We're in Medieval Times

Believe it or not, this is a trend report

While on one of my regular strolls through my Instagram saved folder the other day, I noticed a bit of a theme emerging. I’m not sure what to call it—Courtly Revival? Heraldic Romantic?—but it’s certainly there: an air of the medieval, or something like it.

There’s something afoot in fashion and interiors right now that’s very “ye olde”—nods to metal armor and crests, heavy drapery and rich fabrics, and food spreads styled like still-life banquets are currently dotting my feeds.

Once I noticed the aesthetic in my own saved folder, I started to see it everywhere, so it felt about time to do a trend report where we can break the theme down into some micro-trends.

METAL ARMOR

In the home space, there are a few different iterations of silver metals happening right now. For one, a traditional antique silver or pewter tabletop item is having its heyday, and its more modern stainless steel cousin is thriving via brands like Lazy Jamie and Service Projects.

Then there’s the chainmail trend, largely thanks to the popularity of homeware design duo Wretched Flowers, and whatever you’d call the spiky metal trim designer Domhnall Nolan used in his London club project. We’ve also got a folksier version—tin art, like this piece by illustrator Jordan Schiffer or this candle box by artist (and Pasta Girlfriend social media coordinator!) Ella Bandouveris.

Silver metals have found their place in fashion, too. Swedish brand HODAKOVA just posted an image this week of a pleated metallic look that evokes armor, and the brand is known for their silverplate corsets that would probably save your life should you need it to. Making the rounds of the internet is an armor-like beaded gown designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior Cruise 2026, which is exactly what I would wear if I were sent into battle for some reason. And then there’s this very knights-of-the-round-table bag by The Hold, an Australian brand I wrote about a few weeks ago.

HERALDIC MOTIFS

I first noticed the presence of crest-like shapes around the time of the Met Gala, when Lewis Hamilton wore a diamond brooch by Wales Bonner. It’s not strictly medieval, but it reminded me of the type of regalia you’d find somewhere in the vicinity of a castle or the shapes you’d see in a coat of arms. Since then I’ve noticed the idea elsewhere, too—Bode’s done several shirts with crests on them, J. Hannah has a custom blackletter monogram option for her signet pieces, and Ruby Jack is doing dangly earrings that kind of look like those flag things knights carried.

HEAVY DRAPERY

Designer Mel Usine launched their first collection just this week, and it’s chock full of nods to the styles of yore—think giant poet sleeve tops, hooded cloaks, chainmail knits, and shoes literally made out of steel. I’m looking forward to seeing what this brand has planned—it feels like an exciting interpretation of a trend Laura Reilly identified/perpetuated last winter she called Period Drama Dressing.

On any given evening in Los Angeles, you’ll see at least one Chelsea Mak Swan Top on the patio at Capri Club or in the Café Tondo parking lot. This draped silk top is everywhere (although criminally, not yet in my closet,) and I think it’s the lower-key cousin to the more exaggerated shapes we’re seeing elsewhere. Other Chelsea Mak styles fit the bill, too—if the Swan Top is the princess in a tower, the Maud Top is the court jester.

In the shoe department, we’re seeing a lot of Venetian-inspired silhouettes and materials, like these shoes from Poeve and these from Ilio Smeraldo. I’m predicting an uptick in jaunty little silk shoes—brands like Souliers Dulion and Herbert Levine are leading the way.

There’s been a shift away from airy, breezy white curtains into heavier window dressings in recent years—I think it’s probably that, as we’ve fallen out of love with open concept spaces, we’ve been seeking ways to make rooms feel cozier. I’m seeing more rich fabrics, more tapestries, and more drama.

Which brings me to tassels. Tassels are everywhere, from homewares to beauty accessories to jewelry to bags and beyond. Are tassels medieval? I’m not sure, but you get where I’m coming from.

THE BANQUET

In food world, there’s a huge movement towards abundance—dense florals, dark tones, moody lighting. It’s all as if a still life has materialized before us, one where fruits are spilling out of baskets and butter is served in piles sky-high.

Alimentari Flaneur is a perfect example—their gift baskets and tablescapes are full to the brim with grapes and wine and pears and all the makings of a banquet table. Baker Lauren Dozier just made a cookie inspired by medieval lettering—I’m telling you, we’re all in the same headspace. A scroll through Stissing House’s Instagram will show you rows of stacked metal plates, huge bowls of eggs, and rustic wood furniture fit for a feast. YSL recently hosted a dinner for the Venice Film Festival that pulled inspiration from the era with a huge round table, moody décor, and the craziest centerpiece I’ve ever seen.

Do you see what I mean? Maybe this is a sign that my next in-person event should be an À La Carte trip to Medieval Times.

x

Ali

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