyester and unnecessary cotton growing. Out of this chaos, minimalism is a new idea to subdue fast fashion and its chaotic motions among the new generation.
The development of minimalism
The journey of the minimalism concept began in the 1960s and 1970s with the movement by conceptual artists and writers like Carl Andre, Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, Agnes Martin and Robert Morris.
This is widely accepted that the root of the Minimalism movement was in the 1960s and 1970s when artists began favoring simple geometric shapes and lines, literal and objective meanings, shifting away from Abstract Expressionism and its excess layers.
In the 80s by the influence of Japanese designers Yohi Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo minimalist fashion spread globally.
In the 90s, the timeless and simplistic aesthetic drew upon the purity of geometric lines and balance—themes of Japanese concepts of beauty. The trending minimalist lifestyle inspired people across the United States live into tiny homes, cut their wardrobes and donate their possessions.
Minimalism and the sustainable concept
Minimalistic concept also encourage with the sense of sustainability that Eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled materials have to be used in the fashion and day-to-day use of clothing. The impact on the environment due to unnecessary clothing, resource depletion rates and pollution are reduced by choosing materials that save the environment.
The minimalism and sustainability concepts are enter twined to each other and so consumer awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry is growing. That is the reason why the demand for minimalist clothing is rising day by day.
This fashion emphasizes on longevity that not only ensure effortlessly stylish but also save money because people who think of sustainability won’t frequently buy new clothes.
The clothing brands are also adopting minimalism and sustainable practices by the shift of consumer preferences likely encouraging more and to create long-lasting, eco-friendly garments.
Principle features of Minimalism
The features of minimalism is likely all-black looks and oversized silhouettes. Traditionally, the minimalism design principles feature a muted colour palette and texture by using a variety of materials, such as timber, glass, pottery, cloth and canvas. The design and style is all about something which can be easily done with a rich texture in a functional home item.
Minimalism has also details of movements in various forms of art and design, especially visual art with geometric shapes and lines, shifting away from Abstract Expressionism and its excess layers.
How do the Minimalist Summer of 2023 was passed
The 19s favourite low-slung waist back in fashion in all from like jeans to suiting, shorts to evening skirts having been given the low-rise treatment.
The 1980s shoulders and bigger Edwardian sleeves or even Y2K trends such as low-rise cargos, cropped tops, Uggs back in fashion.
It is also worth to mention that runways for fall 2023 the tonal styling in grey has shown up on the debuting at Bottega Veneta, Fendi and Prada. There is certainly a correlation has been found between what the street style and the collections.
The stunning black and white ensembles displayed in the runways of 2023 that have been adorned with blend classic and contemporary elements.
The power of contrast and understating sophistication has also been featured on striking black and white designs by the Renowned fashion houses.
The Minimalist Summer of 2024
Fashion’s return to simplicity and minimalism continuing to dominate in Spring-Summer 2024. The fashion luminaries like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Gwyneth Paltrow leading the way of glamour and ostentation giving way to a renewed emphasis on simplicity, elegance, and ‘quiet luxury as minimalistic concept.
Their minimalist resurgence of the perfect white shirt turned evening attire, the updated little black dress, and the satin slipdress that was a staple of the 90s, are influencing the current trends for 2024 as well.
Brands like Acne Studios and 16Arlington are showcasing outfits in a spectrum of grey shades and Back to Basics.
Some of the spring- summer featuring of 2024 that influenced by the minimalistic concept.
1)White trench coat + all-black tailoring
2)Black blazer + tailored trousers + party flats
3)Trench coat + grey knit + sheer skirt
4)Crew neck + textured skirt + clutch bag
5)Wax jacket + delicate layering
6)Grey tailoring + simple flats + a pop of red
In conclusion it could be said the concept of minimalism is not new but the form of expression got a strong sustainable ground to expand and this is the concept that will remain for longer lasting in the fashion world. So the new era for minimalistic thought can be helpful for sustainability and protection of environment undoubtedly.
