Glitter, Glam and Gloss: Anticipation and achievement at New York Fashion Week

It’s one of the “Big Four” events in the industry, along with London, Paris and Milan—and this September, all eyes were on New York Fashion Week. Though some say the main trendsetter cities are Milan and Paris, I am convinced that the shows of American designers are always distinguished by fresh ideas and unique, exclusive styling. This year, Michael Kors, Tom Ford, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler, Ulla Johnson, Carolina Herrera and Tory Burch were my personal favorites of the more than 100 brands featured at NYFW.

After analyzing all the shows, I believe designers are telling us that there’s no need to save glamorous looks only for special occasions. On the catwalks of Spring/Summer 2023 there were a lot of rhinestones, sequins, shining fringe and gold/silver fabrics that were nicely balanced with simple knitwear, solid coats and blazers for everyday looks.

In celebration of Fendi’s 25th anniversary of the iconic “Baguette” bag, which became famous thanks to the TV series “Sex and the City,” the brand held a special show. Famous "baguettes" were literally everywhere — on hats, gloves, belts, earrings, leggings, heels, overalls and in the form of pockets on anoraks. In addition, Fendi presented a collaboration with Tiffany & Co: a baguette bag in a classic size and Tiffany’s signature color. The cherry on the top was an appearance on the podium at the end of the show by Linda Evangelista, a supermodel who recently decided to return to modeling after a flawed cosmetic procedure. I think she looked fabulous in a bright turquoise cape (Tiffany’s signature color) complemented by white silk gloves, as well as the legendary Baguette bag.

In honor of Vogue’s 130th anniversary, the fashion magazine held “VOGUE World,” a legendary full-fledged fashion show with celebrity guests on the front rows and on the podium, wearing the latest fall-winter collections by Balenciaga, Valentino, Gucci, Dior, Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren. If you have time and desire, I highly recommend watching it for aesthetic pleasure and inspiration.

Having studied all the shows in detail, I would like to share with you five main fashion trends of the upcoming Spring/Summer Season 2023.

Sequins

Next year there will be no distinct separation between evening and daytime looks. Sequins continue to actively move into our everyday wardrobe, and hold the leading position among the main Spring/Summer 2023 trends. To reduce the degree of festivity and to make the outfit more relaxed and casual, I recommend simplifying the look by adding an oversized sweater, hoodie or a blazer (if you wear a sequin skirt) or jeans, denim skirt or trousers (if you wear a sequin top), and finish the look with flat shoes like loafers or sneakers.

If you like this trend, I advise you to explore Fendi’s Resort 2023 Collection and see how creative director Kim Jones deftly combined sequins with knitwear.

Lace

Spring/Summer 2023 will be very feminine and delicate. Proenza Schouler (that celebrated brand’s 20th anniversary) and Tory Burch were focused on femininity and used lace as a tool, incorporated into dresses, tops and flowy midi skirts. I really like the idea of wearing lace as a second layer underneath the mini skirt or mini dress, as Tory Burch demonstrated in her collection.

Metallic Fabrics

In Fall-Winter 2022/23, designers covered shoes and accessories with silver and gold; now we can see this trend spreading into corsets, tops, trench coats, suits and dresses. Gabriela Hearst, Bevza, Altuzarra, Tom Ford, Michael Kors, Tory Burch and many other brands offered us ways to “shine bright like a diamond.”

Fringe

Another long-lasting trend that has stayed with us several seasons in a row, dynamic bohemian fringe on clothes and accessories was detected in many collections. In my opinion, Michael Kors’ and Jack McCollough with Lazaro Hernandez from Proenza Schouler’s “fringe looks” were the most spectacular.

Trouser Suits

My personal favorite trend. I am a huge fan of trouser suits! In Spring-Summer 2023, trouser suits were decorated with bright prints and vibrant colors. This time, designers experimented with the cut of jackets, making an asymmetrical hem, accentuating the waist and adding low-rise trousers. They also showed a variety of options for fans of oversized garments.

As to the trending colors of Spring/Summer 2023, there will be a space for both lovers of neutrals and fans of bright colors. If you are in line with the color trends, then note that the main hues will be orange, purple, yellow, red, pink and blue.

If you like bright colors but aren’t sure how to incorporate them into your everyday looks, I recommend you start by injecting bright accent colors in the form of accessories, such as scarves, jewelry, bags or shoes, or as a print in clothes. Also, consider starting with the blues. Navy blue is a great alternative to black, and once you get more comfortable with it, you can try other shades like cobalt, sapphire or royal blue. It’s all about baby steps and feeling comfortable.

I personally am a big fan of vibrant colors, and I think that color brings more personality to your outfit.