At Patron of the New, a TriBeCa boutique, shoppers can find a variety of crystal-embellished clothing, from vintage T-shirts to flannels and sweats. The store carries a range of brands, including Bossi, Who Decides War, and Paly, all of which feature rhinestones and other sparkly embellishments. According to Jackson Ray, the store’s general manager, the sparkly clothes are “elevated loungewear” that give the wearer a sense of luxury and specialness.
The trend of bedazzling casual wear is not limited to women’s clothing. Men’s fashion director at Nordstrom, Jian DeLeon, notes that the trend is also being seen in men’s clothing, with brands like Off-White and Purple Denim offering crystal-splayed hoodies and jeans. At ComplexCon, attendees wore Ed Hardy hoodies with sparkly gems, and NBA players have also been seen wearing rhinestoned Versace sets.
The trend is not just limited to clothing. Accessories like crystal-encrusted belts and hats are also being worn by celebrities and influencers. Eric McNeal, a stylist, notes that people want things that “pop out” and make a statement, whether it’s through clothing or accessories.
For some, the trend is about making a statement and showing off one’s spending power and taste level. For others, it’s about wanting to stand out and make a splash on social media. As Dylan Lee, a 25-year-old who works at an insurance company, notes, “As the video fit pic has become the lingua franca of online flexing, things that shine when you turn are important.”
The trend of bedazzling casual wear is not new, however. It’s a repeat of the flashy aesthetic that was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, when rappers like Pharrell Williams wore gargantuan Jacob the Jeweler chains. According to Lee, the trend is making its way back into fashion, with brands like Birth of Royal Child offering crystal-encrusted clothing and accessories.
The trend has also been seen on celebrities and athletes, including rappers like Future and DaBaby, and NFL players like Von Miller and Jerry Jeudy. For some, the trend is about making a statement and showing off one’s style, while for others, it’s about wanting to stand out and make a splash on social media.
