Hey B-word! Not that b-word… I mean Barbie! Duh!
How are we feeling about the movie? Have you gotten a chance to see it yet? No spoilers here, but I just have to say the costumes truly exceeded my expectations. Barbie month is coming to an end, but our bimbo era is just getting started. What better way to celebrate than to indulge in the hyper-femme, ultra-pink trend we’ve been seeing everywhere? 💖 It’s Bimbocore babes and it’s here to slay.
If you aren’t addicted to TikTok like us, you might be thinking “What the hell is that?” But, no worries! I’m here for you. Like most fashion movements, it’s important to reflect on the current social and political climate, to better understand the trend. Strap on your sky high heels and strut your way into our Bimbocore classroom. Magna Cum Laude, here you come!
So like, what is Bimbocore?
Bimbocore is a hyper-femme aesthetic derived from alternative fashion waves of the past that play up aspects of femininity in a grandeur way, like Scene and Gyaru. It involves short skirts, high heels, higher hair, and most importantly – lots and lots of PINK. Bimbo is defined by the dictionary as “a slang term describing an attractive but unintelligent or frivolous young woman.” The word has historically been weaponized by the patriarchy as a tool to mock and degrade women. But Bimbocore reclaims that dilapidated dollhouse that she was boxed into and up-cycles it into the Barbie playhouse of her dreams 🎀
A modern bimbo will hand you her extensive resume on rose colored, cotton candy scented stationery. Surprise, ‘This Barbie went to Harvard.’ She’ll discuss the geopolitical benefits of deglobalization, while fixing her baby pink lipstick in the mirror. Just like Barbie, a bimbo can do anything she sets her mind to. To put it simply – she is the moment.
Isn’t bimbo a bad thing?
So, why would anyone choose to associate themselves with or even create an entire aesthetic around this once derogatory term? Let me tell you why! Bimbocore is a tongue-in-cheek celebration of feminine stereotypes and a resistance against the societal belief that girliness inherently implies a lack of intelligence or frivolity.💄✨ Bimbocore is sex-positive and self-love focused. It proves that you can love your glittery fuchsia platforms and also have a PhD. Rather than dressing for the patriarchal gaze, ultra mini skirts and 6” pumps are worn for one’s own enjoyment and self expression, which we are aaaaall about here at Apocalypse!
Feminine Liberation
As it has gained popularity, Bimbocore has blossomed from a fashion trend started on TikTok into a political statement. A bimbo VOTES, she is pro-choice, she stands against inequity, and supports trans rights, the LGBTQIA+ community, and gender equality. Bimbos are educated, eloquent, and well read. I mean, if bimbos are vapid airheads, but still have the capacity to understand simple principles like human rights, how hard can it be?
@ChrissyChlapecka, a social media influencer championing the Bimbocore movement (with 5.2 million followers on TikTok) describes a bimbo as “Someone who is dumb, but isn’t that dumb.” Bimbocore uses ‘dumb-blonde’ stereotypes to its advantage, playing into the trope of feminine ignorance. Chlapecka reflects this in one of their most popular videos, explaining “It’s about emotional intelligence at the end of the day”.
Bimbocore for All
But wait, for a movement so focused on inclusivity and self celebration, being a bimbo sounds pretty exclusive to identifying as a woman, right? That couldn’t be further from the truth! Bimbos strive for equality, after all. Bimbocore is about refusing to deny one’s sense of self and personal expression to appease those attempting to confine you, and advocating for others to have the same freedom. Enter the himbos, thembos and other self-proclaimed subcategories too! People of all identities have found resilience and empowerment in Bimbocore. Bimbos are all about uplifting and supporting each other. A bimbo is always there for their girls, gays, and theys. Though the aesthetic alludes to a certain ways to dress and act, the ideology can be adopted by anyone!
Trendsetting
Bubblegum pink tastemakers on TikTok are leading the Bimbocore movement. @ChrissyChlapecka (mentioned above), a nonbinary 23 year old activist and musician, most notably known for her dramatized high voice and valley girl accent, regularly breaks down what it means to be a bimbo. Self proclaimed professor at “bimbo university”, Nikita Redkar or @nikitadumptruck is a queer standup comedian who educates her TikTok audience on politics and other important concepts, while fully embodying the ‘airhead’ archetype. A subcategory of bimbocore, #Aliyahcore started by @aliyahsinterlude shares a similar aesthetic and messaging. Characterized by funky boots, micro minis, and lots and lots of accessories, Aliyahcore endorses dressing only for yourself✨😁
So, what?
We’ll leave you with this question: does the reclaiming of harmful stereotypes and derogatory language resolve that harm or perpetuate it? Each person has to answer that for themself. At Apocalypse we believe that Bimbocore is an undeniably powerful feminist movement, one that we are confident will make a huge high heeled imprint on history. Apocalypse always advocates for personal expression above all else. We are a brave place for you to express as many different aspects of yourself as you can imagine. As always, thanks for joining us, bestie! We are so thankful to have such a fantastic community to delve into these topics with. Hope to see you again soon! TTYL!💗
