Fashion trends come thick and fast these days, but there's no denying that "mermaidcore" is now taking root as a major aesthetic.
This is being fuelled by the upcoming release of the highly anticipated live-action remake of Disney's The Little Mermaid – in Malaysian theatres May 25 – which is fostering interest in this aquatic look.
From the runways to social media through red carpets, shells and fishnet are already everywhere!
The fashion industry is currently going wild for the mermaid look, borrowed straight from Hans Christian Andersen's tale. But it's the live-action film adaptation, starring the American actress Halle Bailey, that has recently given rise to an unprecedented craze for the most emblematic outfits of Disney's deep sea princess, Little Mermaid.
Think seashells galore – whether on belts, jewellery, or shoes – but also fishnet, iridescent colours, fishtail dresses, and wet-look hair and makeup.
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Nearly 200 million views
Fear not, as "mermaidcore" doesn't mean riding the subway wearing a fishtail instead of a skirt or pants.
It instead involves embracing aquatic references. Shells – in jewellery, in patterns or in embroidered form – are the real stars of this fashionable aesthetic, landing on clothes, necklaces, anklets and other accessories.
Fishnet material has also made a comeback to the runways, as have sequins and other sparkles, while ocean-inspired colours, including blue and iridescent shades, are everywhere.
On social networks, and especially TikTok, the "mermaidcore" aesthetic is already making waves. The hashtag already has nearly 200 million views, taking into account its (very) numerous derivatives such as #mermaidcoreaesthetic, #mermaidcorefashion, #mermaidcorejewelry, #mermaidcorestyle, or #mermaidcoretrend, to name just a few.
More than a simple trend, it's a real phenomenon that has already conquered luxury houses, designers, influencers, and some of the world's biggest celebrities, who are embracing this new must-have inspiration with style, and sometimes with a good dose of humour.
Jennifer Lopez, in the midst of promoting the film The Mother, is among the latest celebrities to have adopted the "mermaidcore" look, and she's by no means the only one.
Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian
If the trend has already been going strong for several months, it's because it is proving popular among, and being promoted by, a host of designers and public figures.
These include Lopez, but also the Spring/Summer 2023 fashion show of designer Ludovic De Saint Sernin, directly inspired by the wardrobe of the legendary Disney character, but with a more sensual, if not to say ultra sexy, slant.
But that's not all, since a host of aquatic references have been spotted on the runway, from kitsch shell-shaped bras to iridescent shades through the inevitable long mermaid-like fishtail gowns.
Dua Lipa seems to be particularly strong on the subject. Through underwear, references to the marine world, glittering makeup, and especially fishnet, the young star has gone all out with references to the cult look of the Disney princess.
A trend also tried and tested – although with more moderation – by Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Chiara Ferragni and Hailey Bieber.
And that's not surprising, since the trend has invaded the runways, from David Koma to Blumarine through Versace, and even extends to the beauty industry.
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The return of the wet look
Fashion is not the only sector to have embraced the "mermaidcore" trend. Jewellery makers have released all kinds of mermaid-inspired pieces, while makeup artists and hair stylists seem to swear by the wet look, as well as all manner of iridescent eye shadows.
But the strongest inspiration – star of social media from last year – is undoubtedly "laminated skin".
This beauty look emulates wet skin, sometimes even as if it's dripping in sweat, like after a workout – or a session between the sheets – again giving rise to a wet look that nods to the Disney character. – AFP Relaxnews
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