Fashion: Goodbye woke, fashion is entering its ‘boom boom’ era
- InsightTrendsWorld
- Mar 17
- 9 min read
Why it is the topic trending:
The article discusses a significant potential shift in fashion trends, moving away from a focus on sustainability and social consciousness ("wokery") towards indulgence, decadence, and overt displays of style. This potential departure from recent values-driven fashion towards a more extravagant and perhaps less environmentally concerned era is a notable development that sparks discussion and debate within the fashion industry and among consumers interested in the cultural and societal implications of fashion trends. The coining of the term "'boom boom' era" adds a catchy and attention-grabbing element to the conversation.
Overview:
The article suggests that fashion is moving away from "wokeness" and entering a "'boom boom' era" characterized by decadence, power shoulders, high heels, and even real fur. This shift, observed in pop culture and on fashion runways, indicates a prioritization of opulence and looking fabulous over demonstrating social and environmental consciousness. The article cites examples like the revival of vintage designers like Christian Lacroix, the unapologetic sexiness in Versace, and the embrace of high-maintenance fabrics. It also touches on the idea of "woke fatigue" among consumers who are now more interested in experiential escapism and personal enjoyment rather than virtue signaling through their clothing choices.
Detailed findings:
Fashion appears to be moving away from "wokery" towards indulgence and extravagance.
This includes trends like real fur, ultra-high heels, power shoulders, corsets, and camisoles for daywear.
Louche fabrics like velvet, brocade, and lace are also becoming prominent.
There is a return to tailoring and office wear, often with exaggerated proportions like pannier hips and balloon sleeves.
Ostentatious and impractical handbags, like the Chloé Paddington revival, are also indicative of this trend.
The focus is shifting from sustainably sourced and easy-care fabrics to high-maintenance, dry-clean-only options.
Celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter in Versace and Jennifer Lawrence in vintage Lacroix exemplify this new mood.
The revival of the exuberantly colorful designs of Christian Lacroix from the 1980s aligns with this trend.
The author suggests a sense of "woke fatigue" among consumers who are now prioritizing fun and escapism in fashion over demonstrating social or environmental responsibility.
The trend forecaster Sean Monahan coined the term "'boom boom'" to describe this new mood, inspired by a Marc Jacobs party and suggesting an element of sleaze and subversive glamour.
Alessandro Michele's maximalist aesthetic at Valentino, even staged in a set resembling a public toilet, is cited as an example of "'boom boom.'"
The article contrasts the current mood with past attempts at fashion activism, suggesting a shift in priorities from outward virtue signaling to more personal indulgence.
An 18-year-old student quoted in the article highlights the financial barriers to ethical fashion, suggesting that for many, affordability trumps sustainability.
While acknowledging the impact of "wokery" on the sustainability conversation, the author suggests a move towards personal responsibility in making mindful choices rather than heavy-handed activism in fashion.
Key takeaway:
Fashion in 2025 appears to be entering a "'boom boom' era," characterized by a shift away from the focus on sustainability and social consciousness that has been prominent in recent years, and towards a celebration of indulgence, extravagance, and personal enjoyment through decadent and over-the-top styles.
Main trend (name): The Rise of Indulgent Escapism in Fashion
Description of the trend (please name it): The Rise of Indulgent Escapism in Fashion describes a notable shift in fashion trends where the focus is moving away from socially and environmentally conscious choices towards designs that prioritize opulence, extravagance, and personal pleasure. This trend reflects a desire for escapism and a return to "fun" in fashion, with less emphasis on frugality, sustainability, or overt displays of ethical consumption. It is characterized by decadent fabrics, dramatic silhouettes, and a general "more-is-more" attitude, signaling a potential "woke fatigue" among consumers.
What is consumer motivation:
Seeking Fun and Escapism: After periods of uncertainty and perhaps a sense of restriction, consumers may be motivated to embrace fashion that offers joy, fantasy, and a departure from serious concerns.
Desire for Attention and Standing Out: Extravagant and opulent styles can be a way to express individuality and make a statement, drawing attention in social settings.
Personal Indulgence and Self-Expression: Prioritizing "looking fabulous" can be a form of self-care and a way to express personal style without the added pressure of adhering to ethical or sustainable standards.
Reaction Against "Woke Fatigue": Some consumers may feel overwhelmed or alienated by the constant emphasis on social and environmental responsibility in fashion and are seeking a more carefree and individualistic approach.
What is driving trend:
Post-Pandemic Shift in Priorities: The experience of the pandemic and ongoing global uncertainties may be contributing to a desire for escapism and immediate gratification.
Influence of Celebrities and Pop Culture: Celebrities embracing more indulgent and glamorous styles can significantly influence consumer preferences.
Fashion Industry's Cycle: Fashion trends are often cyclical, and a move away from more minimalist or socially conscious styles towards maximalism and extravagance is a natural part of this cycle.
Trend Forecasters Identifying a Shift in Mood: Experts like Sean Monahan coining terms like "'boom boom'" can signal and solidify emerging trends.
Consumer Data Suggesting a Change in Priorities: Reports indicating a focus on "experiential escapism" over purely ethical consumerism support this shift.
What is motivation beyond the trend:
Personal Enjoyment of Aesthetics: Some individuals genuinely appreciate the look and feel of luxurious and dramatic clothing.
Confidence and Empowerment: Wearing certain styles can make individuals feel more confident and empowered.
Social Conformity (to a new trend): As the "'boom boom'" aesthetic gains traction, some consumers may adopt it to align with current fashion norms.
Description of consumers article is referring to (age, gender, income, lifestyle):
Age: While the brunching women in their early 20s are mentioned, the trend seems to encompass a broader range. The interest in 80s revival and the term "'boom boom'" might particularly resonate with millennials who experienced that era's fashion, but the general desire for escapism could appeal across generations.
Gender: Primarily seems to focus on women's fashion, but the principles of indulgent and extravagant style can certainly extend to menswear as well.
Income: The mention of "splashing the cash on big-ticket items" and luxury brands like Versace suggests that at least part of this trend caters to consumers with disposable income. However, the reference to vintage Lacroix and the general mood shift could also be adopted at various price points. The student's comment about fast fashion indicates that affordability remains a concern for some, even within this broader shift.
Lifestyle: Individuals who are engaged with fashion trends, potentially active on social media, and are looking to express a sense of fun, confidence, and perhaps even rebellion through their clothing choices. They may be less concerned with outwardly projecting environmental consciousness and more focused on personal style and enjoyment.
Conclusions:
The article suggests that fashion is on the cusp of a significant shift towards indulgence and extravagance, with a potential decline in the dominance of "woke" values in consumer choices. This "'boom boom' era" emphasizes looking fabulous and prioritizing personal enjoyment over strictly adhering to sustainability or social responsibility in fashion. While acknowledging the past impact of conscious consumerism, the author indicates a possible "woke fatigue" and a growing desire for escapism and fun in personal style.
Implications for brands (fashion brands):
May see a shift in consumer demand towards more opulent, dramatic, and less overtly sustainable styles.
Could lead to a re-evaluation of marketing strategies that have heavily emphasized eco-consciousness.
Brands known for maximalist or vintage-inspired designs might experience a resurgence in popularity.
Implications for brands (fast fashion brands):
May find increased demand for trend-driven, statement pieces that fit the "'boom boom'" aesthetic, even if they are not sustainably produced.
Implications for brands (luxury brands):
Those known for bold glamour and high-end materials, like Versace, could thrive in this era.
Brands that can tap into the "sleazy" yet glamorous aspect of the trend might also find success.
Implication for society:
Could indicate a broader societal shift away from a period of intense focus on social and environmental issues in consumerism.
Might lead to a renewed emphasis on personal expression and enjoyment in fashion.
Implications for consumers:
May feel more freedom to prioritize personal style and indulge in fashion choices that make them feel fabulous, without as much pressure to adhere to strict ethical or sustainable guidelines.
Could see a wider availability of extravagant and dramatic styles in retail.
Implication for Future (for fashion trends):
Expect to see a rise in more-is-more aesthetics, including power shoulders, high heels, bold fabrics, and statement accessories.
The overt emphasis on sustainability in mainstream fashion might take a backseat, though underlying consumer values may still influence some choices.
A sense of fun, escapism, and even a touch of rebellion could become key drivers in fashion trends.
Consumer Trend (name, detailed description):
Name: The Return to Overt Glamour
Detailed Description: This trend signifies a shift in consumer preference towards fashion that is overtly glamorous, extravagant, and focused on making a bold statement. It includes embracing luxurious fabrics, dramatic silhouettes, and accessories that prioritize visual impact over practicality or understated elegance.
Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description):
Name: Woke Fatigue and Prioritization of Personal Style
Detailed Description: This sub-trend suggests a growing sense of weariness among some consumers regarding the constant emphasis on ethical and sustainable fashion. As a result, they may be prioritizing their individual aesthetic preferences and the desire for fun and self-expression in their clothing choices, even if it means overlooking purely "woke" considerations.
Big Social Trend (name, detailed description):
Name: The Cycle of Cultural Priorities
Detailed Description: This trend reflects the cyclical nature of societal focus, where periods of intense concern for social and environmental issues can sometimes give way to a greater emphasis on personal enjoyment, pleasure, and escapism, as seen potentially influencing the direction of fashion.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description):
Name: Global Shifts in Consumer Values
Detailed Description: Consumer values and priorities are not static and can evolve in response to various social, economic, and political factors. The potential shift in fashion indicates a possible broader change in what consumers prioritize when making purchasing decisions.
Social Drive (name, detailed description):
Name: Seeking Joy and Escapism Through Material Culture
Detailed Description: In times of uncertainty or stress, individuals often turn to material culture, including fashion, as a means of seeking joy, expressing themselves, and escaping from everyday pressures. This drive may be contributing to the "'boom boom'" trend.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025:
Be attuned to a potential shift in consumer mood towards more indulgent and less overtly "woke" fashion.
Consider incorporating more glamorous and extravagant styles into their collections.
While sustainability remains important, it might not be the primary driver for all consumers in the "'boom boom'" era.
Authenticity and aligning with a sense of fun and personal expression could be key in marketing.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025:
Introduce collections that embrace bold glamour and dramatic silhouettes.
Don't completely abandon sustainability but potentially balance it with a focus on aesthetic appeal and emotional resonance.
Tap into the desire for escapism and fun in their marketing campaigns.
Consider incorporating vintage-inspired styles and high-end fabrics.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article:
Fashion appears to be trading its "woke" persona for a "'boom boom'" era characterized by decadence, indulgence, and a renewed focus on looking fabulous above all else.
What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:
Fashion brands and companies in 2025 should consider a potential shift in their design and marketing strategies to align with a more indulgent and extravagant aesthetic. This could involve incorporating bolder silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and more overtly glamorous styles into their collections. While sustainability efforts should not be entirely abandoned, brands might find it beneficial to balance their messaging with an emphasis on personal expression, fun, and the transformative power of fashion. Tapping into the desire for escapism and a return to a more playful approach to dressing could resonate with consumers who are experiencing "woke fatigue" and are ready to embrace a "'boom boom'" sensibility.
Final Note:
Core Trend: The Shift from Conscious to Conspicuous Consumption
Detailed Description: This core trend suggests a possible move in fashion away from a dominant focus on ethical and sustainable consumption towards a renewed emphasis on visual impact, personal indulgence, and perhaps even a degree of conspicuous consumption, driven by a desire for escapism and fun.
Core Strategy: Embracing Boldness and Glamour in Design and Marketing
Detailed Description: The central strategy for fashion brands might involve incorporating more dramatic, opulent, and glamorous styles into their designs and reflecting a sense of fun and confidence in their marketing campaigns, potentially balancing these with existing sustainability efforts.
Core Industry Trend: The Cyclical Nature of Fashion Priorities
Detailed Description: The fashion industry is known for its cyclical trends, and this potential shift indicates a possible move away from a period where ethical and environmental concerns heavily influenced aesthetics towards a phase where more extravagant and visually driven styles take precedence once again.
Core Consumer Motivation: Seeking Joy, Escapism, and Personal Expression Through Fashion
Detailed Description: Consumers may be primarily motivated by the desire to experience joy, escape from everyday concerns, and express their individuality through fashion choices that prioritize feeling and looking fabulous, potentially placing less immediate emphasis on the environmental or social impact of their purchases.
Final Conclusion: Fashion in 2025 might be on the cusp of a "'boom boom' era," where the focus shifts towards more indulgent and extravagant styles, potentially indicating a change in consumer priorities and offering opportunities for brands to embrace boldness and glamour while navigating the ongoing importance of sustainability.
Core Trend Detailed (words on Core Trend): The core trend of The Shift from Conscious to Conspicuous Consumption (Potentially) describes a possible evolution in the primary drivers of fashion choices. While the last decade has seen a significant rise in "woke" consumerism, where ethical and sustainable considerations played a prominent role, there's an indication that the pendulum might be swinging back towards a greater emphasis on visual impact, personal enjoyment, and even a degree of ostentation in fashion. This doesn't necessarily mean a complete abandonment of values-driven consumption, but rather a potential recalibration where the desire to look fabulous and embrace more extravagant styles takes precedence for some consumers, reflecting a broader cultural mood of seeking joy and escapism in uncertain times
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