Clowncore fashion: from westwood to jacquemus, it's back
Forget the April Fool's pranks – a more playful trend is making a reappearance. This year's sartorial inspiration? Clowns. Yes, the flamboyant costumes and exaggerated aesthetics of the comedic figure are influencing runways and wardrobes alike. It’s not about face paint, but rather a subversive embrace of theatricality.
A dash of absurdity
Fashion has long flirted with the clown aesthetic. As my colleague Laird Borrelli-Persson noted, the connection dates back to 1989 when Vivienne Westwood incorporated harlequin patterns into her designs. Maria Grazia Chiuri took the concept even further, staging Dior’s 2019 couture show within a circus tent. This season, the influence is unmistakable.
Balloon pants are back, a callback to the 1970s boho era. Chloé and Sea have kept the trend alive, while Louis Vuitton offered modern takes with ruffled details on outerwear and trousers for their Fall 2026 collection. And Jacquemus? His recent show was a full-blown homage to Pierrot, complete with a signature chapeau.
For a more subtle nod to clowncore, argyle remains a viable option. Nili Lotan, Diane von Furstenberg, and Burberry have presented approachable interpretations, while designers like Chopova Lowena and Bora Aksu offer bolder statements.
The ruffled collar is another key element. Christopher John Rogers directly referenced Pierrot, but Chloé and Moschino integrated ruffled details into outerwear, creating an elevated and whimsical effect.
The key takeaway? This isn't about dressing as a clown. It's about injecting a dose of playful eccentricity into your wardrobe. A ruffled collar, a pair of balloon pants, or even a statement hat – these are all ways to embrace the trend's spirit.
The resurgence of clowncore fashion isn't just a fleeting trend; it’s a reflection of a cultural yearning for joyful rebellion. After years of austerity, fashion is embracing the absurd, and the clown, with its inherent contradictions, is perfectly positioned to lead the charge.