Minimalism – it’s a trend that has taken the fashion and interiors industries by storm. Those who last season were piling on accessories and mixing vibrant prints have now turned in their colours and over-the-top habits for a more subtle dressing demeanour.
Fans of the Divergent book and movie series will probably relate this trend to the "Abnegation" faction, where members' uniforms consist of loose-fitting grey attire. Accessories are forbidden, with the exception of simple watches. But minimalism needn't be so dreary – on the contrary, when done right, it can exude enviable elegance and alluring drama.
Crisp white blazers, grey duster coats, strappy silk tops, non-vulgar plunging V-necks and dewy hues are some features of minimalism, given an urban enrichment with distressed hems, asymmetry, ripped-knee black jeans and man-ish slip-ons. Ribbed jerseys, soft draping, chic layering and androgynous tailoring are also characteristic components to the style, beset with grungy undertones. Much of minimalism takes on a monochromatic appearance, but that doesn’t have to mean black – outfits of late are more in tune with summer’s pastels and neutral shades. It’s a two-faced trend – some gravitate to its genderless features while others find romance in the nude tones and light fabrics.
We’re all familiar with the flashy, blingy connotations of the Middle East’s fashion scene, so the region may seem like an unlikely place for minimalism to thrive. Yet it seems to have its steely grips locked in on local style connoisseurs, who may have yet to be caught in head-to-toe H&M basics, but are flocking to demure minimalist-inspired clothing from high-end designers such as Alexander Wang and Haider Ackermann, though never giving up their Cartier bracelets.
But that’s OK, because unbeknown to most, jewellery plays a larger-than-minimal role in the minimalist trend. A delicate vintage watch or sporty clunker can be worn on one wrist, with the other decorated in geometric bracelets – thin wired bangles in square and hexagonal shapes or graceful gold chains with a stone or two.
Even rings have a place in minimalism, though not the ostentatious cocktail kind. Copper rings with small stones are more suitable, especially the midi style that sits right above your knuckle. For fine jewellery lovers, Monica Vinader designs, with rose gold and sterling silver chains and cut-out teardrop, circular and rectangular charms encrusted with the slightest of diamonds, provide the perfect finishing touches to this trend.
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not the minimalist movement has any traction in the region, take a look in the tabloids next week – you’ll definitely spot some minimalist glamour in the social pages.
Even abaya fashion houses have taken a twist towards the minimalist in their latest designs. Go to any Ramadan exhibition in the Emirates this season, and in between the elaborate, decadent robes, you’ll find all-beige pieces in pure linens, soft colour-blocked neutrals and designs with sporty blazer-like lapels.
See? Minimalism isn’t merely a European fashion fad. If the trend sounds appealing but you don’t know where to start, Pinterest your heart away – just last night I saw a link to “50 minimalist outfits to copy” on my feed. But tread carefully, lest your take on luxe minimalism turns out to be miserably basic.
