How A-listers like A$AP Rocky are rocking chaotic patchwork fashion

Trading in your quiet luxury trench coat for something louder this holiday season? Patchwork patterns, which evoke the cosy nostalgia of childhood, are no longer just the stuff of old quilts or tablecloths at grandma’s house, but a recurring staple on fashion’s biggest runways. From patchwork plaid to animal prints, luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Ralph Lauren have all released their own take on the trend, making it easier than ever to pull off with casual confidence, without looking the slightest bit scrappy.

It’s not just the fashion bigwigs pushing the trend forwards – younger brands like Chopova Lowena and Bode have helped popularise patchwork among the Gen Z set with their chic, playful handcrafted designs. But while the trendy patchwork of today has plenty of personality, its public perception as outdated and old-fashioned has roots in much bleaker times. During World War II, citizens of many countries were encouraged to sew up their fabric scraps in the face of clothing rations.

For many of us though, the reason to wear a good patchwork remains the same as it has been for centuries or even millenia, when earlier civilisations first began patching quilts together for warmth – an art that evolved into a form of storytelling through stitching.

There’s a warm and deeply personal touch to patchwork thanks to its kitschy nature and home-made origins – something that resonates deeply with fashion’s maximalist, individualistic bent of late. It signals being comfortable in one’s own skin, and not just because of the courage required to pull off the look. And what better way to show off your unique sense of style than with a mishmash of your favourite colours, shapes and patterns?