Karl, it’s time to delete Choupette’s Instagram account. If cats have ruled social media, YouTube videos and the fronts of jumpers for most of the decade, they are finally on their ninth life. And, in a logic that could only come from the fashion industry, they are being replaced by dinosaurs, creatures that have been extinct for around 65m years. That really is retro.
Dinosaurs are on jumpers at Coach, they are on earrings at Céline – a sure sign that they really do have the fashion pack’s approval (designer Phoebe Philo isn’t the kind for an easy lol). At Paul Smith, they cover a jumper and shirt, and there’s even an 80s-style dino-themed computer game that you can download. They are also making a play for the plastic flamingo’s spot on Instagram – much loved by Taylor Swift and friends. Two balloon dinosaurs formed the backdrop to a recent post by Alexa Chung, a present from fellow Instagram it-girl Harley Viera-Newton. And so, 65m years LTTP, the dinosaur’s fashion moment is finally here.
What is it about dinosaurs that works for fashion right now? They are nostalgic, in a childhood-day-out-to-the-museum sort of way. They have a flawless – instantly recognisable – profile, giving selfie queens such as Kylie Jenner a run for her money. And they are that other thing that fashion likes – rare or, in fact, nonexistent in this case.
Of course, as with everything in fashion, there are favourites. It’s all about Tyrannasaurus rex – possibly the creature with the strongest bite of any animal ever, and so definitely alpha – as seen on the Coach sweater worn by Winona Ryder and friends, those earrings at Céline, and the shirt at Paul Smith. The more loveable – and even bigger – diplodocus is also on the fashion-approved list, as seen in Alexa’s balloons.
Now they are in fashion, dinosaurs look set to go forth and multiply. At Topshop, there is the whole gang – the pterodactyl, stegosaurus and triceratops, with added sequins – on a pair of mom jeans designed by Kuccia. You can’t imagine that the average paleontologist would approve, but still. T-rex emojis complete with hearts for eyes are only a matter of time.
