2023 Runway Report - The Latest in High Fashion

You know how every season the runways are filled with outrageous and eccentric designs that make you question the fashion industry altogether? Well, 2023 is proving to be no different. From dresses made entirely of recycled candy wrappers to suits with built-in fans for those overly air-conditioned offices, this year’s runway shows have been anything but boring.

As the editor of the ‘Evolution of Fashion’ newsletter, it’s my job to sort through all the weird and wacky and find the trends that might just make their way into your wardrobe. This season, amidst all the usual chaos, some wearable and dare I say fashion-forward looks emerged. Florals for spring may be groundbreaking, but pair them with the pops of neon we saw at Calvin Klein and you’ve got an outfit that will ensure all eyes are on you. The return of puffy sleeves, newsboy caps, and tailored suits point to a throwback to eras past. And don’t even get me started on the shoes - if thigh-high velvet boots come back in style, you can catch me living in joggers for the foreseeable future.

Join me as I recap the highlights of the 2023 runway shows and determine what’s destined for your closet and what’s better left on the catwalk. The future of fashion is here, and it just might be more exciting than expected.

The Return of Glamor: Dazzling Gowns and Red Carpet Looks

The red carpet was rolled out in 2023 and the stars did not disappoint. From the Cannes Film Festival to the Met Gala, dazzling gowns and glamorous fashion took center stage.

The Marché du Film - Festival de Cannes showcased some of the most stunning dresses of the year. Celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa embraced the sheer trend in flowing chiffon gowns that left little to the imagination. The dresses proved that less is more when it comes to red-carpet fashion.

The Met Gala’s “nostalgic future” theme-inspired looks fused modern and retro styles. Rihanna channeled muses of the past in a voluminous Valentino gown and hooded coat, while Kendall Jenner wowed in a sheer lace number with feathered trim that screamed ’80s excess. The gala showed that the latest runway looks are all about paying homage to fashion’s greatest hits.

Speaking of the runway, many top designers incorporated elements of glamor and nostalgia into their 2023 collections. From Prada reviving ’50s glamor with full skirts and cinched waists to Gucci embracing ’70s disco fever with metallic pantsuits and wrap dresses, the runways proved that everything old is new again.

While red-carpet dresses and lavish galas provide plenty of eye candy, the return of glamor extends beyond special events. In 2023, dazzling details, figure-hugging silhouettes, and unabashed decadence define the everyday wardrobe. So go ahead, channel your inner movie star, and bring the glitz and glam this year. A little glitter never hurt anyone.

Trendsetters: The Unforgettable Fashion Runway Shows of 2023

Boy, have the 2023 runway shows been a wild ride or what? If you haven’t been keeping up with the latest in high fashion, you’re in for a treat. This year’s shows were all about pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in clothing design.

• At 迪奥 ’s show celebrating Kim Jones' 5th anniversary as artistic director, models emerged from trapdoors in the ground wearing futuristic metallic fabrics and space-age silhouettes. It was a jaw-dropping start to the season.

• Prada Group got weird with it, featuring a set design where slime dripped from the ceiling onto unsuspecting models. The clothes themselves were bold and bright, embracing neon colors, clashing patterns, and unconventional cuts.

• Pharrell Williams made his debut as a guest designer for 路易·威登 , showing a vibrant unisex collection inspired by “people who don’t care about gender.” The colorful, carefree designs earned rave reviews.

The spring 2023 ready-to-wear shows were also full of surprises from fashion heavyweights like Marc Jacobs , 香奈儿 , and the iconic 路易·威登 . Meanwhile, the fall 2023 shows gave us cutting-edge collections from Versace , BALENCIAGA , Vivienne Westwood , and others.

From avant-garde accessories to gender-fluid garments to straight-up bizarre sets, this year’s most unforgettable runway shows prove that high fashion is limited only by imagination. The future of design has never looked so bold and bright. What wonders will 2024 bring? We’ll have to wait and see!

Diversity and Inclusion: Models of All Shapes, Sizes, and Genders Represented

The runways this year were all about inclusion and diversity. Finally, the fashion world seems to be waking up and realizing that models come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and gender identities. About time, right?

Size Inclusivity

Gone are the days of solely featuring models who wear a size 00. This year, models of all sizes slayed the runway, from petite to plus size. Designers have realized that women want to see clothing on bodies that actually look like their own. When you see a curvy model rocking an outfit with confidence, it’s so much easier to imagine yourself in those clothes. Major props to designers who featured models above a size 12 this year. Your customers appreciate the representation!

Racial Diversity

Runway shows have traditionally featured mostly white models, but this year racial diversity was front and center. Models of color, especially black models, were featured prominently. It’s inspiring to see natural hair, headwraps, and hairstyles from various cultures displayed on the runway. However, some shows still have a long way to go in authentically representing people of color. A few token models of color are not enough. Runway diversity should reflect the diversity of the real world.

Gender Identity

Non-binary and trans models also graced several runways this year, though not as frequently as models of varying sizes and races. Seeing people of different gender identities in fashion helps move society towards greater acceptance and understanding. Some designers made headlines for exclusively featuring trans and non-binary models in their shows. Here’s hoping more designers become leaders in showcasing people of all gender identities.

? Inclusive modeling embraces ethnic and cultural diversity, not just body size.

? Diversity and inclusion leaders have a widening gap with companies that haven't embraced diversity.

? Fashion is making progress with representing women of all shapes and sizes, but still struggles in authentically representing people of color and the male modeling world.

While there’s still much work to be done, this year’s runway shows gave a glimpse of what a truly diverse and inclusive fashion industry could look like. Here’s to continued progress!

Eco-Friendly and Ethical: Sustainable Fabrics Take Center Stage

The runways were awash in sustainable fabrics this season. Designers are embracing eco-friendly materials that are gentler on the planet. If you care about ethical fashion, you'll want to know which sustainable fabrics are making a splash.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is still king. Soft, breathable, and biodegradable, organic cotton is grown without toxic pesticides or fertilizers. Iconic brands like Patagonia and Thought Clothing used organic cotton in over 50% of their collections.

Hemp

Hemp is a hardy, fast-growing plant that requires little water or pesticides. It’s naturally antimicrobial and insulating. Hemp-based fabrics like canvas and twill appeared in collections from Dior, Stella McCartney , and Vivienne Westwood .

Linen

Light, crisp linen is made from flax plants. Linen is highly durable and breathable, lasting up to three times longer than cotton. Linen suits and dresses were featured in the collections of designers like Boss, The Row, and Zimmermann.

TENCELTM Lyocell

TENCEL? Lyocell is a sustainable cellulose fiber made from wood pulp. It’s soft as silk, strong as polyester, and biodegradable. TENCELTM has become a go-to for eco brands like Amour Vert , Reformation , and For Days .

Recycled Fabrics

Some designers are using recycled fabrics made from plastic bottles, food waste, and industrial surplus. Stella McCartney 's collection featured fabrics made from recycled polyester and nylon. Mara Hoffman used recycled cotton and polyester. Zero + Maria Cornejo incorporated recycled cashmere and wool.

The future is sustainable. These eco-friendly fabrics dominated the runways with their natural beauty and conscience-soothing properties. While organic cotton and linen have been around for ages, newer options like TENCELTM and recycled fabrics are gaining ground. The fashion industry is listening to customers who want clothing that's kinder to the planet. Sustainable is the new black!

Avant Garde and Experimental: Pushing the Boundaries of Fashion Design

The runway shows of 2023 have been nothing if not avant-garde. This year, fashion designers have pushed the boundaries of traditional styles and silhouettes, creating collections that challenge our preconceptions and provoke visceral reactions.

Surrealism and Abstract Art Come to Life

This season, several designers took inspiration from surrealist and abstract art. BALENCIAGA ’s show featured asymmetric, sculptural pieces in a stark white space. The collection elicited confusion and wonder, with voluminous forms that obscured the body. At Loewe , colorful fabrics were layered and manipulated into distorted, fantastical shapes. The pieces evoked a dreamlike quality, as if Salvador Dali’s paintings had come to life.

Making a Statement

Fashion has always been used to make a statement, and this year was no exception. 迪奥 ’s show made a powerful statement on environmentalism. The collection featured upcycled fabrics, natural dyes, and zero-waste patterns. The set design used recycled materials and live plants. The overall effect was striking yet sophisticated.

Some designers used their shows to highlight important social issues. Balmain’s military-inspired collection made a statement against violence and oppression. The dark, moody color palette and inclusion of protest signs and barbed wire elicited feelings of conflict and a desire for change.

Practicality Out the Window

For the true avant-garde lover, practicality is beside the point. At VIKTOR&ROLF , models wore elaborate garments resembling dolls or puppets. The over-the-top, fanciful designs were meant to provoke and entertain rather than serve any useful purpose. Similarly, Iris van Herpen 's 3D-printed collection featured angular, sculptural pieces reminiscent of origami or science fiction. Wearability was not a concern—the garments were purely experimental and conceptual.

This season’s most avant-garde shows transported us into a world of surrealism, abstraction, and fantasy. While not all pieces would translate to everyday wear, the collections made a statement and pushed creative boundaries, reminding us that fashion at its best can be art. The 2023 runway shows have reignited a sense of wonder about what sartorial creations the future may hold.

What's Next? Key Trends to Watch From the 2023 Runways

The 2023 runways have given us a glimpse into the future of fashion. Here are the top trends you need to know to stay on the cutting edge:

Soft and Flowy

Gone are the days of structured suits and stiff fabrics. Next season is all about loose, draped jerseys and gauzy materials that flow and move. Designers showed distressed knits, ruched and twisted fabrics, and asymmetric shapes that skim the body. Comfort is key!

Practical Details

While fashion is meant to be artistic, next summer’s trends also have a practical side. Massive pockets, airy fabrics, and relaxed silhouettes will keep you cool in the heat. Roomy designs and natural, breathable materials like cotton and linen were prominent on the catwalks. Fashion and function have finally found a happy balance.

Floral Frenzy

Spring always ushers in blooms, and 2023 will be no exception. Expect to see bold, oversized floral prints on everything from dresses to pants to accessories. Designers showcased floral motifs in vibrant colors and retro-inspired patterns straight from the 1970s. If you’re not usually a fan of florals, these statement prints may just change your mind.

Sheer Delight

Get ready to show some skin next season! Semi-sheer and see-through fabrics were all over the runways. Subtle and sultry fabrics like chiffon, organza, and mesh were made into full looks including dresses, blouses, and skirts. Slips and bodysuits were often layered underneath for coverage, but these sheer styles are meant to tantalize.

3D Details

Forget flat and boring—next summer’s styles are all about dynamic shapes and sculptural details. Futuristic 3D prints, woven fabrics, cutouts, ruffles, and origami-inspired folds dominated the catwalks. These multimedia creations push the boundaries of fashion and turn heads. If you want to make a statement, these innovative styles should be at the top of your wish list.

From breezy comfort to bold blooms and sculptural details, next season’s runway trends have something for everyone. Start planning now and you’ll be ahead of the fashion curve! The future of style is bright.

And just like that, another fashion week has come and gone. But not without leaving you with plenty of trend inspiration and excitement for the upcoming season. While the looks that glided down the runway were over-the-top works of art as always, many of the trends are surprisingly wearable and versatile. So start planning your new seasonal wardrobe and integrating some of the latest styles. The runway has spoken, and fashion never stands still. Until next season, stay stylish! Let the countdown begin for the Fall 2023 collections. The future of fashion is looking bright.