The Ultimate Guide to Maximalism

You may have heard of the phrase “less is more,” well, that certainly isn’t the case when it comes to maximalism. Maximalism is the “aesthetic of excess.” From a fashion perspective, it is about bright colours, clashing patterns, extreme and eccentric designs, and the philosophy that “more is more”; this trend has no limit. Contrary to what others may think, maximalism is more than just putting together the most extreme outfit; it’s about experimenting with different textures, accessories, and colors to an outfit to implement these elements into your everyday life.

Maximalism fashion isn’t anything new; this has significantly influenced fashion as early as the 1950s. In today’s society, the maximalism trend has resurfaced thanks to social media apps- especially TikTok. To many users, it shocks them because of the stark contrast to minimalism which has dominated the fashion industry for many decades. Although this trend isn’t for everyone, it is still insightful to see how fashion trends closely reflect society. During the pandemic, the world was in a state of crisis and fear- similarly to the 2008 economic recession, many businesses were being shut down, and the economy was suffering because of that; people were forced to work and study at home, hence why fashion brands that were known for flashy and bold designs were declining, and minimalism fashion became popular. Loungewear and activewear were dominating styles during the pandemic. In 2022, the world emerges from life after the lockdown and has a more optimistic and joyful approach to the new normal. Since quarantine has lifted, people are more willing to dress up and be more experimental with their fashion, hence the return of maximalism. In a post-pandemic world, experimentation with fashion and other art forms is being embraced.

The Post-Human Extension: How two designers from Montreal brought us otherworldly fashion

It is safe to say nobody ever thought fecal matter could be fashionable. Now it is. The design duo “Fecal Matter” or “Matières Fécales,” also known as Steven Raj Bhaskaran and Hannah Rose Dalton, has sent shock waves thru the fashion industry. Their extravagant fashion statements have brought them to internet fame. Fecal matter has over 700,000 followers on Instagram alone. The couple studied fashion design and attended LaSalle college in Montreal. When the couple met, they looked like ordinary people and slowly started amping up their fashion choices. Any words can describe fecal Matter’s style. The first coming to mind is alternative.

The Story Behind The “Look”

Personal style is to be taken seriously with this duo. Most of the time, they can be seen wearing extravagant makeup and black eye contacts. According to Fecale Matter, the point of their style is to create an illusion using the human body essentially and that it is meant to be an extension of their skin. Fecale Matter’s mantra is “provoke society,” they say this mantra to challenge themselves and others in a consumer-driven society. Their goal is for people to think twice and make them less “numb and boring .”The duo told Kati Weissmann at Coeval Magazine, “The media feeds us whatever they want, and for so many, they passively consume. Go ahead and walk downtown of whatever city or place you live in, and you will notice how similar people look and act. People are in uniforms at this point”. The duo wants to stand out in a crowd on purpose and love the stares they get walking down the street. The public either love’s it or hates it. Either way, it always gets people talking.

Designing The “Skin Heel”

This Duo went viral when people saw their thigh-high heels made from silicone, making them appear like human skin. This shoe created the illusion of a foot being shaped as a heel. They said this piece was meant to represent an extension of their skin, just like everything else they do. This shoe was created by Sarah Silkin, entirely made of silicone and moulded to Dalton’s leg. The heel was up for sale starting at 10,000 dollars, and although they mentioned making a cheaper version, it has not come to fruition yet. This thigh-high heel incorporates hair and moles replicated from Dalton’s leg. The shoe represents how Fecal Matter believes body modification will someday develop due to social media. The skin heel is not the only extravagant design they sell. The duo has multiple outlandish garments on their e-commerce website. Fecale Matter’s design process is true to their style and encourages others to try something different and bold.

THE MAXIMUM MODE: Fashion’s latest trend involves wearing anything and everything

Maximalism first came on the scene in the 1950’s and has recently had a resurgence trend in fashion today, but what is maximalism exactly? And how do we as fashion aficionados incorporate maximalism into our everyday fashion choices? Maximalism in fashion describes the fashion aesthetic of excess pilling on layers of colours, fabrics, accessories and more! It allows the wears to express their fashion creativity to the extreme and because maximalism encourages unique stylings, everyone can practically wear whatever they want while still being considered fashionable. Now, let’s learn how we are going to rule the fashion world of maximalism.

Triple Threat 

Maximalisms tends to involve a mix of colours, patterns and textures and the best part is that none of them really have to match perfectly. Mixing and matching bold colours and unique patterns is a very effective way to give an outfit a striking look, (pro tip: mixing smaller patterns with larger ones will give you more balance but if you prefer a more chaotic look ignore this). Experimenting with different types of textures is a fantastic way to give a maximalism effect to a look for example, pairing a bight lime green shaggy coat with dark brown faux crocodile trousers will not only be eye-catching but interesting to look at as well. By mixing the 3 elements of colour, pattern and texture you are on your way to being a maximalist guru. 

AccessorSIZE

Do you remember that song by Nelly Furtado with the chorus “the bigger the better”? Well, when being a maximalism fashionista Nelly was right! Start tripling the size of your current accessories, if you’re daring enough start supersizing them! You also want to start wearing more accessories in general, only wearing jewelry is something a minimalist would do, a maximalist however would add an oversize faux fur bucket hat and a western style rhinestone belt as well as jewelry (obviously). 

Layered Up 

 Another large element of maximalism is layering Adding an extra layer or two can really give your outfit that extra oomph us fashionista’s love. For example, before putting a coat over your top, add a vest or wearing a sheer turtleneck with a button down on top followed by a duster. Layering isn’t just for clothing, why not layer accessories? Necklaces on top of necklaces, or maybe a smaller belt on top of a wide belt? Nothing is off limits in a maximalist fashion world.

The story behind Chanel. "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." Coco Chanel.

Coco Chanel's life was full of many good and bad experiences, but in the end it all led to her legendary life. Looking back on Coco Chanel's humble beginnings, it would never have occurred to us that such a successful career blossomed in such depressing times. Twelve-year-old Coco Chanel was sent to an orphanage by her father, a peddler. Even in bad circumstances, Coco Chanel always saw something unique. Gabrielle Chanel learned to use a sewing machine when she was 18, and in the years that followed, she began making her own hats and clothes. Seven years in the orphanage did not limit her ability to create fashion. Living daily in the Romanesque monastery of Obazian, Coco Chanel found her own sense of simplicity and came to love its paradoxical yet compatible combination of black and white.

She is the symbol of French chic.

The creation of Chanel's first series was marked by the background of two world wars. She tried to liberate women. She wanted to let women move freely and gracefully. Coco Chanel insisted that plain black and white didn't mean stripping. She came across ornate religious dresses and Baroque ceremonial objects encrusted with dazzling gold and colored gems, and she began to use jewelry to embellish her designs. In response to the constraints of women's fashion at the time, she said: "This is not what modern women should look like," so she created shorter skirts to expose the ankles and freed up the waist by eliminating the corset.

The Legendary French Woman CHANEL COCO

"Either I die too, or I finish what we started together." Coco Chanel.

In 1918, Coco opened her own couture house. Boy Capel, who helped finance her first hat shop in Paris, admires her liberation from women's tights. Unfortunately, Boy Capel later died in a car accident. In spite of her grief, she knew she should not hold back. Her 1921 encounter with Ernest Beaux led to one of her most iconic masterpieces to date: Chanel No. 5 perfume. Coco was the first designer to put her name to a perfume. However, attacks started raining down on her head, and it was World War II. She had to close the studio. She decided that now was not the time to think about fashion, so she retreated to the safety of Switzerland. Even at the age of 70, Coco couldn't give up her passion for fashion. So she gathered her loyal team and reopened her haute couture house. On February 5, 1954, she held a fashion show in her studio to show the world her triumphant return. She sat quietly at the steps of her studio, watching the models walk in her designs. While the French press mocked her designs, Life, the most-read magazine in the United States, said, "At 71, Gabrielle Chanel brings more than a style, it's a revolution!"

"If I wanted to go to heaven and dress angels, I'd want to leave."

On Sunday, January 10, 1971, the world lost the genius of Coco Chanel. But Coco Chanel's spirit and legacy live on. To this day, many of the staples of women's wardrobes owe much to her ingenuity. By going from nothing to building an empire, Coco Chanel liberated not only herself from the darkness of her childhood, but also the women of her time

Creators to the MAX: Maximalist creators to inspire your style

After the decline of the pandemic, style was formed into something that everyone could enjoy. It is a mix of many different styles and generations all in one. A popular influencer by the name of Wisdom Kaye, said in a recent Tik Tok, “trends have become accelerated to the point where they all exist in the same time”. Thus making the maximalism concept become more popular, and more people being able to express their fashion freely, without using trends as a guideline. These are some influencers you could follow to help find your maximalist style.

Wisdom Kaye (@wisdm)

Wisdom Kaye is an instagram influencer, tik toker, and now model for IMG Modeling Agency. His journey started in 2020 with his Tik Tok platform, focusing his content on men’s fashion and elevating his own style. His social media platforms have grown tremendously and now in 2022, he focuses more on “looks”, and showing off new, detailed, designer pieces in his closet along, with how to style them. Including working with brands like Coach, Dior, and American Eagle. His style, starting off early in his career with being more tame and wearable looks, has gone a more maximalist direction since the everevolving trends and fashion influence on tik tok during the pandemic.

His style is heavily inspired by Rick Owen’s, designer statement pieces, streetwear, and mainly black or darker coloured garments.

Lexson Miller (@lexsonator)

Based in Toronto, Lexson Miller is a Canadian social media influencer, who thrives on his version of maximalist fashion. His style is heavily inspired by the 70’s and 80’s time period, along with bright colours and layered pieces. His content is focused on GRWM’s (get ready with me) through his Tik Tok platform, and his thrifting challenges, which include finding outfits in thrift stores in a set amounts of time, usually at Toronto thrift locations. It is apparent that Lexson is very big on second hand shopping, and believes in giving old pieces a new life.

He has even created a second account (@_lbros) with his roommate Liam (@liamgotmail), who is featured in his thrifting videos often, to continue showing off their style expression, and show off their finds and the potential of thrift stores in Toronto.

Amy Roiland (@afashionnerd)

Fashion blogger Amy Roiland, who is known for her blog “A Fashion Nerd” which was started back in 2013, and more recently, her Tik Tok account which is focused more on GRWM’s and styling videos, which all tie back to her fashion blog. She is a mother of a little girl, who follows the same style as she does and is featured in quite a few photos and videos on her social media platforms.

Her style is centered around vintage styled articles from the 50’s and 60’s. The fun patterns and bright colours which are paired with big accessories, conveying her LA location and outgoing personality.

Michaela Hedderman (@mjhedderman)

A firm believer of “wearing whatever you want”, Michaela Hedderman is another social media star who expresses herself through her funky fashion and self confidence. Her rise to fame was her viral videos of solo self timer instgram photos. Getting dressed up in whatever she wanted, finding a location in her hometown, and taking pictures by herself with her tripod and self timer feature.

Her style follows more colourful, trendy, statement pieces, and portrays a very LA personality to go along with those outfits and her social appearance. While her Tik Tok presence used to consist of GRWM’s and self timer instgram pictures, her contant has moved towards daily vlogs and yearly Halloween costume inspiration. Her maximalism is portrayed both in her daily style, and daily life like her home decoration.

Want to start second hand fashion? Here are some benefits and tips you should know

Recycle, eco, reused with trends is key

In the past two years, more and more young people have begun to pay attention to vintage, especially fashion practitioners. As a loyal lover of second-hand clothes, I found: "When we walk into the mall, I find that every item is catching up with the fashion. Everyone wears the same clothes, and they always bump into other people's shirts when they go out. There are also many stores around our community that recycle used clothes, like thrift value.” That's when I realized that I needed something different, and it would be best if I was the only one who had it.

In Toronto, we have a huge second-hand fashion community. For example, courtage has no love, a shopcoat, and House of vintage Toronto and so on. Once when I went to a second-hand fashion store called Courage my love, the owner said to me: "I like my job very much, and I also like the influence my points have on young people. When I see young people find me here I'm happy when they're their own, and proud when they come back to my shop wearing second-hand clothes. But for now, the big problem is that it is so hard to recycle the old clothes. More and more companies and businessmen know the second hand fashion market has potential profits. So they started to buy items from the low cost fashion factory. I know a store which is located in Chinatown. They got the merchadises from 1688 in China. And resold them as a uncredible prices and named them “ VINTAGE.” So choosing a reliable store is a very correct choice.

As a generation z, I like that my style is different from others. When we use social media, we can also produce unique and high-quality content. And when I don't like it or want to change the look, I can also put them up on my second-hand website for resale, or send them to a store that recycles second-hand clothes, or consign them. So in my opinion, It is a really good deal. The rise of second-hand fashion will make our living environment better, because for things we don't want, the government can only help us burn them, which will emit a lot of carbon dioxide and pollute the environment.

So when I know that buying used clothing can reduce the environmental impact of incineration. Of course, diy can also become a daily life. When I was in middle school, my mom bought me a pair of jeans, but I thought it was too ordinary, then I took my scissors and cut the bottom edge of my pants, and I ended up with the one I wanted. Taking fashion choices into my own hands instead of leaving them to the market is my new inspiration for the second-hand fashion market. As for your clothing, you can wear whatever you want. So in my view, I felt the benefits and tips that second hand fashion marketing brought to me. It really affected and changed my life.

The Hidden Junk: 4 ways to maximize your style with things in your closet

During covid, everyone did some online shopping that was not needed for their closet, and you probably think half of the items in your closet have no use or aren't in style anymore. Think again, there are so many pieces that are timeless and can be worn repeatedly just by sprucing them up with a fun sweater, or some jewelry. The so-called “junk” in your closet is nothing but perfect pieces to maximize your style.

1. Layers:

There are many pieces of clothing that can make your style stand out. Firstly, to start layering you need a base, like anything that you start this is the most important as it helps create the full look you are going for. Base starters are plain blue jeans and a white tee, or an oversized tee with cargo pants. These are all basic clothing items that you may already have lying around. To layer, a good start is playing with jackets, a good leather coat or button-down is always a good go-to. It's all right to stop here but we always want to go beyond when we are going for a maximized look. Next, you can add some jewelry, a necklace or some hoop earrings that can stand out in a good outfit. The most important thing about layering is being able to play with many different textures, patterns and colour's. There are endless possibilities just with things you have in your closet 

2. Statement pieces: 

Starting with statement pieces. If you have something from years ago that you do not wear anymore it can be used as a statement piece. For example, when looking through my closet for this article I put together some statement pieces that add some flare to my look. A purse with lots of colours or even a jacket. Statement pieces are supposed to be eye-catching which is why they would be a perfect way to maximize your everyday wear. 

3. Try new things:

This can be a fantastic way to have the same clothes but not have to feel like you are wearing the same things repeatedly. if you feel like you're running out of clothes it's probably because you keep wearing the same outfits, most of the time if you switch things up like wearing a sweater with a t shirt to adding a button-up over top of a dress can make it feel like a whole fresh look. 

4. Wear what makes you feel good: 

To have the perfect maximized style, you need to feel good about what you wear. Confidence is the key to having great style and looking your best when wearing it. Pick colours you know you look good in they can make you look good instantly. For most people fashion is a way to express who you are. So, make sure when you are picking out an outfit you pick something that's yours! A maximized style can be overwhelming at first since it's bold and put there but having the right confidence and attitude will make you more eye-catching.

Hold My Purse! Step-out of your comfort zone with these unique purses

To all my fashion lovers, can we all agree accessories can either make or break your outfit? Everyone has heard of the famous Birkin bag or the classic quilted Chanel purse. Let me show you the world of novelty purses, they are sure to turn heads and cause a second look… third, probably a fourth look too. I introduce to you 4 brands with some of the most noteworthy purses on the market.

Studio Cult

Studio Cult prides themselves on making accessories that are out of the ordinary but all inspired by everyday objects. Presenting the Binder Clip Bag, described by Studio Cult as “Office Supply Chic”. Designed in New York City, this bag is made of 100% vegan leather and features a loose leaf interior lining with a zipper pocket! The inner lining looks like it's ripped straight out of a notebook with its lined paper print. This bag retails at $162 USD and is available online at Studiocult.co. Make sure to also check out their “Let’s Get This Bread” Giant Bread Tag Bag.

Betsey Johnson

Betsey Johnson has always been known for her wacky and unique designs. Why not have a little fun and make some prank calls with your new phone bag! The “Kitsch Million Stars Phone Bag” retailing at $148 USD, can actually make and receive calls. This retro 80’s inspired rotary phone bag uses wireless Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone. You can answer the receiver by unbuttoning it from the top handle. Available in different colours and prints on betseyjohnson.com.

Mary Frances

Mary Frances’ designer bags are anything but simple. These handcrafted wearable art pieces are heavily embellished with extravagant natural stones, studs, rhinestones, crystals, beads, and trims. Every purse tells a different story and is highly detailed with care. Strut the streets as an off-duty Cupid with the “Fall in Love Top-Handle Bag”, retailing at $330 USD. The entire bag is hand beaded and has enough space to fill it with all the things you love. You might just fall in love with the teddy bear purse or the carousel purse both available on her website at maryfrances.com.

JUdith Leiber Couture

Judith Leiber, the original leader of novelty purses for the wealthy, might just top your trophy purse list. Back in 1967 JL made their first Italian metal purse but ran into the slight hiccup of a dreaded stain. As any material girl would, the stain was covered with Swarovski Crystals and has ever since made a tradition of dazzling oddly shaped bags.

Let everyone know how you’re feeling in-style with the “Silver Hand War and Peace” bag, retailing at $8,703.47 USD. This bag features a retractable index finger and a metallic leather interior. Take a look at their stack of cash purse or the Hello Kitty chocolate bar purse online at judithleiber.com

MAXIMALIZE your comfort!

Level up your style game with these exciting mood-boosting pieces and find comfort in fashion as you step out of the pandemic. Get inspired by some of our favourite local designers and their merchandise to add comfort to your daily dose of poppin’ colours, prints and textures!

Upon coming out of the times where there was little to rejoice about, people are now focussing more on wearing something that can reveal their personality and make them feel free as well as confident. When we think of maximalism we tend to assume something that would be hard to pull off and uncomfortable. But in recent times, dressing up has become all about feeling great in your body and looking great in your clothes. Practise the maximalist art of layering by either stacking up prints and colours in absurdity or by layering the patterns and colours of similar hues to curate an outfit. Here are a few local designers who will help you stay ahead in the game with their unique merchandise.

You make my Dopamine levels go all silly!

Kate Austin Designs from Toronto creates art that can be worn in everyday life. Being a textile print designer and a bright and fun-loving personality herself, Kate’s outfits are usually styled with a lot of print-on-print layering. The best part about her clothing is that it is made one size fits many so there is no fussing with the fit, can be styled and layered in thousands of ways and is just easy and adorable. Add a touch of maximalism to your wardrobe with Kate’s vibrant prints and stack them up into the most fun outfits! Read along to learn more about how you could style Kate’s clothing with coats and accessories as the cold weather rolls in.

A knotty affair

The Knot You Knot Me, a small business owned by a Toronto-based creative, focuses on crafting handmade lightweight statement jewellery made from 100% recycled cotton rope. Dafna’s solid-coloured rope necklaces are perfect for layering to get a bolder statement piece and are as light as a feather for your everyday wear. This brand impresses its customers with unique one of a kind fibre jewellery that goes with almost every look whether it is summer, fall or winter.

Winter in coming

With the cold weather coming in, a statement coat to wear over Kate’s vibrant dresses and some fun jewellery or accessories would be an amazing hit among your friends and colleagues. Toronto-based brand, Shaghayegh Tafreshi’s designs explore the art of abstract storytelling and are for creative individuals who want to express themselves freely. These coats are one size as well and provide the coolest oversized look. The body is made of a sweet velvet fabric perfect for the colder weather. Layer multiple necklaces from Knot-you-knot-me over your coat to get a more quirky look. Wear these striking maximal art pieces to feel closely connected to art, nature and its organic forms.

Happy feet

HOTELMOTEL is a Montreal-based start-up, established by two passionate artisans- Niki Jessup and Corinne Bourget. This small business offers its customers groovy colour-blocked footwear that is exciting and comfortable at the same time. Invest in this rainbow-coloured footwear to brighten up your life and the streets that you walk on. Pair them up with an effortless dress from Kate or with a bold statement coat from Shaghayegh to complete the look. Add more colour to a colour-blocked look or add a pop to your monochrome outfit! Last but not least: they are ALL UNISEX!

Untitled: Sustainable production

In today's society, people are thinking more about environmental issues while making fashionable clothes. Recyclable fabrics are appearing more and more in the products of various brands. Recyclable fabrics are a new type of environmentally friendly fabric. The raw material of recycled nonwoven fabric is extracted from waste mineral water bottles and Coke bottles, also known as RPET fabric. Because this nonwoven is a reuse of waste, it is becoming increasingly popular. 2021 reports that 62% of lululemon's products are currently nylon and polyester, but only 6% of them are recycled. lululemon plans to replace all of its products with renewable materials by 2030. lululemon says this is a very important commitment, and that this transition will require a lot of energy and resources, so it will take time to complete gradually.

There’s no denying that the fashion industry plays a part in today’s climate crisis. It’s essential that we adopt new industry practices that stress the planet less, from reducing energy use, emissions and waste, to taking a smarter, more responsible approach to water use and conservation. Not only do we tackle these issues head-on, we share our innovations with the entire industry. This innovation will not only reduce pollution but also protect the environment. At the same time achieving fashion sustainability. We hope that more and more brands will join this innovative program.

Almost everyone has one or two pairs in their closet, but not many people understand the production and making behind jeans. A pair of jeans is created from the process of dyeing, weaving (adding white yarn to add shine), sewing, pre-wash process (ageing and sanding), and washing. However, the process of making them involves thousands of chemicals (many harmful to humans), consuming and polluting large amounts of water, and hours of processing time. We refuse to accept the fact that "to wear jeans is to pollute the environment", but you have to admit that the cheaper the jeans are, the less environmental protection measures are taken in the production process.

The over-consumption of crude fast fashion brands by low consumption groups is especially obvious compared to the excessive waste caused by chasing luxury goods. While you pursue the old, washed process of jeans, your and my endless pursuit of material is the greatest source of pollution to the environment. In the past, workers needed to spend hours in front of a pair of jeans, just to create different old and worn processes by hand, followed by throwing the jeans into a large washing machine to be aged. The latest Levi's PROJECT F.L.X. replaces all the manual aging processes with lasers. With efficient laser polishing, a pair of jeans can be made in just 90 seconds. Not only that, Levi's has introduced a new sustainable jean made from organic cotton and Circulose, a breakthrough material made from worn-out jeans. Each pair of jeans is made from 20 percent recycled denim, 20 percent sustainably sourced viscose fiber and 60 percent organic cotton, in addition to reducing water, chemical and CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process.