Image courtesy of designscene.net
Dopamine dressing, which often involves wearing bright colors and bold designs, has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Fashion has always been used to make people feel happier and more confident, but dopamine dressing specifically equates fashion with feeling through colors, textures, and design. “Kitsch” fashion is a subset of dopamine dressing in its excessive adornments and sentimental focus, with Moschino leading the kitsch agenda in the luxury fashion sphere. According to CR Fashion Book, kitsch has gained a huge amount of popularity in large part due to TikTok Gen Z culture. Michelle Lee in her article “Kitsch Is In According to Fashion Week,” writes “The sweater vests of ’90s sitcoms’ past were reintroduced as TikTok’s fashion emblem; clunky acrylic rings turned into joyous and nostalgic must-haves; and cardigans crocheted in a puzzle of color (much like the J.W. Anderson one iconized by Harry Styles) brought a sense of comfortability and wholesomeness to trends.” While “kitsch” used to carry a negative connotation, this genre of dopamine dressing is no longer viewed as garish, but rather artistic.
There is no better fit for Valentine’s Day than sentimental kitsch fashion. Fashion pieces with heart cutouts and patterns in bright reds and pinks can be found at all price levels. One of Rihanna’s most iconic fashion looks was that of a bright red $22,000 Saint Laurent fur jacket in the shape of a heart which is just one very luxurious example of kitsch fashion. Fashion Reverie has decided to channel mom-to-be Rihanna this Valentine’s Day to create a swoon-worthy, luxury-focused fashion guide reflective of the top kitsch trend right now— heart cutouts and rhinestones from head to toe!
Image courtesy of AREA
AREA: High Fashion Luxury Kitsch
AREA is known for high fashion pieces often seen on models in editorial covers or on prominent celebrities like Beyonce and Cardi B. The brand is described as “witty, inherently glamorous, playfully decadent and injected with a pop energy,” and “shares its name and spirit with the iconic 80s Manhattan nightclub, known for its fusion of art and performance in conceptually themed nights.” The brand is also well-known for its crystal pieces and cut-outs. For a luxurious Valentine’s Day outfit, AREA has a plethora of crystal embellished heart cut-out items from denim overalls, jeans, and a denim jacket to a tee shirt and blazer featuring this design. Fashion Reverie recommends the Heart Cutout Men’s Blazer for a kitschy twist on a classic piece that can be layered over a simple black dress for an intimate dinner!
Image courtesy of liricamatoshi.com
Lirika Matoshi: Romantic Kitsch
Lirika Matoshi is a New York City-based fashion brand with femininity at its tulle covered heart. The brand is made up of a team of all women, with the designs showcasing a uniquely feminine lens. This, however, does not mean that only women wear the brand. In fact, the brand became increasingly popular when Harry Styles famously wore the signature strawberry embroidered dress. Each piece is feminine and romantic, which makes them a perfect choice for a Valentine’s Day outfit. Fashion Reverie envisions a woman wearing their most kitschy heart themed piece, the Rainbow Heart Dress of technicolor tulle, to a Galentine’s Day celebration! Another kitschy party look is their Heart Pink Satin Top and Skirt featuring a corseted waist, bow shoulder ties, and pearl embellishments. For a more casual Galentine’s Day outfit, the brand’s most popular item at the moment is the Radiant Heart Knit Sweater, worn by Emma Chamberlain among many other influencers. YesStyle makes an affordable dupe for under $30 as well that can be shopped here!
Image courtesy of manieredevoir.com
MANIERE DE VOIR: Chic Kitsch
For the risk-averse fashion lover, MANIERE DE VOIR pieces can be kitschy but are ultimately more chic than kitsch. Many pieces on the website are bold and make a statement which contributes to dopamine dressing; however, they are also all tailored and classic looking. For a look that can easily transition from day to night, from a walk around New York City to a skyline dinner at night, Fashion Reverie recommends their Heart Vegan Leather and Denim Trousers. This can be paired with the Vegan Heart Croc Bag for a look that is a bit more kitschy but still effortlessly chic.
Image courtesy of postergirl.com
POSTER GIRL: Sexy Kitsch
POSTER GIRL has been worn by notable pop culture figures like Dua Lipa, Kylie Jenner, Selena Gomez, Doja Cat, Rita Ora, and Winnie Harlow. The brand’s pieces are sultry, featuring cutouts, lace, and sheer fabrics. POSTER GIRL recently dropped their Valentine’s Collection, with the Kylie Set being custom made for Kylie Jenner. The collection looks nostalgic almost as if it is in reference to Betty Boop’s iconic heart emblem outfits. The collection is made almost entirely from red and pink lace and is garnished with delicate crystal rhinestone hearts. Fashion Reverie recommends POSTER GIRL for a particularly sultry date with your significant other!
Image courtesy of mybeachyside.com
My Beachy Side x Emily in Paris: Resort Kitsch
My Beachy Side is a sustainable beach brand focused on supporting disadvantaged women by providing them with income for hand-crafting the brand’s pieces. The brand is recognized for its signature intricate crochet beachwear. My Beachy Side created a collaboration collection alongside Emily in Paris, which often showcases outfits that are more Parisian kitsch than Parisian chic. For a Valentine’s weekend resort getaway, Fashion Reverie recommends the Pop the Top Exclusive Emily Top and Mini Skirt composed of gorgeous hanging hand-crocheted hearts. This outfit was worn on season 2 episode 8 which makes it even more of a special look!
Image courtesy of betseyjohnson.com
Betsey Johnson: Kitschy Accessories
Betsey Johnson has long been the queen of kitsch. There is even an entire section of the brand’s website dedicated to the kitsch trend featuring peppermint heart necklaces, champagne bucket bags, and rhinestone bows. Betsey Johnson recently released a “Red Hot” Valentine’s Jewelry Collection of pearls, heart cherries, xoxo beads, and rhinestone bows and butterflies. Fashion Reverie recommends the Red Hot Hearts Cherry Necklace to be worn with a more casual outfit for a daytime Valentine’s date.
Image courtesy of yumeyume.eu
Yume Yume: A Kitschy Statement Shoe
Yume Yume focuses on offering unique one-of-a-kind fashion pieces. On the brand’s website, Yume Yume asks buyers to “consider our collection an ode to those who have a nature for sparking interest and curiosity. An act of love for originality.” Their footwear has a pillowy signature look for comfort and style. For a kitschy Valentine’s Day shoe, Fashion Reverie recommends the Love Heel featuring a pink heart heel, wool lined sole, and thick vegan suede straps making it a perfect winter heel. For a less expensive heart emblem shoe option, we recommend ASOS Lamoda Knee High Platform Boots with Pink Hearts!
—Tessa Swantek
Speak Your Mind