Mermaidcore is More Than a Fashion Trend
Ocean-inspired fashion is on the rise this season, according to fashion search engine Lyst.
Mermaidcore—a contraction of "mermaid" and "normcore"—is the latest trend we've seen designers dive into. We first saw the introduction of mermaidcore in 2020, where designers dived headfirst under the sea, drawing inspiration from the aquatic-inspired trend.
The Spring/Summer 2021 collections featured all kinds of mermaidcore. Versace's spring 2021 campaign stands out, with Kendall Jenner, Precious Lee, and Hailey Bieber modeling the Atlantis-inspired collection alongside a sea of jellyfish. Or there is Iris Van Herpen, who teamed up with Parley for the Oceans to create a "tentacle" dress from recycled plastic. Using a 3D printer, ocean waste was upgraded to Haute Couture creations.
The maritime trends of preppy navy stripes and sailor bracelets are replaced by a more fantastical take on aquatic-inspired fashion. For accessories, pearl earrings and shell necklaces feature prominently, paired with flowy summer dresses.
A couple of years later, fashion's hankering for a different world is still ever-present. Bach Mai made the mermaidcore trend its own as it highlighted a siren-inspired collection during New York Fashion Week for the Spring/Summer 2023 season. Rather recently, Louis Vuitton also put a twist on the trend, as Nicolas Ghesquière pulled aquatic inspiration for Louis Vuitton's Cruise 2024 show.
The fashion industry isn't the only place where you'll come across mermaidcore. The recent release of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey has thrown mass interest in mermaidcore into overtime, with social media longing for mermaid-inspired looks inspired by Princess Ariel. (Bailey herself has hopped on the trend as she sported numerous sea shell motifs, iridescent colors, and mermaid silhouettes while on The Little Mermaid press tour).
In beauty, blue makeup looks reflect the ocean waves. Even in our homes, shells and mermaid sculptures add a kitschy feel. You can see it already: mermaidcore is here to stay.
