Unconventional fashion is now a trend

From New York to Paris, Milan and London, a change in favoured aesthetics has given rise to the trend of unconventional fashion, which some may even deem “ugly”.

But ugliness is subjective. Like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. So the idea feeds on elements perceived as the antithesis to being pretty: awkwardness, excessiveness and clunkiness.

I wouldn’t call it ugly, but people are definitely accepting designs that are more unusual than the ordinary. It presents the character of the wearer, style-wise.

Fashion is evolving once again and just like beauty, gone are the days where being flawless is seen as ‘beautiful’ or ‘pretty’. It’s all about challenging one’s perspective by stepping over the boundaries and breaking the rules.

The notion of ugliness in fashion is however, not something new. Belgian designer Dries Van Noten was quoted as saying in a 2012 interview that “nothing is so boring as something beautiful”.

In the now

The rise of unconventional fashion is now more evident than ever. Surprisingly, it has gained popularity among the consumers of different markets, and not just industry insiders.

It was when Alessandro Michele of Gucci turned the brand’s direction towards eccentricity that people began realising that it is actually okay to look ‘crazy’. Consuelo Castiglioni, the ex-creative director of Marni, and Miuccia Prada – they have also challenged the way women dress. Instead of looking pretty head to toe, these designers are presenting a new way of dressing. 

Fashion is now all about creating attention for social media content and translating it into increased business. Ugly chic is definitely the new pretty but classic prettiness will always remain. 

So it seems that whether unconventional or not, the trend is staying put. And regardless of what any one individual thinks, designs that fit the trend have a character that speaks for itself.