Meet Tik Tok Latest Trend: Weirdieval When the Weird Girl met the Medieval Core
The creation of increasingly niche aesthetics – such as Regency Core, Barbie Core, and Tennis Core – derived from pop culture trends is nothing new. And this summer, surprisingly, the game of clothes has crowned a new trend as the one of the moment: Weirdieval. For those unfamiliar, open TikTok and search for the name that echoes and haunts. See metallics mixed with earthy tones. An unconventional visual meeting your true warrior. Aside from the videos of influencers and netizens that stick to it - TikToks with Paco Rabanne this, Dilara Findikoglu that - runway shows might give you a hint.
What's Weirdieval?
As for its name, Weird Girl core plus Medieval equals Weirdieval. With looks largely inspired by Bella Hadid in 2022, featuring mismatched accessories like knee-high gym socks paired with pumps, fluffy pieces such as arm warmers, and contrasting textures, the Weird Girl core took over Tik Tok with a total of 113.8 million posts. From its close connection to the noughties street style of Tokyo's Harajuku district to designers such as Marc Jacobs for Heaven and Chet Lo who have mastered the vibe, the Weird Girl Core departs from standards, embraces experimentation, and flirts with maximalism. As for Medieval fashion, think Joan of Arc, gauzy scarves, warrior tunics, #knightcore (which has 37.7M videos on Tik Tok), Paco Rabanne metallic dresses, Hari Nef in Barbie’s Premiere in London wearing Dilara Findikoglu knife dress from Fall 2023, or Balenciaga's armor boots. When Weird Girl and Medieval join forces, screens are flooded with pixie looks, armor looks making modern-day Joan of Arcs, pirate-like white tunics with giant leather belts, obscure capes, feudal suede dresses, elvish boots, and middle-age hairstyles.
The nichest the better
Like a subculture, Weirdieval is highly niche, appealing to a small group of people while providing a pseudo-feeling of community and distinction. Amidst the sea of trends that come and go, netizens are focused on finding their individuality – although that can be difficult in a world that shares everything. But when these niche trends become mainstream, individuality becomes an impossibility since even those who weren't initially interested embrace the trend to be in fashion. After the revival of minimalist trends from the sleek '90s and the rise of aesthetics like "quiet luxury," it's not surprising to see a rupture with what was then the norm. The burning question is, will you let Weirdieval tame your heart while you search your inner edgy knight?
