If you haven't already seen Part 1 to this blog, go and check it out, then come back for more! We're talking all about some of the most iconic, most memorable, most gag-worthy moments of fashion in 2023. From Troye Sivan giving Ross Lynch a lap dance to a New Yorker scurrying around the city like a rat, stealing his date's $1000 shoes!!? This has been quite a wild year, so let's continue to delve into some of my favourite moments over the last 12 months.
1/13
Troye Sivan in drag for his music video 'One Of Your Girls'
This year was undeniably the year of Troye Sivan, in --- he announced his first album since Bloom in 2018 and it quickly became a hot topic on social media. From the first single - Rush - we knew this new era would a hit, but the biggest moment for this album came in the form of his third single off the upcoming album - One Of Your Girls. Not only is the song massively catchy, Troye released a music video for the track, in which he is in full glamour drag, giving Ross Lynch 'the internet's boyfriend' a lap dance. The music video immediately went viral and everyone was obsessed, this wasn't just a fun collaboration, it was a huge moment for fashion, opening up the conversation on gender, fluidity and being dynamic, which are also relevant now more than ever in international culture. Not only was it a groundbreaking moment, Troye also just looked drop-dead gorgeous, saying he was inspired by Madonna, Lady Gaga, Britney, Beyonce, Carrie Bradshaw and many more when developing his persona for the role. This track felt like an homage to people in the queer community, who have spent their past trying to fit in with beauty standards, or morphing themselves into someone else entirely to fit into what someone else perceives as beautiful. This was definitely not on my 2023 bingo card but it was a welcome surprise.
2/13
Margot Robbie in pink looks for 'Barbie'
The hottest film of the year was without a doubt, Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' which saw Margot Robbie jump into the iconic character that, since its initial release in 1959, has sold over 1 billion Barbie dolls! This goes to say that this role was bound to be monumental, before the movie was released, even before Margot was cast to play the lead. The movie itself was beautiful, a tale of empowerment, living in the patriarchy, being many things all at once and a perfect tribute to Barbie's impact on the world. Yet it was the press tour and Margot's pink pink looks that sparked all the conversations. Margot arrived at every press event and premiere in a stunning outfit, most of which were pink-tastic. She showed up to a Q&A session in fluffy, pastel-pink pyjamas, wore a hot-pink Versace blazer and corset with matching hot-pink Manolos to a screening at Warner Bros studios, arrived in a stunning blush pink Vivienne Westwood Couture gown for the London movie premiere. We also saw her take to pink in her off work street style as well, showing up at the airport in baby pink Bottega Veneta (of course with matching Manolos) or in a vintage Chanel tweed look - from Spring/Summer 1997 - with matching Barbie pink luggage. Essentially, Margot brought the colour pink back, in every shade, for every occasion, and I am certainly using it as an excuse to wear pink as often as possible now.
3/13
Taylor Swift on her 'record-breaking' Eras Tour
No-one had a year quite like Taylor Swift, from being name person of the year by Time magazine, to going on a world tour that generated over $1 billion, to incredible award show appearances, she dominated the entertainment industry and with that, delivered some incredible moments for the fashion world - particularly as she took the stage around the world on her 'Era's Tour'. Like Beyonce, who delivered multiple new looks with every different city she appeared in, as well as having a handful of returning favourites, Taylor opted to wear a set wardrobe of around 16 pieces throughout each performance (with slight different iterations and modifications between cities and shows) out of around 40 total looks in rotation for the entire tour. She wore gorgeous pieces from designers including Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Etro, Elie Saab, Oscar De La Renta and Christian Louboutin. Perhaps the most iconic and memorable look of this whole tour was the very first piece we saw her in, as she opened her first show in Glendale, Arizona, wearing a custom Atelier Versace bodysuit, representing her 'Lover' era, which she wore with a pair of sparkling silver Louboutin knee-high boots (and a bedazzled microphone!). This piece broke the internet - mainly for the Swifties - and remains an iconic moment of this year. Taylor wore this bodysuit many times over the tour - in multiple different colour ways, all custom by Versace - as well as other custom bodysuits that also stunned, including a custom midnight blue bodysuit, with over 5000 hand embroidered crystals, by Oscar De La Renta.
4/13
Rihanna's return in Coperni at the Superbowl
My biggest moment - outside of fashion - in 2023, was Rihanna's return to the performing world, with her taking over the Super Bowl Halftime Show (becoming the most watched half-time show in history). This was so major, as the world has been starved of Rihanna since ANTI in 2016!!! Of course, with Ri being the fashion ocin that she is, this night was bound to be a moment in fashion just as much as it was in music and pop culture. As the performance began, Rihanna flew up into the air of a floating platform and we were able to catch a glimpse of her look for the show: A bold red Loewe ensemble consisting of a silk jersey bodysuit, layered with a leather moulded breast bustier, topped with a flight suit, unzipped. Not only was this a powerful, bold move, it also became a pregnancy reveal, as we got a glimpse through the flight suit to see a baby bump (announcing her second child). The final contribution to the look, was an Alaia sleeping bag puffer coat, an homage to Andre Leon Tally - who passed the previous January - with whom Rihanna had been close with, as the pair shared many iconic moments together over the years. As if this performance wasn't iconic enough, Rihanna stopped briefly, mid performance, to touch up her makeup with the Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder, which skyrocketed Fenty sales to all time highs. As for her long-awaited return to music, it seems we're going to have to wait a little longer (I'm guessing 2025).
5/13
Gwyneth Paltrow pulls an Anna Delvey in the courtroom
In March, the iconic Miss Goop - Gwyneth Paltrow - found her self in hot (or should I say frozen) water, after an optometrist attempted to sue her, claiming long term injuries from a collision the two had on the ski slopes in Utah during 2016. It became clear very quickly that this tragic little man had absolutely no truth in his story, obviously seeing the accident (albeit an incredibly harmless, minor one) as an opportunity for a cash-grab. The world saw this and the fabulous Gwyneth decided to countersue for $1 - which she of course was awarded - and use the completely unnecessary trial as an opportunity to channel her inner Anna Delvey. From day 1 of the trial, news outlet reported on the new information and updates from the day, but the one thing that everyone actually cared about was Gwyneth's wardrobe choice. For the rest of the trial, the world tuned in to see what she would be wearing, as it was the only serious thing going on in that courtroom - however hilarious it was to see the Plaintiff's lawyer. fangirl over the woman she was supposed to be opposing - and Gwyneth very clearly leaned into it, likely aware that it would be a perfect personal marketing opportunity. Her outfits were stylishly chic, very understated, as she wore mostly pieces from Olsen twins' luxury brand 'The Row' (which is associated with people with extreme wealth, subtly stylish taste and an acute knowledge of well made clothing) and Celine. This gorgeous and cohesive wardrobe was added to millions of Pinterest boards and quickly became a look that people were trying to recreate, adding massively to the fire that is the trend of the year: Quiet Luxury.
6/13
Pamela Anderson going makeup free at the BFA's
Even though we have all become highly aware of the power of instagram makeup and lighting as well as celebrities' fondness of Photoshop, we still fall into the trap, especially on social media, even though we know it isn't real or attainable. Even more perhaps, this is more prominent in the world of celebrities, most of whom - I'm very aware there are outliers - who don't post a photo without retouching, or step out onto a carpet without an entire hair and glam squad ensuring they don't have a single pore on display. However, at the British Fashion Awards this December, one celebrity decided to make a powerful statement. Pamela Anderson walked the carpet and attended the event completely make-up free, displaying the real face of the Hollywood icon, which was undeniably beautiful, and more impactful than any make-up look could have been. In 2023 and moving forwards, the public wants to see the truth, representation and empowerment (expect at the Victoria's Secret show...) so it was hugely moving to see Pamela, now 56, opt out of covering her natural beauty for the night. It was very compelling for all of us, but especially for women that feel their youth and beauty is behind them, as we got to see a mother of 56 years old feel empowered being unapologetically real and making it clear that you should show up for yourself, that you are and can feel beautiful exactly as you are.
7/13
The internet all came together to track down a Tabi thief
"ATTENZIONE ! BORSEGGIATORI !" It isn't everyday that the internet comes together to take down someone collectively (for the right reasons at least), until this year, when we all had a common enemy. What was the crime you ask? Manipulation? Murder? Wearing a genuine fur coat? No: stealing a pair of Margiela Tabi Mary Janes from a hinge date... Taking a hoodie as a souvenir when sneaking out of a hookup is normal, encouraged even (go ahead please) but the line is drawn when it comes to luxury fashion, even more so when it is a sentimental piece. As told on Tiktok, this story begins when a girl in New York matched with a guy on hinge, and after bumping into him in the streets, they decided to go on a date. Everything went well, they went back to her place and in the morning, he left. Later that day she realised her $1000 Margiela shoes were missing and she began to recall that he had been eyeing them up, asking questions about them and sharing his enthusiasm for the shoes. Her video blew up overnight and even people that knew the man were quick to help a girl out. It turns out, he had orchestrated the whole situation to steal the shoes and give them to his GIRLFRIEND !!! Luckily, the girl got her shoes back, after the internet came together to help her out, and you can be damn sure that man will not be able to date in New York again. Strangely, another occasion occurred this year in which 50 pieces from a Balmain collection were stolen days before their fashion week debut, making it seem as if fashion crimes are on the rise. This whole incident felt very 'Carrie Bradshaw being mugged and the attacker taking only her Fendi Baguette bag'.
8/13
Zendaya in pink Valentino at the SAG awards
No-one rocks a carpet like Zendaya and this year she showed up yet again to show everyone else how it's done. Perhaps my favourite look of hers this year was the piece she wore to the SAG awards: a stunning Valentino Haute Couture gown in pink, adorned with dozens of blush pink roses that grew in size the further down the dress they were. The piece was strapless and the top of her gown featured an immaculate corseted bustier. In collaboration with her long-time stylist Law Roach, she styled this with a gorgeous Bulgari - for whom she is an ambassador - Haute Joaillerie necklace that featured three large gemstones in a cushion cut: one tanzanite, one morganite and one aquamarine. These were set in yellow gold and the piece also featured almost 100 other round and pear-cut diamonds. On top of this perfect ensemble, Zendaya once again demonstrated she is the perfect fashion chameleon, pulling off a chin-grazing bob with a dreamy blow out. She changed into another Valentino piece as she stepped inside and her second look also would have landed her on the best dressed list of any red carpet. Zendaya always steals the show, but this look in particular just hasn't left my mind all year. She embodies Old Hollywood glamour yet has a youthfulness to her that just comes alive on a carpet or a runway (in another strand of the multiverse, Zendaya decided to go into modelling and had all the girls quaking in their boots).
9/13
Doja Cat in Schiaparelli
Most celebrities use red carpets, fashion week and events to get dressed up, to look and feel the most beautiful they can. However, you can always count on Doja Cat to bring some fun and playfulness to an otherwise overly serious event. From buzzing her head, to dressing up and being a literal cat at the Met gala, even attending Paris Haute Couture week with false eyelashes for eyebrows, a moustache and a beard, Doja is certainly one to look out for in the celebrity word of fashion, always doing something that no-one else has the balls for. She is bringing back camp, leaning into the overly literal and making fashion fun. One of the looks that took the world by storm in 2023 was at the Schiaparelli Haute Couture show in Paris, the same show that Kylie Jenner wore a life sized lion's head gown too - surprisingly not the most ourtageous look of the show - was Doja Cat appearing as a fantasy in red. Glittering and shimmering, Doja emerged from her car and revealed the look of Couture Week, all red from head to toe, quite literally. Her entire head, face, neck, shoulders, chest, arms and hands were all covered in 30,000 crimson swarovski crystals, that took 4 hours and 58 minutes to place, one by one. The body and makeup look for the Schiaparelli show - inspired by Dante's Inferno - was created by Pat McGrath, the legendary makeup artist, as Doja had decided she wanted to do something 'major'. The rest of the all-red look included a sinching strapless corset, knee high heeled boots and a long piece fabrics worn bunched as a wrap-around (all in a smooth, matte red). Along with this, she wore a large, structured skirt, covered in hundreds of red beads in different sizes and styled accordingly with a pair of giant statement earrings, all in the same gorgeous scarlet shade. This piece was a shock, it stirred up intrigue and it still remained a beautifully crafted and immaculately styled look.
10/13
Jonathan Anderson as British Designer of the Year
This December, at the The Fashion Awards in London, Jonathan Anderson won British Designer of the Year, and I think he is absolutely deserving of the title. He was up against many incredible designer that also had a great year, including Daniel Lee at Burberry, Matthieu Blazy for Bottega Veneta, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, and Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons for Prada. Jonathan took the prize for his work this year at both his own label JW Anderson and the LVMH-owned fashion house Loewe, the latter of the two had one of the best years of all in 2023. The British Fashion Council that present the awards consists of over 1000 industry experts, so it is fair to say that the decision is well thought out and comes from people who know what they're doing. Some of the most iconic moments that Jonathan Anderson is responsible for this year include: Rihanna's baby bump reveal in custom Loewe at the super bowl half time performance, Beyonce's catsuit with hand motifs on her Renaissance Tour and created the costumes for an upcoming Luca Guadagnino (director behind Call Me By Your Name and Bones And All) film titled Queer. He was on of the change-makers in terms of mens fashion once again this year, constantly pushing creativity. Jonathan is known for wanting to eradicate the idea of luxury, instead just creating to fulfill a fantasy that he has concocted in his head, inspired by film, art, craft, music, textures, colour studies and sculptures. It is this internal drive to create something organic and unique that sets him apart from every other designer. His work is a constant representation of what he is loving and inspired by at that moment, leading to a beautifully diverse range of collections - for both brands - that are gradually building up quite the archive, which he is already able to reference himself in current collections. This year marked Anderson's tenth at Loewe, a surprisingly lengthy union in this age of creative directors coming and going with each season, showing that he is in fact a staple in the industry and his creativity is not to be underestimated.
11/13
Law Roach 'quits' fashion
This March, instagram froze in time for a hot minute, as Law Roach took to the platform to announce he had 'retired from fashion'. Immediately, people began to speculate why on earth such a fashion world icon and staple stylist to the stars would just throw in the towl, seemingly overnight. At first, it seemed that a recent drama involving Zendaya (his long time client and friend), Louis Vuitton and a seating plan disaster was the reason for the bombshell announcement. The pair - who always sit directly next to one another at fashion shows - arrived late to a Louis Vuitton runway and when Zendaya took her seat in the front row, it became clear that there was no seat for Law next to her. In a video from someone in the back row, Zendaya can be seen pointing behind her (which we later found out she was doing so to say that her assistant was meant to be there) and the internet went wild, suggesting she wanted Law to sit behind her and that the two had obviously had a huge falling out. Many people assumed that this made Law reconsider his position with Zendaya and consequently he decided it would be best to part ways. However, as hugely as the world misunderstood the situation at LV, we were also completely off the mark with Law's huge news on instagram. It turns out, Law feels incredibly let down and disappointed by 'the business', 'politics' and 'false narratives' so decided to redirect his creativity, still working as a stylist and essentially creative director for Zendaya - the two have both admitted they are like family and would never split - but pivoting his career away from celebrity styling (still working within fashion). The night after posting his 'retirement' to instagram, Law was seen at the BOSS show in Miami, not working behind the scenes, but modelling in the show! This seemed to represent a new dawn for him. So in the end, it might have been a dramatic move, but one that felt necessary for Law to allow himself to move past what everyone expected of him and into a new era.
12/13
The world goes crazy over Jacob Elordi (street style + bag collection)
If you have opened social media even once this year, you are bound to have been bombarded by paparazzi shots, fan edits, interview clips and magazine shoots of Jacob Elordi, who has transcended beyond white boy of the week, to global heartthrob, and even more recently being seen as a legitimate, serious actor. Known from 'The Kissing Booth', then 'Euphoria', Jacob has been gaining popularity gradually, yet this year we saw him blow up the internet. Over this year, Jacob has appeared in the sensational 'Saltburn' and has finished filming as Elvis for a Priscilla Presley biopic. Most recently, he had everyone jaw-dropped over an insanely sexy, simple and classic shoot for GQ Man. However, the biggest topic of conversation surrounding Jacob this year was his persona style, and specifically, his bag collection. A pap shot went viral of him wearing the Bottega Veneta Andiamo early this year, after which social media became flooded with dozens of shots of Jacob wearing iconic bags in his day to day life. Not only was it iconic to see such a well known, male public figure wearing (what is being sold and marketed as) a women's bag, it was the was Jacob seems to style these bags immaculately with his chic, trend-setting outfits. His known collection includes the Bottega Veneta Cassette, Valentino Loco, a mini Chanel shoulder bag, the Fendi Baguette, a Celine shoulder bag and most recently, the Louis Vuitton Speedy. Until now, it has been rare to see a male celebrity carrying a bag, but I hope that this influences a new wave of confidence among men, who - if Jacob is anything to go by - could rock a handbag just as well as anyone.
13/13
Last Vivienne Westwood collection
In December 2022, we found out that punk fashion icon and all around legend Vivienne Westwood had tragically passed away. It was such awful news, as Westwood was one of the most culturally significant designers and had been for 40 years. She has left an incredible legacy behind and the world as a whole, but especially the fashion industry, has immense respect and love for her. The fashion calendar keeps moving, with Paris Fashion Week this March marking what would have been her Fall 23 collection, instead it was used as an opportunity to honour Vivienne, with a show by Andreas Kronthaler - her co-designer and life partner - in her memory. He explained that this was the last set of designs that Vivienne touched, making it extra special, as what is essentially her final show. The couple have collaborated since the 90's and Andreas intends to continue with this, keeping Vivienne in mind at every point in the creation, deciding if Vivienne would like it or if she would wear it. The show itself was full of Vivienne touches, the perfect homage to the legend; the first look featured a blouse with a print of Westwood's face, her genius creation that is the Ghillie Heel made an appearance, and perhaps most special, her own granddaughter closed out the show - and the era - in a corset and bloomer wedding look, holding a bouquet of white flowers. This display was incredibly emotional, and with even the models in tears on the runway, the world saw the impact Vivienne had had on fashion, but also her lasting impression on the individual lives she touched.
If you haven't seen Part 1 already, check it out and let me know if I missed any iconic moments that defined fashion in 2023. Hopefully 2024 brings more trends, creative runways, red carpet moments that leave us begging for more and some hilarious mishaps (a la Jennifer Lawrence's Dior belt). Have a fabulous New Year and keep an eye out for much more content.
Comments