Enough with the core!
Is this shorthand for trends sapping our imagination?
It started with #cottagecore. That particular trend bubbled away and boomed on social media and the hashtag now has 4.7 million posts, no less. And then there’s the variations like #cottagecoreaesthetic (1.2 million), #cottagecorestyle (172,000) and #cottagecorecommunity (134,000). There’s no denying it’s popular, of course. And I can get on board with this particular -core because it was one of – if not the – first one to really take off for interiors.
If you’ve not come across it, #cottagecore is a trending kitsch country look with sink curtains, gingham, paisley and whiffs of wisteria. Imagine Little House On The Prairie, Little Women and The Good Life and you’re about there. It translates to fashion (floaty printed dresses and bows for your hair) as well as interiors and, to be honest, it’s an Insta-trend that’s stayed the course. While it’s not my personal style for interiors, I can at least appreciate it and I’ve absolutely got on board with a gingham dress or two and am partial to a basket bag (or basket in general).
Where it gets a little less enthusiastic IMO is the many, many -cores that have followed. With every big entertainment launch or viral TikTok style, my inbox becomes home to press releases and product suggestions in line with what’s set to be the next phenomenon. Each is very specific and honed into creating a clear look based around the next big thing. And each is made up of the name or style of said popular thing with the -core suffix stuck on the end. Among them: mermaidcore, Regencycore, royalcore and kidcore, for starters.
Although cottagecore was the first hyped -core in the interiors world, fashion (as always) was ahead of the curve. Normcore rose in popularity in 2013 and, according to British Vogue, ‘was first coined by trend forecasters K-Hole as a philosophy of fashion.’ That philosophy was (and is) the idea that dressing to blend in is cool. It’s ‘a look for people who didn’t want to stand out but saw the social power of fitting in’, says British Vogue.
The latest -core is Barbiecore. Yep, if it’s hot pink, it’s Barbiecore. Tied into the much-anticipated release of the Barbie movie in July, which I will watch (obviously), this trend embodies what Barbie’s house looks like so if you’d like to recreate the look of your childhood dreams, you’d be right on the money for this trend. Think pink walls, glittery finishes, bold colourful prints and furry cushion or a fluffy rug in a bright pink or purple. It was reported this week that there’s now a global shortage of pink paint because Greta Gerwig, who directs the film, wanted to paint the entire film set for an authentic look, rather than rely on CGI. Now that’s Barbiecore dedication.
Wondering about the rest of the -cores?
Bridgerton fans may have heard of Regencycore and if they haven’t, I’m sure can now imagine what it’s all about. Similar to royalcore, both of these looks take inspiration from the opulence of high society and translate it into ideas for the home. Four poster beds are an obvious choice for getting this style right, while gilded frames and mirrors, floral tea sets, a chaise longue and antique furniture wouldn’t look out of place in a Regencycore scheme.
Mermaidcore is actually, in its subtlest form, more mainstream than you might first imagine. Scallop-shaped tiles have been big for bathrooms and kitchens for a couple of years as a way to add interest to a shower zone or splashback. Pearlescent glassware is a popular choice whether it’s trending or not, and name me a high street store that doesn’t sell a shell-shaped vase. Mermaidcore, by definition, is capturing the whimsical beauty of the ocean with a teal and soft pink colour scheme at its heart.
And kidcore? A mix of bright primary colour, fun and nostalgia for kid themes and the Y2K aesthetic which is undeniably huge for fashion and beauty right now. The millennial in me can’t help but say that I remember it the first time around (been there, done that, got the butterfly clips, blue eyeshadow and low rise jeans/Tammy Girl tops, thank you!), so that’s probably why I’m not getting on board with it again. That and because of its suffix.
I have to admit that adding -core to a trend name helps to easily sum it up. But with one -core after another, my eye roll when one lands in my inbox is getting more exaggerated each time. Surely, we can be more imaginative when it comes to putting a name to a hot new look? Coastal Grandmother is a good example, I think. Sums up the style nicely, but with a bit more flair. And it sounds much nicer than its other name, menocore. I’ll leave you to look that one up.
Listen up. Audio versions are here
I get it. You don’t always have the time to sit and read a newsletter in its entirety. I’m the same, if I’m honest with you. I have many tabs open and emails starred with newsletters, features and blogs that I’ll get round to reading. Sometimes life just gets in the way, doesn’t it?
So, it’s with delight that I bring you the audio versions of The Home I Made so you can plug in those headphones and listen while you’re on the move or simply busy with your day. Join me as I read posts aloud for you listening enjoyment.