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

My Look: Modern Marie Antoinette

Centuries after Marie Antoinette met her fate at the guillotine, her influence remains unshakeable. The French Queen serves as a constant source of inspiration for many fashion designers. When Jeremy Scott needed a gimmick for his Moschino F/W 2020 show, Marie Antoinette was there at the ready. Here you see me wearing one of the looks with a beautiful toile de jouy print on denim. I think this is something that Marie Antoinette would wear today.

My look: Graphic-print denim coat, jabot-collar blouse, cropped pants in printed denim, all by Moschino, Mage metallic embroidered velvet ankle bootsicon by Manolo BlahnikConstance 18 Mini noir black alligator mat with lizard buckle by Hermès, and  gold-plated glass pearl cameo clip earringsicon by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography – The photos were taken at the beautiful Baur’s Zurich.
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My Look: Denim Love

Isabel Marant puts her signature twist on the classic denim style, presenting this stud-embellished denim jacket and ruffled strapless dress. It is a great way to upgrade your classics. The white boots have the same studs like the jacket. I am totally obsessed with this look.

My look: Depaline studded embellished denim jacketDolizi strapless denim peplum mini dress,icon Luliette embellished canvas and suede ankle boots, Silver In Love star earringsicon, all by Isabel Marant, and The Pouch small gathered leather clutch by Bottega Veneta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht
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DIESEL Reproduces World’s Oldest Jeans

DIESEL honors Genoa, the birthplace of jeans, and celebrates Made in Italy by presenting a reproduction of the oldest jeans fabric ever documented in history.

Dating back to 1760-80, local townspeople and laborers in Genoa were first seen (and depicted) wearing jeans as part of their daily wardrobes. Colors ranged from standard indigo to brown to white. A nativity figurine by Pasquale Navone (1746-1791), shows a man with denim trousers (woven diagonally, 2 to 1, in a blue cotton weft and white linen warp) that appear remarkably similar to iterations from the modern era. This sculpture represents the oldest historical instances of jeans; it may be viewed at Museo Giannettino Loxoro, which is situated in Genoa.

DIESEL has replicated the original fabric and garment as they existed three hundred years ago. It was done by using handmade Italian textiles and workmanship. The re-creation was exhibited this week at Genova Jeans fair in Genoa, where DIESEL was invited to celebrate the heritage of Made in Italy jeans. As to the accuracy of the denim’s reproduction and integrity, the fabric and garment are certified and verified by the art, textile and costume historian Marzia Cataldi Gallo.

The inaugural edition of the fair brings to life the history, evolution and innovation of jeans-making in a multifaceted showcase that, additionally, emphasizes sustainability; a series of immersive, informational experiences were on display. This includes a multi-part exhibition from DIESEL that centers on the heritage of its jeans, its journey towards a more sustainable denim product and practice, and how the company has utilized jeans to help transform the world of advertising.

Ultimately, this initiative serves as another spoke in DIESEL’s For Responsible Living strategy, which is a company-wide mandate to continuously shift its culture, business practices and footprint into a more sustainable arena. By participating in Genova Jeans, DIESEL further demonstrates its commitment to promoting and pushing for increased sustainability in the world of jeans.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Diesel

The Top 20 Runway Trends for S/S 2021

Certainly, thanks to the ongoing pandemic, S/S 2021 was a season like no other. Therefore I also waited with this report. Most of the presentations were virtual or with not many guests. New York and London opted for predominantly digital showcases, while Milan and Paris held scaled-back showings with strict social distancing measures. I attended CHANEL in Paris for example but it felt very different from before with all the strict social distancing measures and masks.

What are the trends? The common denominator on the runways was a heartfelt 1990s vibe. Furthermore, the new working-from-home routine certainly had an effect on what designers were coming up with. Think barrettes, tracksuits and midriff flossing. Wide-leg trousers offer more comfort and capes deliver that coziness we have been experiencing lately.

In general, there is an urge for vibrant prints and uplifting colors. Stay tuned, I will soon tell you about the F/W 2021 trends, what to keep and what to get.

LoL, Sandra

Everyday pieces, from dresses to sleepwear, have been given a joyful spin by designers who are experimenting with bold, uplifting colors and prints.

S/S 2021 brings a twist to the logomania trend. Designers unveiled new fashion statements with collages, patchworks and neon effects. In any case, this modernity enjoys playing with all manner of styles and colors in fun streetwear looks.

Pantone announced Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in combination as the color of the year 2021. Two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.

Candy tops the trends of the season. Sugary candy tones, from cherry to raspberry, bring a dash of rose-tinted energy to summer.

Besides candy hues, orange now also stands out in the trendiest girls’ wardrobes this season.

This summer has a weakness for cape detailing, which is perhaps the ultimate in sartorial fantasy – no one, after all is really requiring a cape, however desirable they might appear.

This year, tie-dye is the print that everyone loves for S/S 2021. It has become the pattern of the pandemic.

This summer, designers looked for monochrome magic, very reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s favorites.

 Skinny jeans and cigarette pant lovers: hear me out. Baggy trousers may not have the streamlining effect of your favoured slim-line silhouettes. But, they’re a bona fide trend for spring, and they’re showing their elegant side this season, taking over as your everyday trouser shape of choice.

With quintessential, luxurious materials and smooth lines, minimalism took on a 1990s look all in white.

Head to toe denim looks are still holding strong. One of my favorite trends.

The tracksuit was also treated to a 1990s vibe. Raw sportswear effects and tech materials teamed up with couture sophistication to play everything down. Who dares win, with track pants about town, day and night.

Envelopping the silhouette in a joyful style, the fishnet style is making a seasonal comeback with a decidedly 1990s aesthetic. It is graphic and minimalist, with raw yet chic flexibility, setting an ultra-contemporary pace.

Brace yourselves for S/S 2021’s most stomach-clenching trend: bralettes are stronger than ever with a ferocity last witnessed in the 1990s.


Midriff flossing can be loosely translating as a series of crisscrossing cords and wraparound details resembling dental floss (hence the name) that can emerge from skirts, from the aforementioned bralette, as well as souping up the middle region of a maxi dress, resistance is futile.

Thanks to the Netflix series «Bridgerton», we welcome the return of the corset. Those body-sculpting pieces will make your silhouette sing, given streetwise attitude. Consider it the very opposite of loungewear – and a chance to blow away the cobwebs of 2020.

Romantic bohemian styles are still all the rage. However, not an ounce of folklore was present, just sheer grace and long transparent dresses with shimmering movements. A true celebration of femininity.

A variation on a decidedly popular theme, fashion contiued to play with shoulders and sleeves. Here, puffy and gathered looks were once again injected with extravagant volumes.

A strong trend since F/W 2020: a silvery glow. The new wardrobe combines fresh energy and old classics resulting in a barrage of sequins, sexy mesh, and crystals ribbing.

The pandemic has been tough on all of us. Designers make us dream and invite us to indulge in a fashion fairytale with these tulle gowns.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Upcycled by Miu Miu x Levi’s®

Upcycled by Miu Miu continues to pursue a sustainable ideology, now giving new life to pre-loved denim in collaboration with Levi’s®. A selection of classic denim pieces is re-fashioned by Miu Miu, seen through the brand’s maverick and determinedly playful eye and worn by Miu Miu muses, the actor Emma Corrin and models Lila Moss and Georgia Palmer, all portrayed by Johnny Dufort.

A celebration of iconic garments, this project includes vintage MADE IN USA men’s 501® jeans and Trucker Jackets from the 1980s and 1990s. Born out of American workwear and, from the mid-1950s onwards, a symbol of youthful rebellion, these iconic pieces have been customised and personalised by Miu Miu, in a play between masculinity and femininity, and aimed squarely at an equally free-spirited Miu Miu woman.

The vintage denim is hand-embellished with instantly recognisable Miu Miu crystal, pearl, floral and all-over diamanté embroideries, puffed sleeves and bold leather patches featuring Art Deco-inspired intarsia motifs. Jeans are cut off to the thigh or finished with ivory silk duchesse turn-ups while the Trucker Jackets are adorned with oversized white lace collars.

The iconic Levi’s® backpatch is re-invented in Miu Miu pink and carries the brand’s logo alongside. The finishing touch is a specially commissioned Miu Miu carrier bag stamped with the Levi’s® logo in return. Upcyled by Miu Miu in collaboration with Levi’s® is unveiled in London Selfridges and Shanghai IAPM mid-May. Afterwards, the collection will also be available online at miumiu.com, 18 select Miu Miu stores worldwide and Dover Street Market Los Angeles.

Inspired and inspiring – no two pieces in this collection are the same. Re-imagined through the Miu Miu lens, the lives of garments worn and loved in the past are extended, refreshed – renewed.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu
#UpcycledbyMiuMiu #LevisxMiuMiu

Levi’s® x Valentino

Jeans don’t really get any cooler than Levi’s®, especially when they’re made in collaboration with Valentino. Don’t miss these limited-edition reworked denim pieces, putting a feminine spin on iconic vintage styles, that were first shown in September 2020 during the Valentino show in Milan. At that time, vintage 517 Levi’s pants were used with a slight alteration to the back label: VALENTINO was added.

So in love with this look.

Now, months later, the collab is available for purchase. The collaboration features the LEVI’S® VINTAGE 517 (1969) and the LEVI’S® RE-EDITION 517, a special tag has been designed to celebrate the beginning of a new fashion exploration.

LEVI’S® VINTAGE 517 (1969)
It is fitting to note the collaborative vintage designs have been limited worldwide to just 517 units. Each piece of denim is a vintage, unaltered original that has been upcycled from previously-worn 517 jeans.

LEVI’S® RE-EDITION 517
These denims are a re-elaboration of the original style, exclusively produced by Levi’s® in occasion of the collaboration with Maison Valentino.

It is definitely the most covetable denim to own this season – a must-have for all fashion lovers.
YOU CAN SHOP THE JEANS EXCLUSIVELY AT NET-À-PORTER HERE and also at Valentino.com.

The style is also available in a menswear iteration. Available at MR PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © VALENTINO and Net-à-Porter
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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

My Look: I Love Denim

I love denim as it is one of the most versatile fashion pieces available. A pair of jeans is just so damn easy to style and the most worn-in one is probably super comfortable, too. That’s why every season, designers add new styles to their collections.

My look: Two-tone appliquéd denim coat by Roberto Cavalli, printed low-rise skinny jeans
icon and zip-detailed ribbed cotton-blend sweater, both by Givenchyicon, red leather Rockstud boots by Valentino, Medium Pierce printed leather shoulder bag by J.W. Andersonoversized square-frame acetate sunglasses and gold-tone Swarovski crystal broochicon, both by Gucci, heart shaped earrings and cocktail ring, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknechticon

Denim Stars

I love denim and adore this season’s hype of star prints or applications that are officially everywhere on our blue favorites. Tracking the trend, click here to see how I wear my star print jeans…

The Skinny printed boyfriend jeansicon by Stella McCartney
2 Printed mid-rise straight-leg jeansicon by Stella McCartney
3 Printed low-rise skinny jeans by Givenchyicon
4 Denim shirt by Givenchy
icon5 Printed denim shirt by Saint Laurent
iconEmbroidered cutout denim dress by SJYP Steve J & Yoni P
icon7 Court Classic leather-appliquéd denim sneakers by Saint Laurent

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And here is the master piece that works with many looks: the to-die-for two-tone appliquéd denim coat by Roberto Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands