Goblincore, Gabargecore: 2025 in Xiaohongshu fashion

Navigating the millions of outfit posts on Xiaohongshu is an extreme sport. But Gen Z fashion tribes make the task simpler by categorizing style subcultures into “core” trends, from earthy safari neutrals labelled Safaricore to grungey mysticism, or Goblincore. As Gen Z’s spending power is projected to soar to $12 trillion by 2030, according to NielsenIQ, making it one of the most influential consumer groups in history, Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote) provides a valuable snapshot into this crucial demographic. Digital-native youth have long been rewriting the rules of luxury consumption. Unlike their Western counterparts, Chinese Gen Zers are even more fiercely tribal in their style, as well as being uniquely creative in their self-expression. For many global luxury brands, they comprise the youngest set of luxury buyers, with spending habits that merge local culture, social media virality, and self-expression. Here are the “core” trends that have defined Chinese Gen Z on Xiaohongshu this year. 1. Safaricore The hashtag Safaricore has reached 60.2 million views, up sharply from 45.1 million a month ago — a sign of just how rapidly this aesthetic has captured China’s Gen Z. Built on a melange of browns, furs, and suede, Safaricore blends urban sophistication with wild escapism. The Pantone Color Institute’s Mocha Mousse (17-1230), its 2025 Color of the Year, has cemented the public’s appetite for earthy tones. Labels like Miu Miu and Coach have become shorthand for these hues, while Chloé’s bohemian, safari-ready silhouettes saw a 33% demand spike on the Lyst Index in Q2. Whether through wedge sneakers or faux-fur trims, the trend signals a collective yearning for grounded yet glamorous luxury. 2. Kidcore A bright rebellion against muted minimalism, Kidcore (currently at 15.9 million reads) celebrates clashing colors, thrifted whimsy, and lots of playful charms. It’s the visual antidote to quiet luxury. Fueled by Sanrio fandoms and the Labubu mania dominating accessories, the aesthetic channels the playful spirit of Tokyo’s Fruits magazine in its heyday. “You know how Shoichi Aoki stopped publishing Fruits because there were no more cool kids?” says stylist Greg Grigorian. “I feel like all of those kids are in China right now.” With pink back in full force and Gen Z shoppers rummaging through vintage streetwear markets from Chengdu to Hangzhou, Kidcore reflects an eclectic form of self-expression. 3. Dirtycore / Garbagecore Call it Dirtycore, Garbagecore, or indie sleaze redux, this look is all about controlled chaos. The opposite of the “cleanfit.” Hashtags such as “dirtyfit” 54.8 million views) and “garbagerock” (5.1 million views) are filling social feeds with punky, gothic, Y2K-inspired disarray. Think Demna-era Balenciaga, Vetements, Chrome Hearts, or local disruptors Kick Clak, Hamcus, and Attempt. Even Balmain’s Spring 2026 towel dresses hint at the aesthetic’s effortlessly cool appeal. What began as grunge nostalgia has become a sleek statement of defiance: a messy mirror held up to China’s hyper-curated social media culture. 4. Barncore A year ago, #Barnfit sat at 21.16 million views. Today, it’s surpassed 104.4 million, a fivefold jump. The aesthetic romanticizes rural life: waxed jackets, plaid layers, and muddy boots with metropolitan polish. Yet the evolution of this trend has become a sleeker, more tailored version. British heritage labels like Barbour and Burberry have benefited from, as well as steered, the trend. Under CEO Jonathan Schulman, Burberry’s “Forward” strategy is anchored in outerwear and British identity, which has helped its reputation soar 53 places to No. 37 on RepTrak’s Global Top 100, overtaking Chanel. With TV hits like The Crown and The Knockout feeding the nostalgia, Barncore has created a whole lifestyle aesthetic that is likely to thrive for another fall. 5. Goblincore If Dreamcore (1.5 billion views) was the pastel escapism of 2023, #Goblincore. (now at 631,200 views) is its darker, moodier cousin. Drawing on forest greens, mossy textures, and mystical femininity, Goblincore channels the impish energy of nature-inspired fashion. Designers from Victoria Beckham’s feathered pieces, to Hermès’ moss-green tones. Spring 2026 runways, including Victoria Beckham’s feathered pieces and Hermès’ moss-green tones, hint that fantasy fashion is returning with an earthier edge. In a culture increasingly attuned to sustainability and spirituality, Goblincore speaks to Gen Z’s yearning for connection with the natural world.

China’s Gen Z ‘core’ trends of 2025

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China’s Gen Z ‘core’ trends of 2025