Patchwork fever
Trends

19 October 2021

Patchwork fever

Patchwork fever



We all know that fashion is very much influenced by the state of the planet and the world in general. Especially since the moment we all stopped because of an invisible virus that was (and still is) everywhere. On top of that, the climate crisis is no longer just a problem of the future and it all comes back to the fashion world. It was because of this, and the hype of the 90s, that the patchwork trend is back.


Some people call it patchwork or quiltcore. Several names for a single technique, which consists of reusing pieces of fabric to make one main piece. The technique itself is not new. In fact, it is already more than five thousand years old, when it is thought to have been used in China and Ancient Egypt.


Nowadays you can see this technique on everything from accessories, such as hats and bags, to clothing, such as jeans, sweaters or dresses, and even on footwear. Patchwork came back into our reality in February 2020 when Harry Styles was spotted wearing a sweater with patchwork. Within months, the style went viral and several of the singer's fans recreated their own versions of the sweater.



Patchwork trend



Meanwhile, with Covid and the confinements, the world turned to DIYs like Tie-Dye and kitchen experiments. All over the world, a lot of banana bread was made, and in Portugal, a lot of bread. Somewhere in between, people took the time to upcycle their clothes, namely with patchwork. Just because they had to be at home, it didn't mean they couldn't give their wardrobes a new face and share it with the rest of the world through social networks.


However, one must point out the second obvious benefit of this trend. Despite helping the population to occupy their days, the idea of patches wins for sustainability and the intention to extend the life span of an item of clothing.


All of this has transpired into the fashion world, with many brands betting on this trend, such as Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Bode or Chopova Lowena. The most recent example of this phenomenon happened just a month ago at the Met Gala in New York, when  the rapper Asap Rocky used a creation by Eli Russel Linnetz made with an old patchwork blanket, which the designer found in a second-hand shop.



patchwork trend



Experts say the technique symbolises fun, a way of mending the past, resourcefulness, rebelliousness and originality. There are those who consider it an ugly trend and old fashioned, but what is certain is that it is everywhere, especially in brands that advocate sustainable fashion.


This is not the first time this trend has resurfaced. After the fame of the 70s, the beginning of the millennium was dominated by the technique, with artists like Christina Aguilera being a great symbol of this. Nowadays, you'll find obvious patchwork designs and more subtle ones. Often the concept is behind the idea of the product itself, with the use of various overlapping materials. Patchwork can be represented by the junction of several colours, for example.


I'm sure you've seen your favourite influencers using this trend. In fact, maybe you've even seen some videos where they teach you how to do the same with your clothes. However, did you know that during the Great Depression this technique was very popular because it saved money and prevented waste? It is interesting to see how society influences fashion and vice versa. Especially at a time when we are all looking for meaning in what we do. What may seem like luck, often isn't. A small patch can symbolise so much more. Change how you see the world through your clothes at BZR- Street Style Culture.



Patchwork trend


 

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