If there was one thing that stood out from the latest fashion week, it was glitter. From sequin dresses and knee-high boots to decadent runway sets, sparkle seemed to dominate the fashion scene from all over. Interestingly enough, the eye-catching looks on the catwalks this season appeared even more magical on many brands’ and influencers’ social media platforms, thanks to the Kirakira+ app, which has ever since become a fashion trend in its own right.
Kira means “shiny” in Japanese, and just like its namesake, the app comes with a set of filters that cast a shimmery, dewy glow across any video. Not only do they accentuate how luxe an outfit is, they also give any skin complexion a healthy sun-kissed wash.
The fun part is, everyone on social media has taken the filter and given it their personal spin. Industry gurus like head of fashion partnerships at Instagram, Eva Chen, have captured the epitome of Kirakira+ decked out in their head-to-toe dazzling suits with matching shoes.
Other celebrities, like new-to-the-scene supermodel Kaia Gerber, took a more subtle approach backstage at the Versace SS18 show posing with her superstar mum Cindy Crawford. (Although with Kirakira, is there really any way to be subtle?)
Currently, the overriding sentiment in fashion seems to be more is more is more. Perhaps a determined focus on the frill and joyful is an attempt at distracting us from time we’re living in. Even if all that glitters isn’t gold, it seems to be at the moment a surefire way to put a smile on someone’s face.
And for the discerning Singaporean, here’s your disclaimer: the app costs S$1.48 on the app store. In a perfect world, we’d all want everything to be free too, but if the idea is to pay $1.48 to look like a million bucks on an Instagram post, it’s no wonder so many people are on board.
Header images: @evachen212, @rosiehw, @patmagrahreal
