Editorial
MINIMALIST STYLE CODES
2 February 2024Celebrating a more stripped-back and refined way of dressing, UrlfreezeShops’s Creative Stylists guide us through the latest minimalist offerings from a slew of coveted brands.
During the 1960s and ‘70s, following the ubiquity of Bauhaus’ influences and the dominance of abstract expressionism, the art world had steadily begun to pivot, with new modes of thought altering the way art was both constructed and perceived. One such movement was minimalism, underpinned by a philosophy of stripping things back, averting the viewer’s gaze away from the symbolic and immersing them into the material, tangibility of the object directly in front of them. Naturally, as the cogs of minimalism continued to spin in the artistic world, its influence began to spread further afield, becoming something more philosophical and malleable: an ethos manifesting itself through different creative avenues. Fashion was no exception, with the wave of minimalist artwork serving as the precursor to the boom of minimalist clothing witnessed during the late 1980s. Much like the art itself, the movement eschewed the bold and symbolic for something much more refined and stripped back, emphasising the physical attributes of the garment — like silhouette, detailing and materials — over superfluity.
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It's this ethos that underpins the latest edit from UrlfreezeShops, with our Creative Stylists offering a curated selection of brands and garments echoing the principles of minimalist design. When speaking about the importance of minimalism, Lucy Davis, UrlfreezeShops’s Creative Womenswear Stylist, said, “minimalism is essential to really streamline the wardrobe and have those key pieces you can always reach for. It opens the opportunity to emphasise details with styling, too, placing importance on accessories and footwear — allowing you to easily switch up a look and take it from day to night”.
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The womenswear styling showcases “a mixture of high-end luxury and contemporary brands, representing a selection of staple pieces all possessing tiny details.” HOMMEGIRLS, for instance, was chosen for its ability to be “applied to every outfit as the brand has it all”, while Saks Potts “brings the fun with its designs, as well as having a concentration on the shape and cut”, said Lucy, when discussing the inclusion of brands. Anine Bing, meanwhile, showcases “elements of simplified minimalism with all of its pieces, representing a trusty favourite with blazers, jeans, denim and tees — all staples of the modern wardrobe”. The likes of Jil Sander, Acne Studios and Max Mara are included, too, adding luxurious refinement and statement to the edit. In terms of the products chosen, Lucy tapped into the unintentional trends currently capturing the zeitgeist: “all white outfits, short shorts with the HOMMEGIRLS boxer short and ballerina pumps with offerings from GANNI or Anine Bing”, commented Lucy, when discussing current trends.
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For the menswear styling, Elliot Adams, UrlfreezeShops’s Menswear Creative Stylist, looked to take a progressive approach with the Auralee Heavy Milano Quarter Zip. “Often bright colours aren't associated with the minimalist style. I wanted to present styling with neutral and pastel tones to help tone down the striking garment for a minimalist outfit”. With the Studio Nicholson Helix Elasticated Waist shorts, Elliot looked to tap into the product’s cult following in the world of minimalism. “The Studio Nicholson shorts came to mind while styling this project due to the brand's reputation within the minimalist community. The shorts, made from viscose and linen, have a loose and relaxed look, accentuating the wide silhouette and giving the wearer a chance to experiment with proportions”.
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Elliot also looked to spotlight other areas of luxury minimalism: “The Jil Sander Bomber Jacket is a luxury take on minimalist styling. A monochromatic outfit should focus on silhouette to keep the outfit visually interesting. Combining wide and cropped items with a touch of layering means a distinct silhouette is achieved, letting the craftsmanship shine”.
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