After Barbiecore and Cottagecore, now is the time to enter the Coquette-core epoch. While scrolling through your explore feed, if you find yourself stumbling upon romantic girly style with a vintage edge spotlighting pastel hues, pointelle knits, milkmaid tops, and strings of pearls and immediately ensnared by this Bridgerton-esque enchantment, then you are surely in for being enraptured.
The Origin And Influence Of Coquette-core
The coquette aesthetic is burgeoning and has garnered some serious attention. It epitomises enhancing the flirtatious hyper-feminine side and dressing in the girliest styles that rule supreme. It is a world where femininity reigns supreme, where the subtle art of seduction is celebrated with unabashed fervour. Coquette styling has currently been lauded by many and has bookmarked its many muses.
The dawn of the trend was influenced not just by Victorian and Rococo fashion but also by the Japanese style named ‘Lolita’ (a topic that often invites discourse), which emphasises childlike innocence and modesty compared to the slightly sultry coquette core. The aesthetic draws inspiration that harkens back to the classic Victorian Regency and French style, which includes satin gloves and empire waists, which will surely make you want to saunter around like royalty. The coquette trend’s earliest inspirations that one could recall are seen on aristocrats like Marie Antoinette, Joséphine de Beauharnais, and Queen Victoria.
The Creative Genesis
The emergence of labels like Selkie, whose whimsical photoshoots are set in idyllic countryside landscapes, featuring models with rosy cheeks and soft lighting to accentuate the brand’s extravagant frilly dresses, have garnered acclaim. Other brands have adopted similar aesthetics, integrating elements like exaggerated sleeves, cupcake-inspired silhouettes, and delicate floral patterns into their collections. Richard Quinn’s Spring Summer ’24 collection is another example that has portrayed this coquette core to the nines. The collection also pays homage to the designer’s late father, who embodies his penchant for theatrical silhouettes.
From the Gilded Age to the digital era, the coquette aesthetic has wielded its power over hearts. As seen on Sofia Richie, known for her enviable style, the trend was incorporated into her lavish nuptials afterparty. The fashion icon opted to don the legendary Claudia Schiffer’s Chanel runway look from 1993, which was nothing less than fabulous. On the other hand, Dua Lipa wore yet another of Claudia Schiffer’s 1992 Chanel bridal tweed gown at the Met Gala to honour creative powerhouse Karl Lagerfeld.
Celebrity Stamp Of Approval
Many celebrities have hopped onto the bandwagon and have been adding their own unique flair to it. Mega stars like Audrey Hepburn, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, and Sydney Sweeney, amongst many others, have been spotted channelling their inner fashionista. Lana Del Ray’s music and style particularly include bouffant hairdos and flower crowns, lending her not just a standout appearance but showcasing her ardent love towards the coquette aesthetic.
Deepika Padukone served looks by donning a beautiful ball-gown-inspired black dress by Gauri and Nanika for Anant Ambani & Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding festivities. The diva completed her look with a matching bow that elevated her overall look. This isn’t the first time she showed us how to conquer the aesthetic with perfection, but during her first appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, she wore a dramatic ensemble by Peter Dundas that scored high on impact.
Emma Watson’s interpretation of the trend was more wearable than whimsical. At Prada’s spring 2024 show in Milan, she donned a minimalist ensemble set off by an updo finished in a simple black bow. The trend is ever-changing, as celebrities like Ariana Grande and Olivia Rodrigo make the aesthetic their own by pairing it up with chunky heels and knitted stockings.
Blair Waldorf, the iconic character from “Gossip Girl” played by Leighton Meester, epitomises the essence of coquette core style. With her poised demeanour and sophisticated fashion choices, Blair embodies the fusion of timeless elegance with a hint of flirtatious charm. From her tailored silhouettes to her feminine accessories, Blair’s wardrobe reflects a balance of classic allure and modern sensibility.
The hallmarks of this amorous fashion showcase ruffles, frills, puffy sleeves, lace, ribbons, and the heart of it all: the bows, which are also referred to as the patron of the trend. Although the essence remains the same, it has been revamped to suit the tastes of the present.
What sets the coquette trend apart is the styles being interpreted and reinvented. Coquette style embraces femininity and self-expression through fashion choices that are both alluring and daring. As more people dress coquette style, they ensure unapologetically being themselves. When considering this trend, consider versatility, comfort, and functionality across the ensemble of items that make you stand out. Style is ever-changing, and trends will always have a way of coming back full circle; thus, experiment.