One of the most eagerly awaited occasions on the 2023 fashion calendar, Paris Fashion Week features the newest collections from some of the most well-known designers in the business. With a number of outstanding collections that have raised the bar for the upcoming season, this year’s couture week did not disappoint!
Starting off Paris fashion week was the attention-grabbing collection by Schiaparelli that stole headlines all across the globe with their unique take on couture. Not only were their models rocking their avant guards looks, but the celebrities attending the show also made head turns. Quite literally, Kylie Jenner wearing a giant faux Lion’s Head designed by Schiaparelli. Kylie wasn’t the only one who went viral, Doja Cat had 30,000 red Swarovski crystals adorning her from head to toe, and a new Schiaparelli look rounded out her ensemble.
One thing we can take from this viral show is that 2023 is going to be a dramatic year in fashion full of fun, texture and eccentric fantasy!
Dior presented their collection with 13 giant portraits of African American women such as Eartha Kitt, Nina Simone and Josephine Baker among others by artist Mickalene Thomas graced the interiors. Creative director, and universally adored designer, Maria Grazia Chiuri drew her inspiration for the collection from the life of Josephine Baker during the 1920s-1950s. The collection was defined by its muted colours, cabaret influences, and use of subtle shiny or velvet fabrics with classic silhouettes.
With their “upside-down” inventions, Viktor & Rolf, led by Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, provided us with one of the most memorable experiences during Paris Couture week. Beautiful, delicate dresses that were positioned practically in every direction, from horizontal to diagonal, were worn by models as they sauntered down the catwalk. Unconventional construction is definitely the theme for Viktor and Rolf and may get us all to think of different ways to wear our most loved items.
Snoeren remarked the collection was a comment about our toxic internet culture with modern filters changing bodies and features creating unrealistic beauty standards, thus creating a distorted sense of beauty.
A fashion week first, an abstract camel opened the show, but for long-term Chanel fans, it was a nostalgic theme about to hit the runway. The entire collection is inspired by Chanel founder Coco Chanel’s apartment in Rue Cambon filled with animal-themed furniture and decor. Chanel showcased a collection of long and short coat dresses, animal-inspired embroidery, menswear details like bow ties with top hats and a circus-themed aesthetic the internet dubbed ‘Ringmaster core’.
After 29 haute couture collections, Spring 2023 Couture Week ended with several mesmerising items and viral moments! This year we’re definitely taking our fashion inspiration from the wild side, from animal prints and silhouettes to embracing the cabaret in true ringmaster fashion.
