Shining, Shimmering, Splendid: All Things Holographic
This retro-chic meets futuristic lush aesthetic has been doing the rounds on every visual medium in existence: Tumblr, Instagram, designer catwalks, high-street shops. And when your neighbourhood Typo store starts stocking up on bags, notebooks and even pens shiny enough to completely erase the usage of torches, you know that the holographic trend is here to stay for good.
In order to truly understand this utterly transcendental trend, a little science lesson is required. The multitude of bedazzling colours seen on holographic material occur because of iridescence, a phenomenon where certain surfaces change colours when seen at different angles and various levels of exposure to light. Iridescence occurs in nature, in sea shells and butterfly wings. Soap bubbles are also observed to be iridescent.
But what’s with the craze surrounding the holographic trend?
This ethereal sheen of colour takes off from where disco metallics ends, and takes things a step further by adding in the entire spectrum of the rainbow, leaving the wearer of iridescent objects feeling and looking like a unicorn. And honestly, who does not enjoy looking like a dreamy pixie straight of a fairytale?
Here’s a list of things that have been hijacked by the holographic trend: (hint: you too can add them to your wardrobe)
Clothes:
The trick with iridescent clothing is to not go overboard with the material: you want to look chic, not come off as an eyesore. Never go full iridescent unless you are walking the ramp or going to an outer-space themed costume party. Pair up your holographic top, blouse, skirt or pants with a monochrome garment: if you’re wearing a shiny tee opt for a sober coloured garment and vice versa. If you do find yourself wearing an entirely holographic garment, be sure to balance out your look with muted accessories.
Accessories
Holographic accessories can be used to add that extra oomph to your #OOTD. If you’re feeling bold yet not entirely uninhibited, embrace the trend in tiny doses. Bedazzle everyone with a spunky, shimmery holographic backpack, store your stationery/makeup in a glimmering pouch, and put your best foot forward in a pair of sparkling sneakers.
Make-Up
Want your face, hair and nails to look like a work of ultra-modern art? Luckily for you, there’s a whole array of luminescent beauty products waiting to be discovered: highlighters, eyeshadows, lipsticks and nail paint now all have a holographic version of themselves in the market.
Will you be getting aboard the holographic train? Do let us know in the comments below!
