Desertcore: Fashion Inspired by the Blockbuster Dune Comes to Life
Desertcore, a burgeoning fashion trend, finds its roots in the monumental success of the cinematic masterpiece, Dune: Part I & II. Drawing direct inspiration from the film’s mesmerizing desert landscapes, futuristic ambiance, and gritty post-apocalyptic ethos, Desertcore emerges as the next coveted concept in the fashion world, following the footsteps of recent phenomena like Barbiecore, Balletcore, and Coquettecore.
The acclaim garnered by Dune, with its impressive haul of six out of ten awards at the 2022 Oscars, speaks volumes about its impact. Beyond its cinematic achievements, the film’s portrayal of a breathtaking yet ominous world serves as a fertile ground for creative exploration, giving birth to the captivating trend known as Desertcore. As the metaverse culture permeates society, Desertcore takes on new dimensions, reshaping the landscape of global fashion interests. Anchored in themes of desert landscapes, survivalist attire, post-apocalyptic resilience, and technological advancement, this style embodies a rugged allure coupled with an enigmatic, futuristic charm.
At the heart of Desertcore’s meteoric rise lie the visionary minds of designers Jacqueline West and Bob Morgan. Their meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail breathe life into the aesthetic, drawing from a rich tapestry of influences including Greek and Roman mythology, as well as the cultural tapestries of the Middle East. Through painstaking research, West and Morgan curated a color palette that captures the essence of Desertcore, blending hues of coral pink, blush, and beige with earthy sand tones, evoking the vast expanses of African deserts.
Yet, Desertcore refuses to be confined within the confines of celluloid. Its allure extends far beyond the silver screen, permeating real-world fashion landscapes with an irresistible allure. From haute couture runways to streetwear ensembles, Desertcore makes its mark as a dynamic and embraced trend within the fashion industry, embodying a spirit of innovation and boundary-pushing creativity.
In the grand tradition of hosting Cruise shows at iconic architectural marvels, Nicolas Ghesquière kept the legacy alive in 2022 by selecting the Salk Institute for Biological Studies as the venue for Louis Vuitton’s 2023 collection debut. Nestled in San Diego, California, this architectural gem, conceived by the visionary Louis I. Kahn in 1965, provided a breathtaking backdrop for the unveiling of haute couture.
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the surroundings, models gracefully traversed the space between two parallel buildings crafted from exquisite travertine limestone. Against this backdrop, Louis Vuitton’s collection unfolded, showcasing a symphony of earth-toned designs meticulously crafted from luxurious materials such as linen, jacquard, silk, and leather. Each garment bore the hallmarks of wanderlust, with tourist-inspired accents adding a touch of whimsy and romance to the proceedings.
Echoing this spirit of elegance and allure, Saint Laurent made waves with its Spring collection, unveiled in late September 2022. The collection featured dresses adorned with distinctive headscarves, blending sensuality with sophistication in a seamless union of style and grace.
Beyond the confines of the runway, Desertcore-inspired designs have ignited the passion of the younger generation. According to reports from Jing Daily, the trend has amassed a following of over 60 thousand users on Xiaohongshu, a popular social media platform in China. Celebrities like Jennie Kim and Ngu Thư Hân (Esther Yu) have also embraced the trend, stepping out in ensembles from Darker Wave and Demobaza, esteemed brands renowned for their evocative “desert aesthetic” design ethos.
In the wake of recent fashion fervor, Desertcore stands as a compelling choice, offering a breath of fresh air to enthusiasts seeking style evolution. With its innovative spirit and daring approach, Desertcore continues to captivate imaginations and redefine the boundaries of fashion in the quest for sartorial excellence.