Photo Courtesy of ImaxTree
This trippy technique has been around for decades, but it still remains popular to this day.
By Ivy Tang
Date April 28, 2022
Trompe l’oeil, an art technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that objects exist in three dimensions, has been around since the early 19th century. But the surrealist approach was first popularized in fashion by the designer Elsa Schiaparelli in 1927 on a knitted sweater, and it has since become a signature technique of the house. From then on, many designers have dabbled with the detail, last seen on the runways of Moschino, Loewe and Bottega Veneta for their Fall/Winter 2022 collections, while Coach and Marni incorporated the whimsical element in their Spring/Summer 2022 collections.
As we head into fashion’s playful, dopamine direction, we expect to see elements like this become more prevalent in the next few seasons.
Ready to add some cheeky details to your wardrobe? Here are a few pieces available on the market now, from cartoon-ish interpretations to realistic prints.
Coach
Cashin Carry 22 With Trompe L’oeil Print
($595, Coach)
Diesel
Trompe L’oeil Tights
($295, Diesel)
Undercover
Printed Hooded Jacket
($3,540, Farfetch)
Marni
Blue Trompe L’oeil Jacquard Moccasin
($1,190, Marni)