Clowncore

Finally — at least for the moment — Riccardo Tisci piled on the stripes and dots and swirls (and ankle socks) earlier this month for his Givenchy spring 2017 collection. Little wonder, really, that in the middle of all that, Refinery29 ran an editorial called “Why It’s Cool to Look Like a Clown.” The references were so ubiquitous that Paper magazine christened the movement “clowncore.”

Another nonconformist aesthetic, Clowncore, emulates the style of clowns, mimes, and jesters. Although most of Clowncore is genial, some express it with a darker twist.

The hashtag #BratzLips has over 9.5M views on TikTok, and here you’ll find thousands of makeup hacks and tutorials on how to achieve the look, with everyone from e-girls to more obscure subcultures like clowncore opting for a rounder lip.

Ernie Glam was a clowncore nightmare, makeup and costuming making his face terrifying and beautiful, his body at least half naked at all times.

It’s not often that I’m totally turned off by a fashion trend (clowncore, I’m looking at you), but I have to admit I’m having a visceral reaction to miniskirts.

Then there are the hundreds of “core aesthetics” blooming on TikTok in which followers dress according to a subculture identity, such as clowncore (rainbow prints, face paint), dragoncore (nature, mysticism), “dark academia” (brooding houndstooth), cottagecore (chunky sweaters), various grandma looks and “weirdgirl” mismatchedness.

So I’ve noticed an increase in the popularity of the ‘clowncore’ aesthetic, which is I think how a lot of people have come to be familiar with you and your art – it looks incredible by the way, I really love it.

He likes experimenting with flamboyant clothes! That’s it! It’s weird and regressive to think that means he is making a statement about his sexual orientation or gender identity. Let the man wear his “clowncore” jumpsuits in peace.