LIGHT ACADEMIA – A MODERN LOOK AT THE LOVE OF NEW KNOWLEDGE
Radinela Geleva
"Light Academia" is a social and cultural movement that values creativity, intellectual curiosity, and a love for learning. It represents a unique approach to academic circles, i.e., the institutions and individuals engaged in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and research. This movement favors a more relaxed and casual approach to the academic lifestyle, contrasting the strict atmosphere typically associated with universities.
Originally, "Light Academia" emerged as an aesthetic trend gaining popularity on social media platforms. These platforms, particularly TikTok, have spawned many fashion aesthetics such as "e-girl", "cottagecore", and "Y2K girl". A prominent trend among these is "Dark Academia". "Light Academia", a less intense version of "Dark Academia", is characterized by its romantic and intellectual attributes, drawing inspiration from the classical and neoclassical eras.
On social media, where this trend is increasingly popular, users share content related to the subculture's aesthetic. This includes photos and videos of classic literature, poetry, and art, as well as fashion and lifestyle advice. The shared content often emphasizes intellectual pursuits, creativity, and beauty. Many users also offer tips on organizing their daily life, be it creating a study routine, pursuing self-improvement, or exploring nature.
"Light" and "Dark" Academia are subcultures inspired by established educational institutions such as Oxford or Yale, and their associated environments, which include museums, art galleries, boarding schools, and vintage books. "Light Academia" is more optimistic and inspirational, focusing on themes like love, romance, sensitivity, friendship, joy, and positivity. The concept behind the subculture is to make activities like studying more appealing. For example, one could enhance their workout by wearing their favorite outfit, drinking water from their preferred bottle, or using a smartwatch. The idea is to draw inspiration from one's surroundings and accessories.
The "Light Academia" color palette features more neutral and earthy tones, such as beige, taupe, cream, and gray. This palette conveys an underlying optimism. Clothing within this aesthetic leans towards natural fabrics and knits, with an abundance of plaid materials. Drawing inspiration from intellectual dress codes and classic literature, daily school and work outfits may incorporate various elements, from blazers to pearls, brooches, woolen cardigans, coats, berets, plaid skirts, and so forth. In terms of architecture, the aesthetic embodies Greek and Neoclassical styles, favoring elements like marble, wide columns, wood, brick walls, and brownstones.
Followers of Light Academia are avid readers, often drawn to titles such as Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy M. Montgomery, Call Me by Your Name by Andre Aciman, and Emma by Jane Austen, among others. Their film preferences also lean towards the romantic, with favorites like "Bridgerton", "Gilmore Girls", "The Theory of Everything" and many more.
Photos:
1. Representatives of "Light Academia".
Photo: www. citizenside.com/ lifestyle / light-academia-fashion-guide /
2. The characteristic of "Light Academia".
Photo: © Unsplash & Storytellerscottage / https://www.thepearlsource.com/blog/light-academia/
3. The aesthetics of subculture.
Photo: © Pinterest / https://www.thepearlsource.com/blog/light-academia/
4. The color palette of "Light Academia".
Photo: https://www.thepearlsource.com/blog/light-academia/
5. The outfit of "Light Academia".
Photo: https://www.thepearlsource.com/blog/light-academia/
Sources:
- https://www.thepearlsource.com/blog/light-academia/
- https://bookwritten.com/light-vs-dark-academia-difference-explained/12360/
- https://www.adultist.org/posts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-light-academia-fashion
- https://thetab.com/uk/2021/05/14/explained-what-is-light-academia-the-softer-younger-sister-to-dark-academia-205446
- https://aesthetics.fandom.com/wiki/Light_Academia
- https://sophiepomme.com/what-is-light-academia/
Read: 617 times © Fashion Lifestyle Magazine, issue 124, July 2023
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