Mermaidcore is making a splash this summer

Mythical Mode on the SS 23 Runway  

Fashion week and runway shows around the world set the tone for the trends of the season and this year’s Spring and Summer shows revealed that several designers' collections had a strong oceanic influence. While some designers showed their affinity for mermaidcore stronger than others, it was clear that creatures of the sea (mythical or not) played some role in their inspiration with several designers showcasing long silhouettes for dresses, skirts and even tops to give the models a mermaid-esque look. The runway showed us that there are several ways to embrace mermaidcore but one of the most striking ways is saving the details for the lower half, giving a bold long skirt the moment it deserves by pairing it with a more simple or muted top to add an air of mysticism to the look similar to a mermaid’s tail. We saw this on the runway at Bottega Veneta,Alaïa and Valentino.

There’s nothing more mermaid-esque than a seashell style bra and several designers incorporated this into their runway looks. Nensi Djoka showcased a number of dresses with a seashell styled bustier but one look in particular served complete mermaidcore. The gorgeous sheer beige gown included two mythical mermaid elements with a seashell style bustier and shimmering details at the bottom of the gown that resembled fish scales.

Bleu Marine did not disappoint when it came to mermaid fashion. One look in particular almost looked like the french designers take on an early 2000s Arielle. The denim three piece ensemble definitely paid tribute to the early 2000s, llayering a denim mini skirt over flouncy long skirt paired with a denim long sleeve corset top the piece de resistance: an epic gold metal chained seashell bra. 

The Importance of Texture 

A crucial element to the mermaidcore trend is playing with texture as the trend is all about embracing the deep blue sea and its rich ecosystem. With the ocean being home to the most life in the world and hidden treasure, it offers so much inspiration when it comes to texture which designers didn’t shy away from for their summer collections. Several designers showed their love for the motion of the ocean by including see through drapey fabrics that gave looks an overall wave effect. These flouncy fabrics hang effortlessly off the body and also add a romantic element to the look, paying tribute to the period of mermaid origin stories.

 It’s no surprise that Bleu Marine showcased the ultimate romantic mermaidcore look with a drapey long sleeve periwinkle blue dress with ruffled hems to resemble waves hitting the shore. The seashell bustier enhanced the look and was tied together beautifully with a sterling silver seashell belt. 

Another popular texture that was seen on the runway was netting that was serving fishermen chic. Susan Fang displayed a stunning net dress in her collection. The dress which almost looked like it was made out of washed up rope material gave the look such a beachy feel and the asymmetrical beaded details added a richness to the look giving off a sea treasure type of vibe. 

Jewelry and Accessories 

A great way to get your mermaid on is by incorporating sea inspired jewelry into your look. Whether it be through pearls, sand dollars, starfish or seashell pendants there are several ways to add a touch of mermaidcore through jewelry. One Montreal based Jewelry brand Deux Lions is the perfect place to get some high quality beach inspired jewels. The handcrafted jewelry brand run by a brother sister duo in Montreal offers several pieces inspired by nature and raw elements that can be found on shore or sea such as their Fairymoss reversible necklace, seashell Baroque necklace or Arielle hair pin.

Mermaid Beauty 

Beachy beauty is always a hot trend for summer. But with Mermaidcore coming in full force this year we’ll be taking the beachy look to the next level, encouraging people to play with more colour for a bold and oceanic eye look by using all iridescent shades of blue in the palette to mimic the glistening sea. Playing with texture is also another way to enhance a beachy beauty look by adding pearl detailing to the eyes for a mesmerizing mermaid look.

We can’t talk about mermaid beauty without mentioning hairstyles. Of course, long wavy hair is a classic mermaid inspired look but there are several ways you can embrace the trend. A ‘wet’ hair look puts itself in the mermaid category but keeping it long with some subtle beach waves makes for the ultimate mermaid “fresh out of water” look. Adding some gold or pearl hair accessories can also accentuate your inner mystic mermaid. There’s no such thing as too beachy when it comes to mermaidcore so go wild and make this summer the summer of sirens!