The so-called "mob wife aesthetic," characterized by oversized sunglasses, extravagant gold jewellery, animal prints and vintage fur coats or faux fur, is making waves across TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms.
This trend draws inspiration from 90s films portraying mafia women, such as Sharon Stone in "Casino" and Lorraine Bracco in "Goodfellas," the fashion magazine Glamour has reported.
Also described as "mob wife maximalism," this style stands in stark contrast to the minimalist and restrained looks that have dominated in recent years.
The look has made such waves that even Francis Ford Coppola, the creator of the above-mentioned mob classics, has even weighed in. Earlier this year he explained on Instagram that the "Godfather" character of Connie" Corleone had somewhat royal roots, and was inspired by "a sultry, delightful Italian princess."
Carl Tillessen from the German Fashion Institute (DMI) says this viral trend marks a significant shift in the direction of fashion.
"Fashion only remains relevant if it also plays with ambivalence, both in terms of taste and morals," he says. The motto of this fashion trend is clear: Anything that is not minimalist is in.
This extends to bold hairstyling and make-up choices, including dark lipstick and voluminous blowouts, as well as statement pieces like large bags and eye-catching logos.
To complete the look, leather dresses or a figure-hugging catsuit, which was hailed by FashionUnited as the "perfect all-in-one to wear under a fur or leather coat."
Arnold Gevers, a professor at a Berlin fashion and design academy, says: "It's actually a trend that celebrates a certain form of femininity and, above all, a reference to a certain form of luxury, of bling-bling, of new money."
Looking forward, Gevers predicts a brief but intense trend "because it is getting so much attention and is being talked about so much."
So if you want to join in, you might want to hurry up - and get out your fake fur before it is no longer trending.
