Latest news with #darkacademia
Vogue Arabia
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
Is Geek the New Chic? Some Brands Are Placing Their Bets
The scholarly, bookish look—complete with all its awkward charm—has been elevated to high fashion status, with Prada, Miu Miu, and Thom Browne leading this intellectual revolution. In a fascinating pivot from the hyper-glamorous aesthetics that have dominated runways in recent years, fashion's powerhouses are embracing what was once decidedly unfashionable. Photo: Pascal Le Segretain (Getty Images) Nerd Nostalgia The pendulum of fashion has swung dramatically from the skin-baring, ultra-sexy trends of recent seasons toward something more buttoned-up and brainy. What began as whispers of "dark academia" on social media has evolved into full-fledged collections celebrating the formerly maligned markers of geekdom. Photo: Miu Miu/ Vogue Runway Photo: Miu Miu/ Vogue Runway Photo: Miu Miu/ Vogue Runway Miuccia Prada, long known for subverting expectations, has positioned her namesake brand and Miu Miu as the flagbearer of this movement. Where Miu Miu once championed micro-miniskirts that dominated Instagram feeds worldwide, recent collections have embraced a more contemplative aesthetic: think librarian-inspired cardigans, knee-length skirts with practical pockets, and those now-iconic clear glasses frames that suggest late nights spent reading under dim library lamps. Outcast to It-Girl What makes this trend particularly compelling is its inherent contradiction: fashion's elite are now paying premium prices for looks that deliberately reference social outsiderdom. The aesthetic borrows heavily from prep school uniforms and scholarly stereotypes, transformed through luxury materials and meticulous tailoring. Thom Browne has doubled down on this academically-inclined approach, with collections featuring exaggerated proportions of traditional school uniforms—pleated skirts, blazers with embroidered crests, and chunky knit sweaters. His runway presentations often resemble fantastical school assemblies, complete with models carrying leather-bound books and vintage-inspired satchels. Cultural Shift This pivot toward intellectualism in fashion reflects broader cultural currents. After years of celebrating extroverted glamour across social media platforms, there's a growing appreciation for introspection and substance. The geek aesthetic—with its connotations of depth, knowledge, and individuality—feels refreshingly authentic in an era often criticized for its superficiality. What started on high-fashion runways has quickly permeated mainstream wardrobes. Pleated midi skirts paired with oversized cardigans, penny loafers worn with visible socks, rectangular eyeglasses, and structured book bags have become staples for fashion-forward consumers. Photo: Prada/ Vogue Runway Photo: Prada/ Vogue Runway Photo: Prada/ Vogue Runway The commercial impact has been significant. Miu Miu's clear-frame glasses reportedly sold out within days of their runway debut, while searches for "preppy style" and "dark academia fashion" have surged across shopping platforms. Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Emma Chamberlain, and Jenna Ortega consistently embody the geek chic aesthetic. Their style channels a modern interpretation of the private schoolgirl look—polished yet provocative, intellectual with a subtle, sultry edge. Future of Fashionable Intelligence Is this scholarly turn a passing trend or a more lasting shift in fashion's values? This aesthetic has surprising staying power precisely because it's built on classic, quality pieces rather than flash-in-the-pan novelties. As fashion continues its romance with intellectual chic, one thing becomes clear: in today's style landscape, showing your smarts has never been more fashionable. The message from design houses is unmistakable—intelligence, individuality, and a touch of awkward authenticity are the ultimate luxury accessories for the modern wardrobe. What was once relegated to the fringes now takes center stage, proving once again that in fashion, today's geek truly is tomorrow's chic.
Geek Girl Authority
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
emily tesh Archives
Categories Select Category Games GGA Columns Movies Stuff We Like The Daily Bugle TV & Streaming The Incandescent is a dark academia novel that examines an unseen side of the story: what the teachers are up to. Read on for our review. Books List Articles Stuff We Like The end of the year means it's time to reflect on the best science fiction and fantasy of 2023. Did your favorite make our list? Read on! Books List Articles Stuff We Like Fall is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. Click through for six cozy fall reads to help you start the season off right.
Geek Girl Authority
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
The Incandescent Archives
Categories Select Category Games GGA Columns Movies Stuff We Like The Daily Bugle TV & Streaming The Incandescent is a dark academia novel that examines an unseen side of the story: what the teachers are up to. Read on for our review.
Geek Girl Authority
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Book Review: THE INCANDESCENT
Thank you to Tor Books for sending me a copy of The Incandescent in exchange for an honest review. About The Incandescent by Emily Tesh Doctor Walden may be one of the most powerful magicians in England. She spends her days, however, as Director of Magic at Chetwood Academy, corralling chaotic sixth-formers, attending endless meetings and holding back the demonic forces that threaten the school's ancient wards. She's brilliant, composed, and trusted to keep 600 students safe. But demons are cunning, and Walden knows all too well the danger they pose — especially when the greatest threat may be the darkness she carries within. RELATED: New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on May 6 The Incandescent is a unique work of dark academia that examines an often-unseen side of the story: what the teachers are up to. Emily Tesh does a great job of balancing the administrative side of things with a constantly evolving magical mystery. Walden is a great character to follow through this story. She's fond of her students, and she loves her job. However, she also often finds these teens exasperating, and she's just plain tired. She isn't as old as she makes herself sound — only 37 — but she's weathered years at Chetwood, both as a student and a teacher. Walden's experience as 'academic turned educator turned school management' gives her a unique view of the school she cares so deeply about, unique from other dark academia protagonists. RELATED: Book Review: When Among Crows Because of our narrator, The Incandescent appears as almost a slice-of-life story. A lot of the plot focuses on Walden going about her day, completing tasks she sees as mundane. Getting her students ready for exams, running staff meetings, maintaining the wards that keep demons from emerging to eat everyone — the usual. Narrative Shift The stakes, however, soon get much bigger. Lurking on the borders throughout is an ancient and powerful demon that feeds off of stray magic. This is where things get more interesting. Fans of Tesh's other work know that she isn't afraid to dramatically change gears partway through a narrative. Without giving too much away, the focus shifts to a deeply personal one. Tesh deconstructs Walden's carefully constructed image of professionalism and intellectual brilliance, revealing her capacity for self-deception. Her choices, especially after a near disaster, lead her down a path of errors towards even more danger. Through this narrative shift, Tesh dives into discussions of privilege, bias, systemic prejudice and survivor's guilt. Somehow, it all feels truly natural within the plot she created in the first half of the novel. As a result, she demonstrates the real-world consequences of her characters' actions. While hope and healing are possible, it will always take time. RELATED: Book Review: Shield of Sparrows The Incandescent combines the thrilling energy and high stakes of the fantasy genre with a subtle, literary exploration of personal and professional lives. Tesh blends the fantastical with the ordinary in a way that feels seamless, with a deep appreciation for both realms. Check this one out if you love dark academia, magic and deeply personal stories. The Incandescent comes out on May 13 and is available for preorder from your local independent bookstore or TW: alcohol, blood, body horror, child death, classism, death, death of a parent, fire/fire injury, gore, grief, infidelity, injury/injury detail, murder, self-harm, toxic relationship, violence Book Review: THE RIVER HAS ROOTS
