Minimalism is having its moment, but that doesn't mean we have to lose the fun in fashion. Discover the perfect balance between timeless classics and spicy fall trends.
Prints are the answer. They effortlessly breathe life into your wardrobe. We've scoured the fall/winter 2023 collections to bring you the top six prints of the season. Whether you're a minimalist or maximalist, there's something here for you. Dive in and upgrade your style game!
"A Return to Classics and Geometric Prints"
Fall brings more than just cooler weather; it heralds a return to fashion's fundamental elements. In the upcoming Fall/Winter 2023 collections, designers are revisiting the building blocks of style, drawing inspiration from fashion, architecture, and historical archives, particularly emphasizing geometric prints.
Take the Fendi F/W 23 collection by Kim Jones, for example. Jones ingeniously resurrects graphic motifs from the '96 collection and incorporates sketches from Karl Lagerfeld's '81 archive to craft captivating deconstructed knitwear. The collection showcases formfitting frocks adorned with intarsia knitting techniques, adorned with asymmetrical buttons that elegantly drape across the body. Vibrant hues infuse a contemporary twist into this timeless print.
But Jones isn't the only one delving into the archives for inspiration. Gabriela Hearst also joins the ranks, although she takes a different approach. Rather than drawing from her own label's history, Hearst finds her muse in the late Eileen Gray, a renowned multidisciplinary artist celebrated for her pioneering furniture design. This influence becomes evident in her runway looks, where fitted turtlenecks elegantly pair with matching maxi skirts adorned with primary-hued squares and rectangles.
In Fall/Winter 2023, fashion enthusiasts can anticipate a captivating blend of classic and contemporary, where designers pay homage to the foundations of style while infusing fresh perspectives into their collections. Stay tuned for an exciting season of fashion that embraces both tradition and innovation.
"Animal Prints Reimagined"
When we recall the runway looks from Fall/Winter 2022 and Spring/Summer 2023, one trend that undoubtedly left its mark was animal prints. Zebra, leopard, and snake prints seemed to be everywhere. However, in Fall/Winter 2023 collections, this trend has evolved into something entirely new.
Designers are now creating patterns that depict animals' complete anatomical forms, leaning towards realism. At Stella McCartney, we witnessed this transformation as the initial runway looks featured traditional animal prints in full-length faux-fur coats and oversized cow-print knits. Towards the end, we saw semi-sheer slip dresses adorned with rustic horse shots from a ranch. This literal take on animal prints is not exclusive to McCartney, as other designers have also embraced it.
Christopher Kane's F/W 23 collection, for instance, featured second-skin turtlenecks and gowns that used artificial intelligence to depict pigs, chicks, and even rats. Technology played a pivotal role at Coperni too, with robot dogs roaming the runway while models walked among them. The collection, including Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant's work, delves into the impact of technology on our world. A leather jacket hand-painted with a lamb and a robot in a field captures this contemplation.
These collections seem to channel a collective reflection on how technology is altering our world. With the animal kingdom increasingly threatened by climate change, designers aim to challenge our perception of creatures, both literally and metaphorically.
Fashion isn't just about aesthetics; it's a reflection of the times we live in, provoking thought and discussion. Fall/Winter 2023 collections make us ponder not only the beauty of nature but also the impact of our evolving relationship with technology on the world around us.