mythology is everywhere right now

Do you remember that time Julia Fox was a centaur? Personally, I can’t forget about it. It was a magical moment that changed my life. She showed that centaurs are cool and that mythology is coming back. With many of the different aesthetics floating around, including bloke-core and barbie-core, I have to admit that fashion’s current obsession with mythology has a special place in my heart. It’s a little bit weird, slightly unconventional but most importantly it is intriguing. 

izq. via Instagram

dcha. via Instagram

There is no question about it, mythology and fashion have always gone hand in hand. Both can evoke a sense of mystery, provide answers and teach us important lessons. To some, mythological creatures may be creepy, however designers have always taken inspiration from them. Like fashion, mythology can be seen in our everyday lives. Whether you’re looking at the mermaid on your Starbucks cup or calling your ex a narcissist, mythology is a part of life. It was only a matter of time before fashion became obsessed with it again.

It’s unsurprising that many would want to turn to mythology as an escape from the chaos of everyday life. In a world where Leonardo Dicaprio has never dated a woman over the age of 25 or a song by Jack Harlow can be considered as the song of the summer (sorry!), turning to fantasy may seem like the most logical option. In our post pandemic society, fashion has definitely taken escapism to a whole new level. As seen with the Y2K resurgence or the embracing of fairy-core, there is a yearning for simpler, more magical times. If anything, myths and mythology are the perfect symbol for our lives post lockdown – it doesn’t feel real.

izq. via Instagram / dcha. via Instagram

On the runway, references to mythological creatures are rife. Iris Van Herpen’s Fall 2022 Collection utilises popular motifs of draping, asymmetry and loose materials – which harken back to popular mythological figures such as Helena of Troy and Medea. On the Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars runway, which is slightly different yet equally important, we saw Monet X Change’s Schiparelli inspired ‘pleather principle’ look. The brown breastplate, which is the foundation of the piece, provides a modern example of both the beauty and strength of Greek Gods. And, how could I forget Rihanna’s Greek goddess statue at the 2022 Met gala?

izq. via Instagram

dcha. via Instagram

The media we are consuming has undoubtedly played a part in our love for mythology right now. In a world where superhero films are dominating the box office, how could you say we are not obsessed with fantasy? There has always been a relationship between films and fashion – as seen with the meteoric rise of the velour tracksuit following the release of Mean Girls in 2004 or the resurgence of 1920s dress following the release of the Great Gatsby in 2013. Today, fantasy shows like “The Witcher” and “Locke and Key” are dominating Netflix’s top ten list, cementing fantasy and mythology in the forefront of our minds.

Even in the online world, we can see that many are embracing aspects of mythology and Ancient Greece in their everyday lives. Doesn’t it feel as though everyone is wearing pearls right now? Well, during ancient Greece, pearls were once a symbol of wealth. In fact, Julius Cesar passed a law stating that only the ruling classes could wear them. Make up trends also appear to have their roots in Ancient Greece. Our obsession with natural make up, fluffy brows and flushed cheeks, mirrors popular make up trends of the period.

However, the adoption of myths and mythology in the fashion is nothing new. In fact, the 2003 Met Gala, ’Goddess: The Classical Mode’, shows this. Many of the pieces from ‘the party of the year’ were inspired by Greek Goddesses and mythological creatures. While some may have taken creative liberties with the brief, I’m looking at you Kirsnt Dunst, the fact that aspects of mythology can be seen in popular culture since 2003, is evidence of how timeless the relationship between fashion and mythology truly is.

Luckily for us, the opportunity to become mythological creatures in our daily lives isn’t only reserved for icons like Julia Fox or Lil Nas X.  The divisive, yet enchanting, Maison Margiela tabi seems to be making the rounds again. As seen on the likes of Chloe Sevigny in the early 2000s, the split toe shoe can allow you to live out your own centaur fantasy. The shoes invite a sense of intrigue but can summon a sense of fear – just like the centaur. What’s more, the popular can siren eyes trend allows you to unlock your inner enchantress, bringing you closer to Thelxipia – the most famous siren.

@secretsofasiren

Siren gaze guide + case studies + exercises out now on my page 🥰

♬ BIZCOCHITO - ROSALÍA

Greek mythology is making fashion exciting again, whilst widening our horizon on what we know to be acceptable. Instead of fearing the mythological takeover, why don’t we embrace it. So go forth, embrace your inner siren, centaur or banshee… it is the iconic thing to do!  

Joelle Bello @joelle.bello