What Does a Recession Look Like in Fashion?

A large portion of economists have foreshadowed a recession in the United States for quite some time, and in the midst of the resurgance of maximalist fashion and other exaggerated trends in the industry, the global fashion sector is forced to adapt upon the fall of the financial market. However, what exactly does this response to inflation look like? The answer can be found on the runway, displaying collections that prioritize functionality over flamboyance as basic expenses are deemed dispensible to make ends meet.

Recessions have a history of driving the fashion industry towards a more gender-inclusive style, saying goodbye to lavish embellishments, vibrant colors, and the exclusivity typically associated with luxury fashion. When the art of fashion design is stunted by economic uncertainty, garment production, event coordination, and the fiscal and artistic growth of the industry is too hindered. How does the fashion industry approach such an unpredictable deterrent? With a contingency plan that establishes minimalistic, gender-fluid clothing as the "hottest new trend," brands across the fashion pyramid can mask economic behavior with simplistic designs without having to sacrifice the personality of their label. In other words, they turn to recession-core. 

To understand how fashion brands adapt to the fiscally conservative nature of a recession, we can reflect on the economic crash of 2008, the predecessor to the minimalist era that was early 2010s fashion. Looking back on New York Fashion Week circa 2010, luxury designers Vera Wang, Reed Krakoff, and Ralph Lauren, among others, presented collections characterized by muted tones, minimal jewelery, and designs of no discernible pattern. However, because of recession-core, luxury designers were able to escape judgement in their shortcomings to produce opulent designs. With an influence so potent, the world of couture can establish trends as much as it can recycle them, molding their collections around the enviroment they create. 

It can be agreed upon that throughout an economic recession, consumer behavior tends to decline. To combat gaining a reputation as an unnecessary expense, the fashion industry is able to manipulate the act of shopping to become more of a justified investment. How? Gender-fluid clothing. 

When gender distinctions are blurred, fashion becomes more inclusive and, within the context of a recession, more attainable. When luxury designers create pieces to be worn by both men and women, they are able to produce a larger collection at a lesser cost, resisting the consequences of an economic decline.