LOLcore

LOLcore was a short-lived fashion trend that reached its peak in the autumn of 2014. The term, coined by fashion commentators and primarily documented by newspapers, describes a style that is maximalist, humorous, and heavily inspired by Pop Art and consumer culture. It emerged as a direct and deliberate reaction against the unpretentious and understated Normcore and minimalist trends that had dominated the early 2010s. LOLcore is defined by its use of bright, clashing colors, cartoon and manga prints, and a generally silly, self-mocking, and playful approach to high fashion.^[1]

History[]

LOLcore, a portmanteau of "LOL" (Laugh Out Loud) and "-core," emerged around 2014 as a reaction to the prevailing mood of seriousness in fashion. The preceding years were defined by "Normcore," a style that celebrated dressing in a deliberately average and unremarkable way. In response, several designers began to inject a sense of fun, humor, and irony into their collections. This new wave of fashion embraced the kitsch and visual language of mass consumerism, transforming everyday objects and pop culture icons into luxury goods. The trend was primarily a catwalk phenomenon, championed by a handful of influential designers and quickly adopted by celebrities known for their bold style, such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and Rita Ora.^[2]

Fashion[]

The LOLcore aesthetic is a form of organized chaos, built on the principle of maximalism. It is characterized by the layering of clashing colors, textures, and prints. The fashion is defined by its direct and often literal references to pop culture and consumer products. The most influential figure in the LOLcore movement was designer Jeremy Scott, particularly through his work as the creative director of Moschino. His collections from this period are quintessential examples of the trend, featuring designs inspired by McDonald's, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Barbie. These collections transformed fast food uniforms and doll clothes into high-fashion statements. Other designers and brands associated with the trend include Kenzo, House of Holland, and Meadham Kirchhoff.

Key garments and motifs included bodycon dresses, culottes, and colorful faux fur coats. Prints were central to the look, featuring cartoon characters, manga graphics, monster faces, and fast food logos. Accessories were often oversized and childlike, and clothing choices could be intentionally absurd, such as outfits resembling gift paper or other eccentric objects.