Minimal trend comes back to pre-fall 2021

The minimalist aesthetic is most often characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and neutral palettes; but it has been adapted throughout the years and modernized in various different ways. This trend has been around for quite some time, most notably pioneered by Phoebe Philo in her Spring 2010 RTW collection for Céline, and in recent years it has been representative of everyday sustainable wear, adopted by fashion designers such as Stella McCartney.

Minimalistic clothing is a nod to an effortless chic look, evoking a less is more attitude with a timeless manner to it. I use the term timeless because the trend does not rely on specific prints or materials to stay relevant, but it stresses shape and form to accentuate the body. Minimalism is in a sense stripping back the frivolity and excess, to move to a more simplistic form, this in turn allows fashion designers to put more attention to detail. These details can be many things, such as the materials or fabrics used, the color scheme, the shape of the garments, tailoring… Minimalism also allows for more interesting accessories to be styled with an outfit, without taking away from the craftmanship of the clothing.

​In the Pre-Fall 2021 RTW collection, we can see many microtrends that fit into the minimalistic macrotrend, such as monochromatic outfits. These are sometimes bright and vivid colors, contrasting with minimal and natural-looking makeup and slicked back hair. We have also seen layering knits this season, which seem to be an ode to comfort, which as we have sensed in these unprecedented times, is now a preference for consumers.

In the current global climate, we have all experienced life changing circumstances which have drastically altered the way we live, in turn this has had a major effect on the way we dress. Designers have had to adapt their collections to these deviations from what we considered ‘normal’ to a new normal. Now more than ever customers are aware of how and where their clothing has been fabricated, and by what means. An increasingly conscious consumer is now focused less on the superfluous side of fashion and focusing on the basics of craft and ethics. The minimalist trend has opened a door for fashion designers to strip back the accessories and added extras, and to reshape the way fashion is used and seen.