More often than not, runway trends that seem brand-new actually have interesting pasts, and many of their original inspirations can be found on Etsy. In this weekly feature, we take a trend that’s been bubbling up on the runway or in the culture at large, and track down its roots on the internet trove of vintage goodness. Not only will you get a lesson in fashion history, but you might actually be able to get your hands on original versions of pieces at much cheaper prices.
From the curlicues on Céline’s T-shirt dress to the rainbow daubs on Chanel’s dresses, designers took their art-world inspiration quite literally this season, recalling the Abstract Expressionist statements of Joan Mitchell and Robert Motherwell. Luckily, Etsy offers some ways to get that “Oh, this? I just wore it out of my studio!” look on the cheap. (And we mean cheap — everything here is under $60.) Click through our slideshow to see an Etsy haul inspired by this spring’s paint-brush trend.
The Etsy Edit: The Brush-Off
A bold stripe-splashed sweater ($19 at Etsy).
The Etsy Edit: The Brush-Off
Cheerful painted pumps? Don’t mind if we do ($48 at Etsy).
The Etsy Edit: The Brush-Off
This scarf features an eye-catching splash of hot pink ($20.69 at Etsy).
The Etsy Edit: The Brush-Off
’50s-style dress worthy of the New York School ($28 at Etsy).
The Etsy Edit: The Brush-Off
Wide, Abstract Expressionist strokes enliven this blouse ($22 at Etsy).
The Etsy Edit: The Brush-Off
’80s flair in T-shirt form ($27.51 at Etsy).
The Etsy Edit: The Brush-Off
A demure take on the trend ($58 at Etsy).
The Etsy Edit: The Brush-Off
A ‘50s circle-skirt silhouette meets a bold gallery-girl print ($31.50 at Etsy).
