A Year in Style: 2023's Standout Moments
As the year draws to a close, it's time to look back at some of the most memorable moments in fashion. From iconic red carpet appearances to jaw-dropping runway shows, 2023 has been a year to remember. Here's a roundup of some of its most memorable 'moments:
Rihanna's Custom Loewe for Super Bowl:
Rihanna's pregnancy didn't stop her from making a statement at the Super Bowl. The musical superstar turned heads in a custom Loewe outfit consisting of a red silk jersey catsuit, a matching cotton canvas flight suit, and a sculpted leather corset made to fit. She proved that maternity wear can be both stylish and daring.
Margot Robbie's Solo in the Spotlight Barbie Dress
In 2023, Barbie experienced a remarkable resurgence, with the iconic "Barbiecore" pink colour dominating the fashion scene, as we could expect. But amidst this pink wave, one of Margot Robbie's standout moments during the movie's promotional tour was a striking contrast. The Australian actress donned a sleek black Schiaparelli dress, reminiscent of the special edition Solo in the Spotlight Barbie doll from the 1960s.
Jared Leto's MET Gala Costume
Jared Leto's MET Gala look paid homage to Karl Lagerfeld's beloved cat, Choupette, fitting the theme "the line of beauty." It was a creative and unforgettable interpretation of Lagerfeld's iconic feline companion.
Doja Cat's Swarovski Crystal Look
Doja Cat made a dazzling entrance at Schiaparelli's Haute Couture runway, adorned in 30,000 hand-applied red Swarovski crystals. The intricate look, created by renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath and her team, took nearly five hours to complete.
Daniel Roseberry's Lifelike Lion Head Dress
Designer Daniel Roseberry caused a stir when he sent faux animal creations down the runway for his Schiaparelli couture collection. The lion headdress, inspired by Dante's Inferno, made a bold statement and was worn by Irina Shayk (on the runway) and Kylie Jenner.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Wardrobe
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour wardrobe perfectly represented each album's feel, with stunning gowns and designs from brands like Alberta Ferretti, Etro, Elie Saab, Versace, and Asish.
Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour Looks
Beyoncé's world tour featured an ever-changing wardrobe of high-octane, custom-made looks. From glittering catsuits to striking metallic corsets, she had looks created by the likes of Alexander McQueen, Loewe, Gucci, Fendi, and David Koma.
Designer Change of Guard
2023 saw notable departures in the fashion world, including Gabriela Hearst from Chloé, Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen, Jeremy Scott from Moschino, and Tom Ford from his eponymous label.
However,
Peter Do's Helmut Lang Debut was promising.
The Vietnamese-American designer made waves with his first collection for the iconic minimalist house established in the 90s by Helmut Lang.
"I feel like when people talk about Helmut, they talk about the pieces of clothing they own from him, the brand, and how much those items carried them through. There's always a story behind the clothing," said the designer in an interview with W during his debut.
Jacquemus' Versailles Extravaganza
Designer Simon Porte Jacquemus made headlines with an extravagant show at the historic Versailles Palace. The "Le Chouchou" collection was presented on cream and white row boats, creating a picturesque and memorable spectacle. Models that grazed the runway included Gigi Hadid of, American, dutch and Palestinian descent, who showed off a lingerie-style number, while French Algerian model Bahia wore a oversized jacket in a peachy cream shade. Meanwhile, Mona Tougaard — who is of Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian descent — wore an all-red gown. It was definitely one of the most epic shows of 2023.
Pharrell Williams debuted his first menswear collection at Louis Vuitton
One of the most anticipated shows this year, Williams debuted at Louis Vuitton men's with a massive show on Pont Neuf in Paris. The show concluded with an electrifying performance featuring Jay-Z and a star studded front row.
Paloma Elsesser Wins Model of the Year
A significant moment in the fashion industry, Paloma Elsesser's recognition as Model of the Year highlighted her talent and contribution to the modeling world.
The Return of Phoebe Philo.
Phoebe Philo, widely regarded as one of the most influential designers of our era, made an eagerly anticipated comeback in October with the launch of her eponymous collection. As the former creative director of Céline, Philo's minimalist elegance left an indelible mark on the style of a generation.
However, her return was not without its unique twists. While LVMH now holds a minority stake in her brand, Philo operates it as both a startup and an independent label. This aligns perfectly with Philo's longstanding desire for independence and creative autonomy.
As Phoebe Philo embarks on this exciting new chapter of her career, a compelling question emerges: Can her brand's success transcend the dedicated "Philophiles" and captivate a broader audience?
Unfortunately, there were also sad moments as the industry bid farewell to two iconic. Spanish designer Paco Rabanne, renowned for his groundbreaking use of unconventional materials like metal and plastic and his visionary incorporation of futuristic elements in his creations in the 60s. In October, Italian designer Davide Renne tragically departed just nine days after his appointment as Moschino's creative director. These losses were felt deeply across the fashion industry.
