If you're from the school of thought that Rihanna is the puppet master behind the rise and fall of style trends, may I suggest a second look at the flame. Earlier this year, Rih casually wore a floor-length fur coat with flame detailing on the bottom and a pair of red acrylic sunglasses with tips that extended into flickers of fire. Or maybe, your school of thought requires historical context, and the flame return can be traced to Prada reinstating the fashion house's classic flame design in its new collections.
Whatever the genesis of the fire, it is without a doubt trickling down the tiers of fashion. It's been a slow burn, if you will, but the signs are there. As the world becomes more hellish with each passing day and utilitarian fashion is geared for survival, maybe flame motifs are a way to embrace the chaos. If it's all going to burn down around you in the forthcoming apocalypse, you might as well look good, right?
Flame-detailing on the sleeves feels like the cool, older cousin of a full-frontal fire graphic à la THRASHER shirts. It's still playful without being completely in your face, and increases the longevity of the piece. Slick Woods and stylist Jahleel Weaver are on board, both opting for a fiery sleeve that blends seamlessly with their existing outfit.
Sunglasses are hands-down one of the easiest statement pieces, and a flamed-up pair takes it up a notch. FADER favorite Planet i pulled out all stops with a wraparound flame frame with glitter details, as seen above on Rico Nasty. If the traditional cat-eye is more your thing, take a cue from BbyMutha and snag a pair of NYC-based sunglasses line Jzhong's take on the silhouette.
Yeah, regular nail polish is cool, but have you ever gotten flame tips on your nails?
Yes, I'm aware that only a few posts ago I waxed poetic about the merits of a minimal flame print, but when it comes to graphic tops, a bold, kitsch-fueled print is the move. Get inspired by Actress Bria Vinaite and her loud Hot Wheels-y licks of fire, or by UNIF's throwback airbrushed-inspired flames.
For the devoted, emblazon your easy, everyday wear with flames — perennially cool Japanese line WTAPS teamed up with VANS for some eye-catching high-tops, while PRISCAVera heats up a no-frills slip dress with realistic flicks of fire.
Prada made a nod to its past flame motifs, revamping it with an electric and chaotic energy. Their button-down oxford shirt, pictured above on Pusha T, is both breezy and dissonant, while the flame wedge sandals crackle with the heat from its atomic colorways. As usual, the pieces are for those with money to burn — the shirt runs for over $900, while the shoes will drain you of $1,365.
Thumbnail via Planet i's Instagram.