Ep. 121: Whimsimod

In this episode, we introduce the concept of whimsimod to explain the recent trend of pattern-printed and adorably tailored fashion among sensitive indie starlets and Instagram baddies alike. In the process of unpacking this polished yet playful re-envisioning of femininity, we discuss the aesthetic shift from “kiki” to “bouba” over the past year, the history of girly youth diffusion lines like RED Valentino and Blugirl, the current hemline crisis and the accompanying novelty hosiery movement, seminal lady designers including Carolina Herrera and Kate Spade, and more. We also provide a forensic cultural history of the polka dot throughout the decades. Links: Image board“The Power Of Two Claires: Miss Claire Sullivan Talks Designing Clairo’s Grammys Look” — Nylon“Reflections of Clairo” by Clairo — Bylinebeabadoobee — “Beaches” Jimmy Kimmel Live performance on YouTubebeabadoobee slayful Getty ImagePatternalia: An Unconventional History of Polka Dots, Stripes, Plaid, Camouflage, & Other Graphic Patterns by Jude Stewart“The Polka Dot’s Past Is Weirder Than You Think” by Nancy MacDonell — The Wall Street JournalBlondita, Lauren Perrin, Ben Doctor, Lucila SafdieTJ Maxx psychosis monologue TikTok (?)Miu Miu Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection — Vogue RunwayAddison Rae’s polka dot catsuit by Miss Claire Sullivan at CoachellaAddison Rae Vogue France cover storyDisney Channel’s Former Costume Designer Doesn’t Get the Y2K Resurgence Either — Vogue Paloma Sandoval on Instagram“That’s So ’80s:” Wes Gordon Finds Treasures in a Scrapbook From Herrera’s Past — Interview“Carolina Herrera: Portrait of a Lady” by Anamaria Wilson — Harper’s BazaarLynn Wyatt's Glamorous Life: Celebrities, Couture, and Castles | Paper Trail on YouTube@chloyorkcity’s 80’s Excess series on TikTokSurrey glasses on EyeBuyDirect“The Enduring Legacy of Kate Spade’s Witty, Misunderstood Life” by Rory Satran — The Wall Street JournalVogue’s extremely belated trend report on statement socks and tights at NYFW“1960s-Style Tights Are Back. How to Wear Them in 2022.” by Nancy MacDonell — The Wall Street JournalCero Magazine Issue 9 — Kiko Kostadinov Special Edition featuring our interview with Laura and Deanna Fanning! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe