The Top 20 Runway Trends for S/S 2023

From New York to London, Milan and Paris, in this post I round up the biggest trends of the summer season. Color is very important, worn in a mostly monochrome way, from shades of beige, to magenta, red, lilac and baby blue. For the more daring, neon hues and cutouts are leading the way.

Cargo pants, biker jackets and fringes are absolute must-haves! Enjoy those beautiful collections.

LoL, Sandra

If you buy one thing for spring, make it a pair of multi-pocketed cargo pants. From their origins in the British army in the late 1930s to today, cargo pants have not aged a bit. This season they are elevated to fashion essentials.

Flannel shirts are an object of desire courtesy of Bottega Veneta and Dr Martens are still holding strong. Enjoy this ’90s grunge.

Denim takes up the Y2K mantle for spring, which means waistlines are down, bellies are exposed, and knee-high boots haven’t been spared either. Begin by reacquainting yourself with Alexander McQueen’s Bumsters, first debuted as part of his Taxi Driver collection for F/W 1993.

Fluorescent shades of blue, green and yellow boosted the summery allure of the silhouettes, which came with a futuristic aesthetic at Balenciaga or Miu Miu.

The baby blues, a soft chromatic mood tinted the second skin silhouettes, which were resolutely fluid and innocent.

For seasons on end, pops of purple have given way to sweeping, head-to-toe lilac looks. You better get used to it!

Magenta is the Pantone Color of the Year 2023, so no wonder shades of red are all over the runways. But it is nothing for the shy, the trend expects you to sport the vibrant shade head-to-toe. My favorite? Ferragamo’s all over sparkles.

The monochromatic silhouette came only in shades of beige. Miu Miu, Max Mara and Dior case fashion staples rather than statement pieces, daring to layer up classic basics in varying hues.

Blending craftsmanship and ’70s charm, crochet remains a failsafe option for summer.

The latest take on fringing is a far cry from its bohemian aesthetic, with the detail adorning even the most sophisticated pieces in your wardrobe.

Hints of fringing feathers and glitter details are bringing back the Roaring Twenties! However the ’20s glamour got a minimalist makeover, without compromising on elegance.

Let’s ride! From the street to the runway, the biker trend is showing no sign of slowing down.

Literal interpretations of the gothic style were replaced by a soft grunge talk on the aesthetic. Black dominates the goth girl look. Complete the vibe by playing on volume and transparency.

Transparency create a silhouette that is sexier than ever. The must-have black dresses of the season hinted at glimpses at several designers.

In what was an ingenious display of creativity, fashion played with optical illusions, unveiling troupe-l’oeil pieces that transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Whether with a new twist on a bouquet or with lifelike tropical flowers, designers transformed simple garments into blossoming works of art.

Living out our costume-drama dreams has never been so easy, thanks to the return of 16th-century farthingales, 17th-century panniers and 19th-century crinolines.

Hoods are the strangely sexy accessory taking over the summer runways. Totally reminiscent of the most renowned Alaïa muse, Grace Jones, who triumphed this look in the ’80s.

Cutouts have moved to a very daring spot. Nothing for the shy…

As the world gets more inclusive, fashion is a welcome way to express your current mood. That means you can dress up as much as you like to get all the attention. References from previous decades are a welcome source of inspiration. Even the poodle skirt is back!

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The Top 20 Runway Trends for S/S 2022

From New York to London, Milan and Paris, in this post I round up the biggest moments of the new season. One of the most important trends is the revival of the 2000s. Keyword is «Y2K» which is the shorthand for «the year 2000.» Designers found new ways to interpret sex by freeing the nipple and creating interesting cut-outs.

Color is very important. After the months spent at home, the urge for fun and vibrant fashion is huge. Enjoy those beautiful collections and let’s hope that we will find peace this season.

LoL, Sandra

After the ’90s, the 2000s are back! Crop tops and butterflies, Grecian draping and low-rise pants, and body chains – all those things are epitome of Y2K style.

No other piece of garment has come up quite the winner like the bra top, be it a bikini top, a bandeau, or a humble bra, best combined with a pant suit.

XXS hemlines are a must this summer. The micro skirt steals the show from the traditional mini skirt.

This season, homespun crochet details were a present theme on the runways, playing up texture.

As the blazer is a standalone piece in its own right, it is worn directly on the skin, preferably with a cinched waist and exaggerated shoulders.

Buckle up, ladies! The biker jacket is back.

Nothing beats elegance and sex appeal like a black catsuit.

Here’s one for the minimalists: a shock of Colgate white, worn head-to-toe, preferably oversized.

Counterbalacing the neutral monochrome trend are head-to-toe looks in bold colors.

Sweet pastel colors appear this summer mostly on airy pieces for a second skin effect.

In 2022 there is not the slightest excuse for not wearing color. Optimistic color splashes elevate color blocking to new heights.

Graphic cut-outs paired with bold colors deliver the right amount of chic.

The new sexiness means super sheer and unleashing your nipples.

A beautiful interpretation of the ’60s era in pop colors.

Colorful marabou feathers are the best way to stay warm during chilly summer nights.

A hybrid trend mixing fringing and stripes for the fashion forward.

Back embellishments, trains, and swinging tails create maximum drama.

A new definition of evening glamour with dramatic, big-volume silhouettes and goth details.

Shine bright like a diamond. Sparkling textures and sheer sexiness are a must for evening wear this season.

Dress-code after the pandemic: Fabulous and shiny with sequins, chainmail, sparkling mesh, and crystals.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The Top 20 Runway Trends for S/S 2020

Just as you were all getting comfortable with your winter wardrobes and discovering the art of dressing sustainably, the close of 2019 has got some of us thinking about our 2020 wardrobe. Shopping needs to be more about investment pieces. From bermuda shorts with blazers to head-to-toe white and tropical prints, scroll through for the biggest trends from the S/S 2020 season here.

LoL, Sandra

There is a reason why Pantone announced it the Color of the Year 2020.

Denim borrows from all manner of eras, from the ’70s to the ’90s, more sophisticated than ever and perfect for everyday.

Putting a twist on the classic suit, designers embraced the Bermuda short suit for spring.

Welcome to the resurrection of the waistcoat. Wear the vest alone to a formal event or get dapper with a tailored three-piece.

This season, designers are encouraging us to get colorful, when it comes to buttery leather.

Extra volume and statement shoulders go well together.

This season, your adventurous spirit is to be celebrated and you are heading to the jungle in these tropical prints.

Subtle may not be their specialty, but these vibrant highlighter-inspired shades know how to make an entrance.

Crochet is getting a cool update come spring, modern with a special touch of Grandma’s handmade technique.

Seventies-style, bohemian rock accents, hippie silhouettes set a modern Woodstock tone.

Your grandparents’ old wallpaper, but make it fashion in the form of a swinging ’60s motif.

The look is most impactful in jacket form – extra style points if it has a contrasting collar.

Those slouchy white suits transition the monochrome set into daily wear. Alternatively, you can opt for upscale in an elegant lace.

There is a new kid in town. A hybrid between long pants and shorts. Too cool!

Thanks to the Khaite hype, crop tops are no longer cutting it – the bra top has officially entered the party, preferably with a pair of tailored pants.

Set your expectations high and keep your inseams higher with the newest versions of hot pants that are so tiny, they might technically be hot (under)pants?

The all-time favorite dot – simply put, the trend shows no sign of slowing, this summer, opt for colourful pieces.

What will 2020 entail? Feathers, feathers, and more feathers, and it won’t be long before they fly into your closets.

It wouldn’t be a spring trend report without some sort of floral reference. This season, designers are honing in on the queen of flowers, the rose.

Tiered dresses and skirts offer volume, high drama, and maximum twirl-ability, perfect for your next black tie gala.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The Alexa Factor

Today marks the launch of Alexa Chung‘s debut collection ALEXACHUNG. Drawing on the model, muse and journalist’s own idiosyncratic sense of style, her beautiful collection applies over a decade of experience in the fashion industry and is packed with personality and humour. “Music has had a huge influence on my work as have my friends,” she explains, citing icons Jane Birkin, Brian Jones, David Hockney and David Bowie as inspiration. I especially love her fun slogan tops and the gorgeous denim overall.

To celebrate the new line, luxury online retailer MYTHERESA has joined forces with musician Mike Skinner to produce the second instalment of mytheresa.com tunes.

In 2004 English musician, The Street’s Mike Skinner booked a then unknown model, Alexa Chung, to star in the music film clip of “I could well be in”. They met again for the first time in twelve years at a mytheresa.com intimate dinner in Germany and an idea ensued. To celebrate the launch of Alexa’s collection, mytheresa.com re-united them for the mytheresa.com tunes series. The song “In my head – the darker the shadow the brighter the light”, is classic Mike Skinner prose and features Alexa Chung narrating her way through Ireland, from the iconic Lismore Castle to the dive bars of Cork, in selected looks from her debut collection.

Being the first mytheresa.com woman in a series of inspiring women, there is a special bonding between mytheresa.com and Alexa Chung since 2013 when the first joint project launched. Since then Alexa Chung has attended several mytheresa.com events (click here please for a previous post), but was also the main character of the very first mytheresa.com tunes instalment for the launch of AC by AG jeans, singing a cover of “Blue Denim” by Stevie Nicks.

TO SHOP ALEXACHUNG ONLINE AT MYTHERESA, CLICK HERE PLEASE. Alternatively, the collection is also available at NET-A-PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos and Video: Courtesy of Mytheresa.com and via Vogue UK

The Crochet Wish List

Aside from the fringe that is coming back in full force (stay tuned for a complete trend report), crochet and macrame were big on the S/S 2011 runways. High-fashion designers were focusing on the delicate and intricate look with a certain `70s allure and even included the accessories.

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Absolutely gorgeous is Stella McCartney’s “Falabella” crocheted tote from the Resort 2011 collection. This ultra-soft bag with its retro-inspired spin is the perfect summer carry-all, providing you with space and style!

Stella2I bought this treasured It-piece reminiscent of an Ibiza holiday gone glam at Salvatore Schito in Zurich who sell a large variety of Stella McCartney pieces. For further information please click here.

LoL, Sandra

 

Schito1Schito

S/S 2011: Marakkesh Moment

Marakkesh SS2011

A Moroccan spirit influenced many designers for their S/S 2011 collections which inevitably meant that Yves Saint Laurent, who had spent many years there, was in the air as well.

As the models stepped out onto the runway, you were immediately jetted off to North Africa with all those crochets, tassels, feathers, beads, fringes and Moroccan mirror details. The Sahara subtext was explicit in the colour palette, the Tuareg head wraps and tribal jewelry seen at Giorgio Armani and Salvatore Ferragamo for example.
Drop-crotch harem pants should be on your must-have list for summer.

LoL, Sandra

Morocco SS2011

Time to Crochet

As promised here are the best crochet and knit looks from the F/W 2010 runways. The designs were versatile, catering for all tastes.


From bohemian 60`s and 70`s inspired looks like the Versace or Missoni ones to crocheted knits combined with romantic details like bows and ribbons, spotted at Dior. If you like it more gothic or clean, Pringle of Scotland will be your choice this winter.


As I already told you, the “Miss Sicily” bag by Dolce & Gabbana is coming back in knitted versions and has been seen on Victoria Beckham already. So keep an eye on the upcoming sale, probably you can find one from the summer for a great price. I will keep my fingers crossed!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Crochet and Knit Lovers

Crochet Bag Chanel

If you think of crochet and knitting as stereotypical hobbies of grannies, you are completely mistaken this summer. Trendsetters for the retro chic handicrafts were especially Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel showing beautiful head-to-toe crocheted looks on the S/S 2010 runway.

But the accessories were the most outstanding. A crochet or knit bag is no doubt something special that you do not see very often unless you are living in Ibiza. The process of making it might be time-consuming. If it justifies the price, you will have to decide for yourself.
The Chanel bag for example is around CHF 4520.- and in stores now.

Granny Chic

Craftmanship went into many different designer bags like the Chloé Iris strass crochet clutch for around $2360.- or the multiple models by Dolce & Gabbana. Those ones might be a good investment, particularly the “Miss Sicily” will return for  winter again in knitted versions. As soon as the sale starts, keep an eye on these treasures….
And stay tuned as I will keep you posted about the remaining crochet trend for F/W 2010 in the next days.

In case you fell in love with those retro-crafts, but you do not want to spend a fortune or your time knitting, I spotted something wonderful for you.
The best is that you can shop and support a good cause in one!

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Those pretty knit bags are all in the price range of CHF 160.- – CHF 180.-. They are made in Ecuador by underprivileged women in difficult living conditions. The Fundacion Avanzar offers training courses for mothers in need and helps them sell their products afterwards.picture-47








Each bag is made to order to the shape and colour of your choice. Get inspired and have a look at the complete product catalogue. If you are interested, please contact Margarita Heredia Forster who is coordinating the projects from Switzerland (Phone: +41 44 912 16 56 or ). Atelier Avanzar ships worldwide.

picture-42I have the purple one to the right and it is perfect for daily use. Spacious, cute and no need to worry about showing wear.

Fashion and charity. What a lovely combination!

LoL, Sandra