Life in a pandemic seemed reduced to the confines of minimal communication and interaction as what were once days full of connection and experiences now seemed to be only down to zoom calls and socially distant grocery runs.
Our fashion choices pre-pandemic and even during, always revolved around the idea of less is always more. Statement fashion choices were a once in a blue moon affair that were balanced out in careful moderation and with careful pops of colour. Scrolling through social media, one would never get tired of minimal aesthetics and fashion inspiration that was all about the ‘casual is chic’ mindset. A simple white tee and trusted jeans with a hint of accessorizing would go a long way. Shopping in the basics section felt comfortable, familiar, and functional. Reaching the point of ‘how many white tees are enough tees’, I proclaimed myself as the CEO of sweatpants and chill.
As we mark a desperate return to normal life and evaluate what was and what is to come, there seems to be a collective desire to evolve and inspire by living life to the fullest and yes, that applies to our wardrobe choices.
It was within the periods of isolation that many of us discovered or re-invented our personal styles, hoping to find a source of joy within the darkness. Ditching the subdued nude palette for vibrant colours and eclectic styles, there seems to be a rise in exaggerated and extravagant methods of dressing in the fashion landscape.
We’ve slowly entered an era of maximalist fashion that is starting to dominate both the streets and catwalks all the same. Bold prints, neon hues, and uncanny silhouettes are being embraced widely. My Instagram feed is a testament to my inclination towards my current obsession with channelling my inner spice girl.
With TikTok reels explaining how to DIY summery tops, opt for beaded jewellery, and colour block my bags to match my heels, we take a look at some of our favourite maximalist fashion creatives.
I. Tzvi Karp Singh
My first impression of Tzvi’s feed was an explosive burst of colour that was a refreshing sight to my eyes. Based in South Africa, Tzvi Karp Singh is a conceptual fashion designer who believes that ‘less is bore’.
With a penchant for fashion from a young age, Karp decided to convert his hobby into a full-fledged career and there’s been no looking back ever since. In an interview, Karp described his style as Sikh punk that combines his faith with a taste for rebellious fashion. Adding a modern edge to fashion trends of yesteryears, Tzvi doesn’t believe in a timeless sense of fashion or sticking to a basic wardrobe. His lively maximalist fashion curations reflect a bright fantasy world that draws inspiration from The Wizard Of Oz.
If you’re looking for some dressed to impress inspiration, we suggest taking a peek at his feed, which displays the creative in action; donning colourful turbans, bright sunglasses, and futuristic accessories.
View his work here.
II. Navi Kaur
Amassing a following of 80k with her sartorial choices that seem to be anything but boring, Navi Kaur has been a personal favourite for me when it comes to finding the perfect balance between standout trends and carving one’s own interpretations of a maximalist way of dressing.
A lifestyle, fashion, and travel blogger by profession, Navi’s style has a distinct eye for pattern print and colour coordination that fits right into the street style movement. Be it summer blues or lime green pantsuits and your classic ‘What I wore in a week’, there’s never a dull moment with the young creative’s sartorial footprint.
Featured by Cosmo India and debuting at London fashion week, Navi’s take on the maximalist fashion wave is fluent without it seeming like she’s trying too hard.
View her work here.
III. Rowi Singh
A Sydney-based content creator of Indian origin, Rowi Singh’s feed gives us all sunshine and rainbows and we’re not complaining! Channelling a ‘different day, different serve’ aesthetic with graphic eyes, 3D lips, and a dash of desi tadka, Rowi’s work is a celebration of her Indian heritage.
The creative artist claims that her art helps her to move past the dissonance that she grew up with of not being considered Indian or Australian enough by empowering her to culminate a seamless blend between her art and culture.
The rising makeup artist has been a familiar face from Nike to Smirnoff campaigns, her euphoric makeup looks and a smattering of desi elements are almost unmissable. With a jewellery and houseware makeup line and a separate account to champion emerging creatives, it is obvious that Rowi is a creative force to be reckoned with.
As a diaspora artist mastering a wide range of mediums, Rowi refuses to be limited to a box and constantly seems to be evolving her interpretation of the life of a maximalist artist.
View her work here.
“I love being able to communicate the strength and power of my South Asian womanhood. I’m empowered to visualise the natural fluidity between my culture and art.”
— Rowi Singh
It’s an exciting time for fashion as the revival of big, bold, and beautiful strikes a chord with a generation of artists and fashion aficionados channelling a sense of individuality into their wardrobes, one statement piece at a time. The emergence of maximalism is an optimistic approach that reminds us to keep the spark of hope alive and to confidently reclaim our power.
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