Before you dive into this story, I want you to stop and think about social media. It’s not hyperbolic to assume that, after reflection, most can conclude that we’re living in one of the most polarizing periods in recent history. In part, that’s due to the larger issues at play around the rise of misinformation and the erosion of civil discourse. But it’s fair to say that pop culture, specifically celebrity trends, has played its part in lighting up conversations on social platforms. We’re all used to how the comment sections pop off when a celebrity is spotted wearing a “controversial” look. Even some of us aren’t afraid to admit we love to live-tweet our judgments about what someone’s donning on the red carpet while we’re on the couch wearing sweatpants. And while it’s now “normal” to weigh in on what stars are spotted in, there’s one peculiar accessory trend that’s divided people like never before: surrealism. Are you wondering exactly what this trend is? Ahead, I’ve done some research to define surrealism and show how it went from being a trend on the runways to becoming beloved among the celeb set. If you thought that the naked-dress trend or even the return of low-rise denim had people fighting in the comments, then I can assure you this next trend will have people in their feelings.
Unless you’ve majored in art history, you might not know how to define surrealism. In short, it’s an art movement that began between World War I and World War II that was meant to combine reality and fantasy through various creative mediums. In the context of fashion, that means taking everyday objects and incorporating them into garments and accessories to create whimsical and bizarre pieces. Some of the most famous designers to bring surrealism into the realm of fashion were the late Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dalí. But this style movement isn’t just something of the past; designers have brought surrealism back into the conversation. Surrealism’s continued relevance in fashion is due to designers such as Martin Margiela, Thom Browne, Jeremy Scott, and Jonathan Anderson continuing to champion it. But its popularity can be boiled down to its prevalence in recent seasons.
For example, in the fall/winter 2022 collections, we saw everything from shoes adorned with balloons at Loewe to bags and belts adorned with china and cutlery at Puppets and Puppets and Moschino. It wasn’t just fall collections that had a touch of surrealism. In the spring/summer 2023 collections, we saw it too. There were shell belts at Blumarine, a broccoli bag at Collina Strada, and knee-high boots with a slinky heel at Off-White. One could come to a conclusion from runway collections alone that this trend is back. But really, what’s cemented this trend’s resurgence is the fact it’s already been spotted on the celeb set. Keep scrolling to see how this trend is being worn right now.
WHO: Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw. WHAT: On the set of season two of And Just Like That…. WEAR: JW Anderson Pigeon Clutch Bag ($890). Confession: My initial rationale for pitching that surrealism is back was this lifelike pigeon clutch from JW Anderson. I’ve messaged my loved ones an embarrassing number of times about wanting this clutch, only to be told they weren’t fans. So I felt vindicated when paparazzi images were released of Sarah Jessica Parker on set for the second season of And Just Like That…. Sure, the internet was (and still is) divided about this bag, but you have to admit there’s nothing more on-brand for this Carrie Bradshaw than a surrealist accessory.
Pigeons in real life? Not a fan. Pigeon-shaped bags? About that life.
WHO: Taylor Russell. WHAT: Governors Awards. WEAR: Schiaparelli fall 2022 couture gown. Of course, there are a few non-cringe-inducing ways to embrace surrealism, one being through jewelry. The most recent example of surrealist jewelry taking center stage is the look above from Taylor Russell. The rising star wore these oversize eye-shaped earrings with a black gown from Schiaparelli’s fall 2022 couture collection. This look is proof that she’s someone to keep your eye on and that this trend is one to watch.
I’ve got my eye on these earrings.
WHO: Doja Cat. WHAT: Fashion Media Awards. WEAR: Viktor&Rolf fall 2022 couture suit; Puppets and Puppets Cookie Leather Top Handle Bag ($475); Versace Leather Platform Strappy Pumps ($1825). Another bag I talk about incessantly with my loved ones? This Puppets and Puppets cookie bag. I was told by loved ones to set aside my obsession with this bag and that it was too “niche,” but they were wrong (again). Once I saw Doja Cat donning this bag, I knew that this trend was happening for real. And not even comments from my loved one or the internet could stop me from buying this purse.
Go ahead and satisfy your sugar cravings.
WHO: Jaime Xie . WHAT: Premiere of Bling Empire Season Two. WEAR: Roberto Cavalli fall 2022 ready-to-wear boots. Another way I’ve seen surrealism bubble up with the fashion set is through 3D florets. Here at Who What Wear, we dubbed flowers as a rising trend a while back, and our hunch has been further confirmed. The receipts can be traced to this red carpet look from Bling Empire star and model Jamie Xie. Her donning a pair of mint-green knee-high Roberto Cavalli boots with appliqué florets proves this accessory trend is only growing from here.
While Roberto Cavalli’s 3D rosette boots are now sold out, these chic Valentino ones are still available.
WHO: Julia Fox. WEAR: Reality Eyewear glasses; Seks dress; Harley Davidson gloves; Thom Browne bag; Junya Watanabe boots. When it comes to wearing a “controversial” trend out of the jump, you already know that Julia Fox will be on it. So it should come as no surprise that the starlet recently wore a fox-shaped bag while out on a casual evening. It may be a bit campy, but it further proves that this fantastical trend can fit into reality and everyday life rather well.
Thom Browne’s fox bag is now sold out, but this cute puppy version is still available.
WHO: Tessa Thompson. WEAR: Loewe Flower Sunglasses ($380); MM6 Maison Margiela Pre-Fall 2022 outfit; Giorgio Armani La Prima Hobo Bag ($1495). If you’ve made it to this point in the story, you might be thinking, How is someone supposed to wear this trend for everyday life? And while I’ll admit that surrealist accessories aren’t for everyone, there are more subtle ways to incorporate them into your life. Take, for example, the look from Tessa Thompson above. A simple outfit can be transformed with the addition of uniquely shaped sunglasses.
You’ll wear these well into the spring.
WHO: Kylie Jenner. WHAT: Paris Fashion Week. WEAR: Schiaparelli fall 2022 couture gown. Again, surrealist-inspired jewelry remains a fan favorite among the fashion set, including with Kylie Jenner. While everyone may not have an occasion that requires them to wear a Schiaparelli velvet gown, that doesn’t mean you can’t draw inspiration from her look. If you have upcoming weddings or special parties on your calendar, try adding a lifelike piece of jewelry to your outfit. It can ensure you wow the crowd and gives you a chance to test-drive the trend without committing to it beyond the evening.
It’s not a heart-shaped necklace, but it’s something you can easily pair with your beloved LBD.
WHO: Maude Apatow . WHAT: Paris Fashion Week. WEAR: Loewe fall 2022 ready-to-wear outfit. While many brands have contributed to the return of surrealism, my favorite is Loewe. With Anderson as the creative director, this trend has reached higher heights (quite literally). Just look to the designer’s whimsical fall collection, which includes the usage of real and lifelike ballons on everything from gowns to shoes to jewelry. And while I hold the designer’s take on surrealism in the highest regard, I’m not alone in it. These pieces have been spotted on everyone from Hailey Bieber to Gabrielle Union to Maude Apatow, showing that this trend’s popularity is destined to float up from here on out.
Loewe does it again.
WHO: Beyoncé . WHAT: Shawn Carter Foundation Gala. WEAR: David Koma gown; Judith Leiber Couture Game Day Stack of Cash Billions Crystal Envelope Clutch ($1295). Last but certainly not least, the final example of how surrealist accessories are here to stay is from the queen herself—ahem, Beyoncé. While this look is from a few years ago, it proves this trend’s staying power and continued relevance. Sure, these accessories may be divisive, and some may even say they’re “unnecessary,” but at the end of the day, all that matters is how you feel about it. In the words of Beyoncé herself, always stay gracious; the best revenge is your paper. And I say that wearing a money-shaped clutch or any surreal accessory is worth the investment, even if it causes a stir in the comment section.
A clutch that’s a physical embodiment of “rich” energy.
Who wouldn’t want to get their hands on this earring?
Book lovers, meet your new favorite bag.
A pair of sandals that can give anyone butterflies on sight.
I’d jump through hoops for this body-shaped ring.
This pearl-shaped clutch looks like it was pulled straight out of the ocean.
You have to admit these are fun.
It’s giving mop energy but in the form of mules.
Fun fact: This bag was one of the last handbags designed for Louis Vuitton by the late Virgil Abloh.
I could have sworn these were real cherries.
The champagne cork–inspired heel on these slingbacks is so festive.
Are you drooling because of the pasta-shaped strap on this bag? Me too, fam.
Not a crumb left in sight.
There’s nothing dry about this beaded olive-shaped barrette.
Wear your vegetables.
Zara went off with these boots.
It’s not fresh out of the water, but this earring is still slick.
Yep, this bag is meant to look like crystals.
Consider this final proof that surrealist accessories are in full bloom.
