We Need to Talk about the “Mob Wife” Aesthetic

Lindsay Hohmann

Edited by Ella Querin

Social media seems to have a catchy term to describe every trend cycle. In the past few months, the “mob wife” aesthetic has taken over our feeds. Infused with Italian-American culture- specifically New Jersey and New York- the mob wife aesthetic has introduced a series of microtrends, such as fur coats, leopard print and leather. So, is this really a “mob wife” aesthetic or simply a resurgence of certain trends, that a chronically online generation has once again rebranded?

Who is the “Mob Wife”?

Sharon Stone in Casino is the epitome of the mob wife; draped in sequins, diamonds, and opulence. She stands directly opposed to the clean, polished and minimalist aesthetic of “quiet luxury” that gained popularity in 2023. The “mob wife” embodies a form of unapologetic confidence and embraces the messiness of her look. 2024 has seen the re-emergence of maximalism in the fashion industry, which has arguably allowed for more creativity and forms of self-expression. However, the “mob wife” trend has not come without its implications and critics. 

The Resurgence of Fur

The “mob wife” trend is a dramatic pivot from the steep decline in fur sales we have seen over the last ten years, with brands such as Versace, Gucci, and Prada beginning to phase out fur products in acknowledgement of concerns regarding ethical and sustainable practices. Due to the fact that luxury labels have largely stepped away from fur sales, the “mob wife” trend is more likely to benefit fast fashion brands. When commenting on the trend, fashion blogs have often included links to fur coat alternatives from Zara and H&M, fueling the appeal of fast fashion. Certain companies are trying to make more sustainable and ethical alternatives to fur, such as BioFluff, a NY and Paris-based startup that is producing plant-based materials to replace animal and synthetic fur. BioFluff has collaborated with major brands such as Ganni to produce sustainable faux-fur products. Regardless, animal rights activists are still arguing that even if the fur’s resurgence is done in a sustainable manner, the visibility of fur will inevitably stoke demand for the real thing. It is also crucial to consider the fact that fashion trends like the “mob wife” aesthetic that gain traction through social media are often incredibly short-lived, further reinforcing the fact that fast fashion brands are well-positioned for the movement.

“Aesthetic Fatigue”

Many social media users have complained that fashion trends feel increasingly manufactured and meaningless. Every trend and microtrend is given a label and is exhausted as rapidly as it rises to prominence. As stated by trend forecaster and analyst, Mandy Lee, “mob wife is more of a reflection of the diminished meaning of trends and aesthetics” and trends “are quite literally costumes that people put on and take off everyday”. Lee’s comments accurately exemplify the frustration that many fashion enthusiasts and social media users feel in regards to the transient nature of trends. 

While the “mob wife” trend has inundated everyone’s social media feeds, it will likely only remain for a few months. However, this does not necessarily mean that the resurgence of fur will disappear alongside it. Analysts and forecasters have predicted that the demand for fur will likely continue, especially with more sustainable alternatives on the rise.