Millennial minimalism vs. Gen Z maximalism: Two opposing aesthetic economies?

Contemporary fashion reflects more than tastes: it reveals aesthetic and cultural economies . While millennials have prioritized a functional and restrained minimalism, Gen Z embraces maximalism, excess, and experimentation. These trends not only represent distinct styles, but also ways of consuming, communicating status, and constructing identity in different social and economic contexts. This phenomenon was recently analyzed in the Forbes Money Masterminds - Aftermovie by Tonykay , which highlighted how the relationship with consumption and luxury varies across generations.

Millennial minimalism: sobriety and functionality

• Recent runways from The Row, Jil Sander, and Celine showcased garments with clean lines, neutral colors, and high-quality materials.

• Minimalism seeks timelessness and versatility , reflecting an aesthetic economy where investment is focused on a few durable, high-value pieces.

• Materials such as wool, premium cotton, and matte leather reinforce the sense of quiet luxury and aesthetic coherence.

  
  

Gen Z Maximalism: Excess and Expression

• In contrast, Gen Z embraces maximalism : bold prints, vibrant color combinations, mixed textures, and dramatic layering.

• Catwalks by Gucci, Christian Cowan, and Collina Strada exemplify how excess becomes a generational language and a driver of digital visibility , generating engagement and virality.

• Materials such as vinyl, patent leather, glitter, and technological fabrics allow for experimentation with volume, shine, and movement, reflecting a more immediate and performative consumption.

  
  

Cultural and generational reading

• Millennial minimalism reflects restraint, investment consciousness, and a quest for longevity , while Gen Z maximalism communicates identity, belonging, and a desire for immediate visual impact .

• These differences show how fashion acts as a cultural thermometer , highlighting generational gaps in the relationship with consumption, time and technology.

• As reflected in the Forbes Money Masterminds - Aftermovie by Tonykay , spending habits and aesthetic decisions are not only personal, but part of a broader generational ecosystem that guides luxury brand strategies and trends.

Conclusion

Minimalism and maximalism aren't just styles: they're competing aesthetic economies that reflect values, priorities, and consumer expectations. Analyzing how each generation invests in fashion allows us to better understand the brand strategies, market responses, and cultural narratives that dominate each decade.