When you think of clowns, you’ll likely think of Pennywise, Ronald McDonald, and childhood birthday parties. Their garish colors, ruffles, and harlequin makeup appeal to horror and slapstick comedy, not couture.
Only six years ago, clown sightings across the country brought regular headlines for a common fear of the characters. A 2016 Vox poll found that Americans were more afraid of clowns than climate change, terrorism, and death. Yet the circus characters have become the face — or, rather, the muse — of “clowncore,” a theatrical fashion trend with roots in everything from designer fashion houses to social media.
