Forget girlbossing, Gen Z and Millennials are embracing the “lazy girl job” and the Corp-lore look. After “quiet quitting” and “bare minimum Mondays”, dissatisfied with the current work culture, skyrocketing living costs, and a lack of upward mobility, young people are opting for less demanding jobs that prioritise well-being over hustle.
The anti-work movement isn’t just about workplace practices; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Corp-lore, a term coined by DTS (Instagram), exemplifies this perfectly. In 2023, it emerged as a way to subvert the traditional office aesthetic. Think exaggerated takes on business attire, worn with a heavy dose of irony and detachment, harnessed blazers, absurdist businessman outfits. It’s a way to mock the grind and express frustration with the system. In a world where conventional career goals seem increasingly out of reach, Corp-lore uses fashion to playfully mock the corporate grind. It’s a way to express frustration with the system through style.
Interestingly, some brands are still promoting a trend called “Officecore.” This aesthetic, however, revolves around a more idealised view of the workplace – think tailored suits and pencil skirts. However, there’s a clear disconnect here. Corp-lore isn’t about glamourising the office; it’s about satirising it. It subverts the more traditional Officecore by injecting humor and a sense of rebellion in the aesthetics.
Just recently, Marc Jacobs (Instagram) became the latest fashion house to embrace Corp-lore with a playful video campaign. Their muses, including Dakota Fanning, Cindy Sherman, and Lil Uzi Vert, hilariously depicted the frustrations of office life, inspired by bad quality security camera footage. From smashing keyboards to impromptu desk chair dance routines, the campaign perfectly captured the Corp-lore spirit with a lighthearted touch.
This aligns with Marc Jacobs’ recent runway show and brand ambassador campaigns, which have all hinted at their own take on Corp-lore. It’s clear that Marc Jacobs understands the changing attitudes towards work, particularly among younger generations. Their campaign is a fun, relatable, and fashion-forward way to tap into the current zeitgeist.
While Corp-lore is about expressing frustration with the corporate world, it doesn’t mean giving up on your career aspirations. In fact, many young women are using Corp-lore to redefine what it means to be a “girl boss”. They’re embracing power dressing with a twist, adding feminine touches to traditional corporate attire. This is all about showing that you can be both stylish and successful, without sacrificing your individuality.
The SS24 runways offered a glimpse into the trend. Jil Sander showcased sophisticated corporate pieces with a touch of femininity, while Marni provided options for those who want to add personality with bold blazers and statement accessories. Maison Margiela pushed boundaries with unconventional silhouettes for a truly unique look. Finally, Victoria Beckham delivered effortless elegance with chic suits and classic trench coats for the Corp-lore girl of the ages.
Corp-lore stands as a fascinating reflection of our current cultural moment. However, a question remains: Is it all fun and fashion, or can it have a real impact on the workplace? While it might be a powerful form of expression, can it create lasting change within the companies themselves? Perhaps the true power of Corp-lore lies in its ability to spark conversations, to make us question the status quo and imagine a future of work that feels more fulfilling. Only time will tell if Corp-lore turns out to be a passing trend, or if it becomes a stepping stone on the path to a more meaningful work experience.
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