Spring 2023 Trends

Hello Design Land readers,

We are back with a compilation of trends we will be seeing everywhere in Spring. From sheer fabrics, to feathers and fringe here are the 10 main trends emerging in the next Spring season.

---

Maxi Hemlines

Hemlines are dropping to the floor next Spring with Maxi (or better yet, floor length) dresses taking the spotlight. Spring 2023 catwalks showered us with a great variety of maxi dresses, from printed satins and chiffons, to jerseys and knits, there really is no limitation when it comes to color, with silhouettes remaining straight and body-hugging.

From left to right: Givenchy, Zimmermann, Schiaparelli, Balmain

---

Low Waisted bottoms

Both low waisted and dropped waists are having a major comeback next Spring, both generously featured on S/S2023 Ready to Wear shows, but fear not! Low waisted bottoms aren’t becoming a wardrobe staple just yet, as we see more early 2000s trends return and make a fleeting appearance on the catwalk. We predict a certain variation of this style to be of central focus next year, adapted for our 2020s.

From left to right: Thom Browne, Valentino, Valentino

---

Corseted Looks

The corset isn’t going anywhere yet. While 2022 has seen a great variety of corseted tops and boned looks, it seems that the cinched waist is here to stay. With a modified silhouette, from the addition to a peplum, to exaggerated shoulder volume, we see an attempt to recreate a simultaneously structured and romantic feminine hourglass shape.

From left to right: Dior, Balmain, Thom Browne

---

Cowl or the Draped Hood

The hood becomes a seamless element of the ensemble. Ready to Wear Spring 2023 shows have finally embraced the cowl-draped hood that becomes the perfect addition to an elongating chic silhouette. Along with the 80s silhouettes that are making a significant comeback this upcoming Spring, the hood comes in a stylized attachment, yet becomes the garment’s own draped extension. We are especially loving this trend!

From left to right: Saint Laurent, Schiaparelli, Saint Laurent, Saint Laurent

---

Sheer Fabrics

All over sheer dresses and catsuits occupied so much of the Spring 2023 runway, that it’s not easy to avoid seeing this as perhaps the biggest trend this upcoming season. Whether in combination with other fabrics, or layers of varying opacity, we will be seeing sheer garments in a spectrum of applications. This Spring, you can choose to show little to more skin, from a voluminous sheer top, to a layered all-over sheer dress.

From left to right: Acne Studios, Bottega Veneta, Burberry

From left to right: Loewe, Balmain, Rick Owens

From left to right: Off White, Alexander McQueen, Valentino

---

Feathers and Fringe

Fringe, feathers, or fringe designed to look like feathers, all are wonderful choices! We are seeing fringe at hemlines, full skirts and even all over fringe items. Fringe and feathers are more than just an embellishment this season around, they serve to modify silhouette, add volume and transform shape.

From left to right: Bottega Veneta, Bottega Veneta, Bottega Veneta, Givenchy

From left to right: Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Rick Owens

---

Bows

Bows as embellishments is one of the more unique trends that walked down the runway. Whether all over, a major focus of the outfit, or an element to tie the look together, bows were silently (or loudly so) everywhere this season’s Spring 2023 shows.

From left to right: Loewe, Acne Studios, Elie Saab

---

Spots

We are seeing spots. There really aren’t any rules for spots, in Spring 2023 you can choose to wear them any way you like. From oversized spots, polka dots, or localized spotted prints, to all over spotted jumpsuits, there is no way to go wrong.

From left to right: Raf Simons, Thom Browne, Saint Laurent

---

Mesh

Right along with the sheer catsuits and sheer floor length dresses, the all over mesh moment is likely the most unexpected trend of them all. On the Spring 2023 catwalk we saw a variety of mesh sizes and applications, giving catsuits and maxi dresses a softer, body-hugging quality. If the sheer trend is what you are excited for this season, look out for all over mesh items, especially ones with novelty oversized mesh!

From left to right: Acne Studios, Burberry, Givenchy, Raf Simons

---

Bling & Shine

Sequins, rhinestones, beaded mesh and other shiny applications will be present this upcoming Spring. If you have an all over sequin dress you’ve been dying to wear, now is your time to shine!

From left to right: Valentino, Hermes, Valentino, Rick Owens

---

VMAs Best Dressed 2021 - Design Land Picks

The VMAs are the one Music Awards event to follow if you are looking to find over-the-top red carpet looks. Like the previous VMAs red carpet events, last Sunday’s event at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center served numerous excessive and overelaborated fashion moments. Here are our top picks for the Best-Dressed Artists of VMAs 2021:

Olivia Rodrigo in a wrapped tulle Atelier Versace gown selected from Versace’s Spring 2001 Couture collection.

Doja Cat in Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood

Halle Bailey in Mônot: A statement risqué floor-length white gown.

Normani in Patrycja Pagas and Djula jewelry: A two piece deconstructed outfit with an exaggerated oversized belt.

Kacey Musgraves in Valentino: A purple mini dress completed with a matching feather hat and red leather gloves.

Lil Nas X in Atelier Versace: A shimmering lavender two piece equipped with a long train.

Iann Dior in a Signature ombre purple suit.

Troye Sivan in Fendi: A two piece set with a cropped blazer from Fendi’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection.

Megan Fox in Mugler and Machine Gun Kelly in a sparkling red suit: Megan brings back the iconic naked dress on the red carpet, embellished with crystals, while MGK complements the couple’s moment with a bright red shimmering suit.

Avril Lavigne in Area, Christalea & Stuart Weitzman and Mod Sun: A two piece suit with heart cutout blazer in the spirit of Avril’s original punk style.

Kourtney Kardashian in Balmain and Travis Barker in Thom Browne: Kourtney’s look consisted of an all black leather corset halter neckline dress, while Travis opted for a studded black suit in coordination.

---

These are our top 13 VMAs Red Carpet looks. Do you agree with our choices and which one is your favorite?

XOXO Lori / Design Land NYC

Our Picks for Best Looks - Grammys 2021

The Grammys are always a display of creative extravaganza when it comes to the Red Carpet and artists’ performance, and our expectations for the artists’ looks are excessively high. Grammys 2021 took place last Sunday and we are impressed with the quality of character that each artist showcased through their red carpet outfit choices! From Harry Styles and his Gucci leather suit and feather boa, to Dua Lipa’s Versace sparkly encrusted dress, to Cynthia Erivo’s radiant Nicolas Ghesquière column gown, here are our picks for Best Looks Grammys 2021!

Dua Lipa in Versace and BVLGARI jewelry 

Dua Lipa in Versace

Jhene Aiko in Monsoori and Sydney Evan jewelry

Taylor Swift in Oscar de la Renta and Christian Louboutin shoes

Mickey Guyton in Valentino

Chloe Bailey in Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. jewelry

Halle Bailey in Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. jewelry

Billie Eilish in Gucci 

Cynthia Erivo in Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. jewelry

Bad Bunny in Burberry

Harry Styles in Gucci

Beyoncé in Schiaparelli

What did you think of our top picks for Best Grammys looks? We especially loved following the artist’s live performance and award ceremony! This year’s event marked a new record: Beyoncé is officially the woman with most Grammy wins of all time after having won her 28th Grammy this year. Judging from the looks on the red carpet, we can safely say that this year, designers, stylists and artists are back in sync together.

XOXO Lori / Design Land NYC

Our Picks For Best Looks

Everything you need to know about Spring 2021 Haute Couture Week

Let’s talk Couture! In case you have missed the latest Virtual Fashion Shows for Spring 2021 Haute Couture, we are here to bring you the Highlights and keep you updated on the latest runway looks!  Couture week has just come to an end, and despite having to present virtually to no physical audience, Couture Houses have delivered some stunning looks this year that have brought attention back to the Fashion World.

Schiaparelli

COURTESY OF SCHIAPARELLI

Starting with a stunning and rather surprising Spring 2021 Couture Presentation from Schiaparelli, Daniel Roseberry has managed to execute an ideal comeback for the House of Schiaparelli. Only recently, last week during the Presidential Inauguration we saw the brand dress Lady Gaga in an unforgettable black fitted jacked, a red silk ball skirt and a striking golden dove brooch to sing the National Anthem. Designer and Creative Director Daniel Roseberry, has been playing out of the box to pull the brand out of its past stagnancy and surely, he does not disappoint. Vogue reports that Roseberry feels a shift of mentality, a focus and confidence that comes from his relationship to his process and the atelier. 

COURTESY OF SCHIAPARELLI

“It isn’t about being too perfect for me, but it is about shutting the moment down.”

COURTESY OF SCHIAPARELLI

We certainly see this shift in its most glorious form in the latest Couture collection, which contains elements of homage to Elsa Schiaparelli and presents the opposite of the extra feminine nature of expected Couture garments. Through structured muscular bustiers, accentuated abs and biceps, a dress knitted with more than 200,000 Swarovski crystals, folded voluminous sleeves and the dazzling golden bijoux, this Spring Couture collection brings back the powerful female heroine.

Christian Dior

COURTESY OF DIOR

Ah, Christian Dior! The House never disappoints in delivering artistry through their Couture shows. This year, Dior presented the collection through a carefully curated film and accompanying series of photographs. The inspiration of Maria Grazia Chiuri comes as a consequence of the chaotic year of 2020, and lies in the hope that arises from negotiating with fate. Tarot cards come to life in this film, such a theme stemming from several stories. Christian Dior himself believed in the power of Tarot and their ability to see into the future and first sought out the help of signs when his sister disappeared. 

COURTESY OF DIOR

This is Chiuri’s interpretation: 

“We decided to film a story about this girl who goes inside a castle. It’s a labyrinth which represents an interior trip. When she meets each of the tarot figures, she has to reach a decision about her life. And on the other hand, she meets aspects of her own personality and learns not to be scared of the future.”

COURTESY OF DIOR

The collection includes period Renaissance inspired pieces, including high waisted corsets, brocade fabrics and a balance of feminine and masculine energy. The merge of the mystique, magic and spirituality are incarnated in the embroidered fabrics, golden details and mysterious allure that prevails throughout the collection. 

COURTESY OF DIOR

Giambattista Valli

COURTESY OF GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

Volume and more volume! There is no better term to describe the signature style of Giambattista Valli. 

 “Sometimes I look at other couture houses and I see a lot of decoration. Couture is not about decoration. Couture is about volumes,” he asserted. “When you sketch ready-to-wear, you have to be a designer. When you create haute couture, you have to be a sculptor. It’s the difference between building a space and decorating it.” 

COURTESY OF GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

Spring Couture 2021 brings another series of extravagantly voluminous gowns, catered to clients that seek drama and flair! The presentation took place in Seville, a place where the Spanish and Islamic cultures melt together and create a new third culture, as a symbolism about the world coming together into a global culture. 

 Iris van Herpen

COURTESY OF IRIS VAN HERPEN

For this Couture collection, Iris van Herpen collaborated with Parley for the Ocens to utilize Ocean Plastic® fabric made from upcycled marine debris. The Dutch designer claims that the quality of manmade, natural and sustainable materials has reached an even point, and the selection of sustainable materials, above all, remains a change of mindset. The inspiration for this year’s gowns and fabric selections comes from a book by Merlin Sheldrake titled “Entangled Life” which focuses on the way fungi maintain their life systems on Earth. We can see this inspiration reflected in silhouettes and details, with gill-like pleating and mycelium lace, some of which was produced on a collaboration with an artist that grew lace patterns from wood. 

COURTESY OF IRIS VAN HERPEN

This past year for Iris van Herpen has been about maintaining communication in a time of isolation and separation. The system that fungi create to communicate in a “wood wide web” has been particularly fascinating, providing a context for this couture collection to fit right into our timeline. 

Viktor & Rolf 

COURTESY OF VIKTOR & ROLF

Viktor and Rolf Spring 2021 Couture collection comes as something fun and lighthearted! The designer duo decided that after a grim year they should offer some escapism for their audience and clientele, something carrying a lot of energy and power! For this reason, the collection appears more youthful, and carries on a theme of upcycling and DIY, which is unusual for a couture show, but also what sets this collection apart from others! A clash of colors and textures pulls together two piece outfits, each of which releases exhilarating energy! 

COURTESY OF VIKTOR & ROLF

Chanel

Chanel Spring 2021 Couture show has transformed the Grand Palais into a country wedding in the South of France, decorated with floral arches and a bright atmosphere of celebration. As always, Chanel presents outfits that include the brand’s iconic boucle fabrics into cardigan jackets and vests, now more encrusted and embroidered than ever. Other garments are hand-painted and made from custom lace, hems finished with re-embroidered blossoms.  

COURTESY OF CHANEL

Creative director Virginie Viard describes this year’s couture collection as a “bohemian style wedding, a family celebration in a village including the mother, the aunt, and the 15-year-old girl dressing up for the first time”. The silhouettes bring both feminine and masculine energies, by including layers of petticoats for the most voluminous gowns and skirts, paired with button-ups and more traditional menswear. 

COURTESY OF CHANEL

Armani Privé

COURTESY OF ARMANI PRIVÉ

Armani Privé Spring 2021 Couture show was set for the first time at Palazzo Orsini in Milano in front of no audience. The collection showcased a variety of feminine gowns, elaborately embroidered sheer fabrics, encrusted florals, translucent layers of tulle and sequined details, in a fresh color palette of cool mint, soft taupe, and navy. 

In Armani’s words: 

“Couture is rooted in fashion history. It represents the pinnacle of creativity and sartorial skill, but is a world available only to very few. Today, through the democracy of the Internet, we are able to offer a front row seat to everyone.”

COURTESY OF ARMANI PRIVÉ

Valentino

COURTESY OF VALENTINO

Yet another Couture show with no audience, this Valentino Spring 2021 collection served to honor the intricate and irreplaceable nature of couture as a process and valuable legacy of the brand. Couture celebrates the human, the mind that conceives and the hand that creates and gives value, were the words of the Designer. He called the looks Temporal, as they will survive time and outlive trends to come.

"Through a work process that sits above time, they produce timeless objects moulded on the individual." 

COURTESY OF VALENTINO

This year’s Valentino looks were uplifting in their color palette and simply illuminating. The collection is inspired and constructed only with the surface and garment quality in mind, as opposed to a more intangible concept. When compared to past collections, this lineup has flipped the ratio of evening-wear to day-wear, making the pieces much more wearable and versatile.

COURTESY OF VALENTINO

Fendi  

COURTESY OF FENDI

Fendi Spring 2021 Couture, also marked Kim Jones’ debut collection, turning this into an important event! The show attracted a lot of attention when they recruited some of the most well-known models in the industry; Naomi Campell, Kate Moss, Cara Delevigne, Bella Hadid Demi Moore, and Adwoa Aboah. 

COURTESY OF FENDI

The collection was visibly inspired by Virginia Woolf’s time-traveling, gender-blurring novel Orlando and the visual language of Bernini’s Marbles. The lineup also served as a celebration of the legacy for Fend;, incorporating pieces of significant elements of the brand, and family; emphasizing the idea of unity and collective energy. 

In his notes for the show, Kim Jones pointed out as follows:

 "Fendi represents artisanal quality of the highest order, and it is all about family. It is in its third generation with a Fendi at its helm, and I am guest starring while bringing in the fourth. Here, I am surrounded by strong, powerful women who I love and respect, and want to bring their energy into what I do."

This concludes our Report for Spring 2021 Couture Week, and we are inspired by the artistry and craftsmanship showcased this past week! Which show was your favorite this Couture Season?

Sending joy and creative stimuli your way,

XOXO Lori / Design Land NYC