Future imagery · Sculptural accessories
Futurist fashion
Futurist fashion imagines how clothing might look, move or be made in a different future. This contemporary styling interpretation pairs a simple white pleated dress with reflective accessories, a continuous shield lens and sculptural sandals.
This broad guide distinguishes future-facing fashion from the historical Italian Futurist movement. The illustrated retail outfit is an original present-day combination. Space Agecore and Retro-futurismcore offer more specific related directions.
History
The Guggenheim traces Italian Futurism to F. T. Marinetti’s 1909 manifesto and describes its interest in machinery and movement across art, design and clothing. Its history also includes Marinetti’s support for Fascism, alongside anti-Fascist members. That political and historical movement should not be treated as a synonym for all later future-looking design.
What defines the look
Future imagery can come from construction, materials or imagined ways of living. The National Gallery of Victoria documents Iris van Herpen’s combination of new technologies, material experiments and handwork as one distinct contemporary practice. Our everyday outfit uses visual shape instead: silver curves, an open geometric heel and a clean white dress. These are styling choices, with no claim that the pieces are technologically novel or made by van Herpen. Start with one unusual element and give it room to be seen; bright colours and soft shapes can also belong in an imagined future.
Hair & styling details
Pull longer hair behind the shoulders to leave the round neckline and shield frames visible. The sketch uses straight dark-blonde hair.
A simple makeup finish lets the silver shapes carry this interpretation. Choose your own hair texture and grooming; they do not define the category.
An illustrated outfit study
One way to put the pieces together
A white cotton dress provides a quiet surface for the silver crescent bag and hollow angular heels. A dark shield lens repeats their broad curves in this original four-piece outfit. The illustration interprets visible details; it cannot establish hidden construction.
The 4 pieces & their references
Documented references, with current availability unverified. Open each reference note to see what the source establishes.
White Pleated Zip-Up Cotton Mini Dress
COS · Source inspected 1 October 2026
Chalk-white round-neck mini dress, short loose sleeves, short silver centre-front zipper, stitched vertical panels opening into broad box pleats, flared A-line body and plain hem. No collar, belt, buttons or exposed patch pockets.
View the white COS dress referenceAbout this reference
Retailer archive photograph checked against the manufacturer's product record. Flat front and neckline-detail photographs on Lyst; matching COS model 1266207004 in H&M's manufacturer listing.
Lyst's title and selected photographs show white, while its copied description incorrectly says terracotta. The opened German COS/H&M record confirms white and the matching product number. Side pockets are documented in text but not clearly visible in the flat photograph. Manufacture date and availability are unverified.
Review date only; manufacture and launch dates are unverified.
- Model name
- 1266207004 / White
- Manufacture date
- Unverified
- Materials
- 100% cotton shell and lining, per the COS listing on H&M Germany.
Mirror Silver Loop Hi sandals
United Nude · Source inspected 1 October 2026
Black open-toe strap and molded footbed; a broad reflective silver diagonal loop crosses the upper and continues down to form a hollow angular heel. The back is open and the footbed projects behind the heel support.
View the Loop Hi sandalsAbout this reference
Manufacturer product record and inspected photographs. Mirror Silver side and three-quarter product images from the Loop Hi SS24 page.
The maker lists an 80 mm heel. The drawing simplifies the continuous loop into a more upright angular outline; rear projection, reflected light and precise engineering are approximate. Comfort and fit are unverified.
Review date only; manufacture and launch dates are unverified.
- Model name
- Loop Hi / Mirror Silver, SS24 product record
- Manufacture date
- Unverified
- Materials
- Leather lining and footbed, fiber-reinforced nylon heel and rubber outsole. The maker lists nappa or TPU uppers without clearly assigning one to this colourway.
Black Oakley Kato shield sunglasses
Oakley · Source inspected 1 October 2026
One continuous dark wraparound shield, a shallow central nose recess, a gently bowed upper edge and small dark side attachments.
View the black Kato referenceAbout this reference
Retailer product photograph and manufacturer design account. Front-view BSTN photograph 0OO9455M-01-01, checked against Oakley’s product launch description.
The sketch interprets the frame on a fictional face and makes its edge more visible than the front product image. This is a visual styling reference, with no claims about eye protection or suitability for a particular activity.
Review date only; manufacture and launch dates are unverified.
- Model name
- Kato, 0OO9455M-945501 / Polished Black, Prizm Black
- Manufacture date
- Unverified
- Materials
- O Matter temples described by Oakley; exact lens composition is not asserted.
Silver Jana Hollow Out Shoulder Bag
JW PEI · Source inspected 1 October 2026
Mirror-silver crescent bag with a rounded lower edge, broad curved overlapping sections divided by long diagonal cutouts, a narrow arched adjustable strap with buckle and tail on one side, and a coiled silver-chain detail at the opposite strap attachment.
View the silver Jana bagAbout this reference
Manufacturer product page and photograph. Primary front image 2T37-9-1.jpg linked from the manufacturer's live product metadata.
The image shows a reflective synthetic surface, not solid metal. Reflections vary with surroundings; exact cutout geometry and chain links may be simplified in the sketch. The source's small printed logo can be omitted. Interior and exact material composition are not established by the photograph.
Review date only; manufacture and launch dates are unverified.
- Model name
- Jana Hollow Out Shoulder Bag / Silver
- Manufacture date
- Unverified
- Materials
- Vegan leather with faux-suede lining, per JW PEI; exact polymer composition is not stated.
Build your own look
Pieces to start with
- Geometric white dress
- Look for one clear construction idea, such as box pleats opening from stitched panels. Check opacity in daylight and make sure the sleeves and skirt allow comfortable movement.
- Sculptural sandals
- An unusual heel can carry the whole look. Try the shoes on a firm surface and walk before choosing; use a lower, familiar shoe when the route or setting calls for it.
- Continuous shield frames
- A single curved lens gives this outfit a graphic dark line. Choose eyewear for your own fit and intended use; the fashion sketch does not establish product performance.
- Reflective crescent bag
- Keep the body small enough to sit beside the dress without hiding its pleats. Look for a secure strap and check what the openings expose before carrying small belongings.
A palette to try
Colors for this interpretation. Adapt them to your own wardrobe.
Ways to put it together
Styling suggestions from Coreification.
- Illustrated outfit: white zip-front box-pleated mini dress + black-and-silver open-loop sandals + dark shield sunglasses + a silver crescent bag. Keep the white cotton surface simple.
- For an evening interpretation: a plain long column dress + one sculptural metallic cuff + low geometric shoes. Let the contrast between soft cloth and a firm accessory shape create the interest.
- Easy wardrobe adaptation: wear an existing white or grey outfit with your usual comfortable shoes and one reflective bag or curved accessory. You can suggest a future-facing mood without buying a complete new wardrobe.
Find pieces
Useful searches: white box pleat zip mini dress · hollow loop heel sandal · black continuous shield sunglasses · silver cutout crescent bag
Sources & further reading
These sources inform the cultural account. References for the illustrated pieces appear with the outfit above.
- Guggenheim — Italian Futurism, 1909–1944: teaching resource
Pages 2–3 describe the movement’s 1909 beginning, machinery and multidisciplinary scope; page 8 addresses Marinetti’s Fascist support and dissent within the movement. A historical account of Italian Futurism, not the origin of every later futuristic outfit.
- National Gallery of Victoria — Iris van Herpen
Van Herpen’s work combines material experiments, 3D printing, interdisciplinary collaboration and handwork. A specific designer’s practice. The four retail pieces illustrated here are independently sourced and are not presented as her designs or as 3D-printed garments.