Fashion month has come and gone, but the excitement and anticipation it brings are still fresh in our minds. With over 350 designer showcases spanning four cities, it’s safe to say that the event was back at its biggest and brightest for spring/summer 2023. Despite the rise of virtual fashion shows in recent seasons, designers came to a collective agreement that being together in person will always be better. And boy, did they make it worth our while. From jaw-dropping runway moments to the latest must-have pieces, fashion month was an incredible experience that left us feeling inspired and ready to rock the latest trends.
While physically attending shows certainly has its charms, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok allowed us to have a front-row seat at every noteworthy moment as it unfolded. With the sheer volume of shows in different vicinities, it’s impossible to be present at every single one. Thankfully, technology has made it possible for us to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and fashion news without having to leave our homes.
As for the trends themselves, Libby Page, all-around fashion expert and market director at Net-a-Porter, notes that the competition between designers to achieve the best audience engagement through viral moments dominated the season. Coperni’s sprayed-on dress worn by Bella Hadid for the closing show was extremely imaginative, while Paris Hilton at Versace and Cher at Balmain demonstrated the power and influence of celebrity endorsements over a brand’s popularity. However, it wasn’t just A-list celebrities that made for excellent viewing. The sets and spaces in which the shows were held were just as integral to the aesthetic as the clothes themselves.
The celebrity talent.
London’s iconic skyline served as the stunning backdrop for Rejina Pyo’s show, while Chanel created a mesmerizing black-and-white movie, featuring Kristen Stewart, projected on a massive screen that emphasized the models’ looks. Heather Gramston, head of womenswear at Browns, was impressed with Courregès’ show, which featured a striking set design with a sand hourglass, and Khaite’s gritty after-dark styling with the addition of snake prints, especially the oversize trench.
Erdem’s show at the British Museum also left a powerful impression, with guests seated beneath the breathtaking pillars, and the perfect timing of rain as soon as the show ended. London’s offerings hold a special place in our hearts, and this season was even more poignant as it occurred during a period of national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. While some designers, such as Burberry, postponed their shows, Richard Quinn dedicated his S/S 23 collection to the monarch, opening the show with an entirely black series of regal mourning gowns paired with veils and crowns. Vintage footage of the queen played on screens in the center of the runway, capturing the quiet reflection that enveloped the usually bustling streets of the nation’s capital during that time.
