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"What goes around comes around" is a saying that has always held true—especially in fashion. Trends cycle back, and those with a keen eye for style can spot the next big thing before it takes over. If you're a true fashionista, you stay ahead of the trends and align yourself with the trendsetters—the visionaries who anticipate where designers are headed and which styles will dominate next.
Right now, we're in a transitional phase, moving away from body-conscious fashion: the era of sheer fabrics, skin-tight leggings, body-hugging tops, and ultra-skinny jeans is slowly fading. Instead, we see a shift toward looser silhouettes—barrel pants, wide-leg flares, baggy shorts, and oversized outerwear are taking center stage. The cycle continues. There are visionaries, trendsetters, and followers.
Kanye West, now known as Ye, is a visionary. On June 8, 2021—his 44th birthday—he introduced the Yeezy Gap "Round Jacket" puffer, the first item from his Yeezy Gap collaboration. Initially embraced by select fashion-forward circles, it took four years for the look to gain widespread acceptance. Now, it's time for a wardrobe update—because puffing is officially in.
Grace Jones, on the other hand, is a trendsetter. A high-profile model and muse to avant-garde designers like Kenzo, Yves Saint Laurent, and Azzedine Alaïa, she was revered for her fearless, androgynous aesthetic. Her iconic 1980 album Warm Leatherette features her in what can be seen as a precursor to today's puffer trend. What goes around truly does come around.
The Rise of Puffing in FashionIn fashion, the "puffing" design concept—seen in puff sleeves, puff prints, and voluminous silhouettes—adds texture and drama to garments. This trend utilizes various techniques to create a bold, three-dimensional effect.
Key Elements of the Puff Trend:- Puff Sleeves: Gathered or pleated at the shoulder, these sleeves create a voluminous, balloon-like effect.- Puff Prints/Screen Prints: Special "puff ink" expands when heat is applied, resulting in raised, textured designs.- Puff Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): A material cut and applied with heat to fabric, creating 3D designs.
Why Puffing Is Popular:- Adds drama and femininity: Puff elements bring a bold, playful touch to outfits.- Creates unique textures: Raised and tactile, puff designs stand out from traditional prints.- Versatile: Found in dresses, blouses, hoodies, and outerwear.- Bridges digital and physical fashion: The puff trend reflects a growing embrace of 3D elements from the metaverse in real-world fashion.
Fashion’s evolution is constant, but some trends always find their way back. So, are you a puffer yet?