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The Most Viral Slavic Aesthetics / ITech content

The Most Viral Slavic Aesthetics / ITech content

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In pop culture, the term "aesthetics" refers to a collection of visual images, as well as music playlists. In the 2010s, photo-sharing sites like Tumblr and social media like Instagram began to flourish, where users began collecting images, GIFs, videos, and favorite music videos. Gradually, various "aesthetics" emerged, which users began to categorize and develop, creating unique visual and audiovisual trends. These aesthetics have become an important part of self-expression and internet culture, reflecting individual preferences and lifestyles.

Aesthetics are a kind of mood board that inspires and delights, uniting key meanings and areas of application. This could be dresses that harmonize with the interior, mood, literature, or music playlist. Your aesthetic mood board can contain a variety of content: interiors, clothing, architecture, and much more. Aesthetics serve as a link between different aspects of life, creating a holistic perception of the world around us.

Cottagecore is one of the most popular aesthetics, drawing inspiration from the charms of country life and the music of Taylor Swift. This style became especially relevant in 2020, when the world faced global isolation. People trapped in city apartments began dreaming of the vastness of nature, while those fortunate enough to live in the countryside enjoyed walks in the fresh air. The cottagecore aesthetic captured the imagination of many, offering the comfort and tranquility of country life as a contrast to the bustle of the city.

The cottagecore aesthetic has shaped a unique worldview based on a rejection of the bustle of the city and a desire for sustainable consumption. An important aspect of this trend is the vintage and patchwork trend, which extends across various areas of life. The interiors, clothing, music, and lifestyle are all imbued with the cottagecore spirit, which offers a harmonious blend of comfort and natural simplicity. The pursuit of naturalness and individuality makes cottagecore attractive to those looking for an alternative to modern trends.

Photo: Paul Volkmer / Charlotte May / Pexels

Recently, there has been a growing interest in Slavic countries, the Balkans, Slavic girls, and the aesthetics of the Soviet bloc. We analyzed a new trend known as slaviccor.

The Discovery of the Soviet Union: The Beginning of a Style

Slaviccor is not a new style. Designers and artists have long drawn inspiration from Slavic countries and their culture. However, the opening of Russia and other Slavic states in the 1990s sparked significant interest in regions that had been behind the Iron Curtain for 70 years. This interest in Slavic heritage continues to develop, bringing diversity to contemporary art and design.

Photo: Thierry Mugler / Galerie 46
Photo: Thierry Mugler / Galerie 46
Thierry Mugler discovered the Soviet Union back in 1985. Photo: Thierry Mugler / Polka Galerie
Photo: Thierry Mugler / Polka Galerie

Ralph Lauren, drawing inspiration from the 1990s and the changes taking place in Russia, developed a unique collection that today can be regarded as an example of Slavikor. This collection combines elements of nostalgia and contemporary style, reflecting the spirit of the times and cultural transformations.

Photo: Ralph Lauren / eBay
Photo: Ralph Lauren / eBay

Top models such as Kate Moss and Natalia Vodianova have already demonstrated Slavic aesthetics in their careers. Therefore, it cannot be said that Slavikkor is an absolutely new phenomenon. However, it is worth noting that there are certain differences in its interpretation and perception in the modern context. Slavic aesthetics continues to evolve, combining traditional elements with current fashion trends, making it unique and appealing to a wide audience.

Photo: Victor VIRGILE / Gamma-Rapho / CHANCE YEH / Patrick McMullan / Getty Images

Slaviccor Today: "expensive-rich" and "bandit's wife"

In the 1980s and 1990s, Slavic aesthetics were perceived as exotic to foreign audiences. Thierry Mugler used socialist realist monuments as backdrops for his collections, and Ralph Lauren drew inspiration from (largely fictional) images of Russia before 1917. Today, trends in fashion and art have undergone significant changes. Slavic aesthetics have become more accessible and understandable, attracting the attention of designers and artists around the world.

The hashtag "Slavicgirl" has become popular on TikTok, garnering nearly a billion views. This trend recreates the atmosphere of the affluent 2000s, highlighting the consumer culture of that era. Slavic girl aesthetic represents a unique style reflecting the aesthetics of Slavic girls, their fashion, and lifestyle. This visual language attracts attention and generates interest among a wide audience, helping to popularize Slavic culture in the modern digital space.

Photo: kosmos7764 / Shutterstock
Photo: T.Den_Team / Shutterstock

Bright elements of the Snow Maiden style include rich makeup with an emphasis on the lips and blush, creating the effect of freshness, as if after a winter walk. The image is complemented by a long fur coat and a fur hat, which emphasizes the winter theme. Premium brands play an important role, as well as the use of bright yellow gold, symbolizing material success and status. This style attracts attention and creates an impression of confidence and luxury.

Photo: SvetlanaFedoseyeva / paultarasenko / Shutterstock

The style in question has organically migrated into two popular trends: Mob Wife and tradwife. These aesthetics don't require a woman to be of Slavic descent, to have a mafia husband, or even to have a husband at all. They offer every woman, regardless of her status, the opportunity to choose and adapt style elements that resonate with her.

Drea de Matteo as a classic mobster's wife in the TV series "The Sopranos" Still: TV series "The Sopranos" / HBO
Photo: Yevgeniya Ludnova / Shutterstock

Fashion styles often overlap, and foreigners often use the terms "Svetlanakor" or "rich Russian woman style" to describe this trend. This look has become popular thanks to A-list celebrities like Rihanna and Kendall Jenner, who have helped bring attention to this trend. The style combines elements of luxury and elegance, making it appealing to many fashionistas around the world.

Fashion journalists note that the rise of hyper-feminine images with a specific social role may indicate that feminism is losing its relevance in pop culture. Perhaps society is tired of traditional stereotypes, such as Barbie and warrior images, and is seeking new visual solutions. This indicates a desire for diversity and experimentation in the representation of femininity in modern media.

The dressy style also has a downside, which also deserves attention from an aesthetic perspective. This side can offer unique solutions and original approaches to design, emphasizing individuality and creativity. The aesthetic perception of elegant style opens up new horizons in design and fashion, allowing for the creation of harmonious and memorable looks.

Panelkakor: the aesthetics of [remote places with a low level of economic development] the outskirts, Gopnik, Gosha Rubchinskiy, and "Slovo Patsana," of course

The flip side of the luxurious 2000s and the floor-length fur coats of "bandit wives" are panel houses. This period became a symbol not only of material well-being, but also of social contrast. Panel houses built during this time became the epitome of mass housing, often associated with poverty and a lack of aesthetics. While some enjoyed high-end living, most people lived in conditions that were not conducive to a comfortable existence. Thus, panel houses represent not only an architectural style, but also a reflection of the social structure of the 2000s.

This is a unique opportunity to rethink the aesthetics of the ugly and discover beauty in the most unexpected places.

Stunning cakes from Surgut (of course, they went incredibly viral) | Photo: @kate_artcake / Instagram*
Photo: @paulpats / Instagram*
Photo: Friend & Function

Panelkakor became popular on Tumblr in 2016, when designer Gosha Rubchinskiy introduced the Cyrillic alphabet into fashion and highlighted the lifestyle of those living in the urban outskirts. Interestingly, the English-language Wikipedia entry on aesthetics mentions that...

The Gopnik aesthetic, often referred to on social media as Slavic, does not encompass all Slavic peoples. This subculture has its own unique characteristics and is not a reflection of all Slavic identity.

The aesthetic of the urban outskirts is not always dark. There are many variations, including vibrant magical realism and ironic elements that can add life and depth to these places. The urban outskirts can be a source of inspiration, where contrasts create a unique atmosphere, allowing one to see beauty in the ordinary.

Image: Yulia Zhuravleva / Artstation
Image: Yulia Zhuravleva / Artstation
Briefly about the aesthetics of the outskirts and its main mood Photo: @paulpats / Instagram*
Gosha Rubchinsky made the Cyrillic alphabet super popular Photo: Skillbox Media
Photo: Adidas / Sneakerhead

«The Word of a Boy» — a New Breath for Aesthetics

Zhora Kryzhovnikov’s series, which has been gaining popularity for several months now, has significantly contributed to the revival of interest in the aesthetics of panel buildings. This project attracts the attention of viewers, bringing back into fashion elements associated with Soviet architecture and culture. Inspiration from panel houses, their simplicity and utility are once again becoming relevant in modern design and art, which confirms the growing interest in this direction.

Still: the series "The Word of a Boy. Blood on the Asphalt" / Toomuch Production
Stylists and fashion bloggers are recording a video "How to adapt the boyish style from "The Word of a Boy" to modern realities" Still: TV series "The Word of a Boy. Blood on the Asphalt" / Toomuch Production
Image: Moscow Book Trading House

There is an interesting trend: smart and bright Slavikkor is mainly represented in women's fashion, while dark and alienated elements of this style are more common in men's option.

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