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

En Passant


Graceful, fluid, En Passant is a luminous, mobile and charming perfume. It was born of Frédéric Malle’s collaboration with Olivia Giacobetti, who, in 2000, was the first woman to enter the exclusive circle of the world’s best perfumers chosen by the Perfume Publisher to compose the classics of tomorrow. Frédéric Malle chose her for the qualities of her perfume writing: a modern writing style that doesn’t follow fashions. A feminine, youthful, free and very personal writing. According to Malle, «Olivia has that rare ability to create an ambiance, to capture an atmosphere, like a great photographer.»

In the collection of Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, En Passant is one of the soliflores, perfumes built around a single flower—here, lilac. But an idealized, reworked lilac, cleansed of its dusty, slightly honeyed notes. A purified, aerated lilac, as if it had transcended itself. Evocative of spring, the fleeting moments of childhood, youth and innocence, the lilac of En Passant naturally leads us into the green gardens of the Île de France region.

With En Passant, Frédéric Malle chose to add to his perfume collection a fresh, pure, transparent feminine composition, as light and elusive as a breeze. But a persistent breeze, bursting with the scent of lilac beneath the soft rays of the spring sun. A breeze that caresses although signaling its presence. A breeze that passes through at the same time as its trace renders it indelible.

Photo: Henri Cartier-Bresson

En Passant is a vegetal perfume both airy and architectural. Imagine the implacable lines of a minimalist sculpture by Donald Judd, or a repetitive musical loop by Philip Glass.
When Frédéric Malle speaks of En Passant, he first refers to the photographs of Henri Cartier-Bresson. Which is to say that, beneath the lightness of the breeze, in this apparently weightless air that can only be that of spring, is concealed the idea of the passage of time and the decisive moment that immortalizes the instant.

«Olivia Giacobetti possesses the special ability to create an ambiance, to capture an atmosphere, like a great photographer
Publisher & Founder, Frédéric Malle

Olivia Giacobetti has an uncanny ability to create an atmosphere. Having completed her training at Robertet, she founded her own perfume laboratory, Iskia, and dedicated her career to doing precisely that. She is the brains and the nose behind the fig accords that have been present in home scents for years. The perfumes that move her most are «echoes of everyday life and nature: fleeting emotions, moods, details, attitudes… the many small fragments of life that bear new images». Her compositions capture the authenticity of a single moment. They are, in other words, odes to transience.

Perfume 100ml: 210€, $290, £175 – Perfume 50ml: 140€, $205, £123
Perfume 30ml: 115€, $145, £88 – Perfume 10ml: 42€, $57, £35
Body Wash 200ml: 50€, $65, £40

TO SHOP EN PASSANT ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
And to all my Swiss readers, Happy 1st of August!
icon

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Frédéric Malle and © Sandra Bauknecht
© Henri Cartier-Bresson

Lilac

For some of us, lilac has been associated with many things, but not for long a time has it been rendered chic. Probably you are reminded of the colour of your first eye shadow once applied liberally at school or it’s the colour of your grandmother’s favorite dress. It’s the shade that brides sometimes dress their bridesmaids in if they don’t really like them.

Zara shelves before the lockdown last week – lilac allover.

However, last winter it has already been seen all over the runways in head-to-toe looks and this S/S 2020 season it has become the must-have colour (forget classic blue) – I swear. Pastel or neon hues are all enjoying a newfound popularity, but none are more pervasive than lilac. An evolved, more adult take on millennial pink, the trick to making it looking modern rather than old-fashioned and saccharine is all in the shape and colour combinations. Tomorrow, I will show you my favorite combo – so make sure to check back!

LoL, Sandra

Sabina ruffled crinkled silk-georgette maxi dressicon by Ulla Johnson

Crystal-embellished cotton-twill mini dress by The Attico (15% off)


iconFeather-trimmed cotton-jersey mini dress by The Atticoicon

Metallic wool-blend jacquard track pants by Gucci


Sequin-embellished mohair-blend cardigan by Alessandra Rich

icon
iconBig Sisea cotton-poplin shirticon by The Row

Tena woven flared pants by Joseph


iconNovia strapless jacquard midi dress by Emilia Wickstead


iconMel open-back ribbed wool-blend turtleneck sweatericon by Alice + Olivia (15% off)

Buckle-detailed draped stretch-jersey mini dressicon by Moschino

Venus satin pumps by The Attico
icon

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Vogue and Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

The Top 15 Runway Trends for F/W 2019


Personally speaking, fashion month always seems to be never-ending, but the actual work starts after when I have to sift through the best of the best. Below, you will find my summary of the F/W 2019 trends that reigned supreme – the ones that are the most important to know right now.

Memorize some of them to impress your friends when they ask you what you’re looking forward to wearing this fall, and not so humbly reply, «Definitely a hint of lilac, everything punk from a transparent lace dress with combat boots to a tartan skirt with a chain choker, not to forget a cape and everything layered. You know, the essentials.»

In full transparency, there were tons of F/W 2019 trends that won my heart that you won’t see in this roundup as the edit would have been far too long, such as `70s inspired vintage shearling jackets or pleated skirts. As preached for the past few years, everything is possible. The runways this season were loud and clear on the fact that you can pick and choose what trend you would like to try. But very importantly, the fashion world is turning away from the casualness of athleisure and trading it in for the opportunity to get dressed up.

Enjoy this post and stay tuned as I will continue to cover forthcoming fall styles all season long.

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2019 is a season of great outerwear, including the hero of it all, the cape. From military-inspired to classic lady-like or dramatic evening styles, you have a gazillion options to choose from.

I am definitely not a morning person, especially not during the cold season. Therefore I love this trend of outerwear reminiscent of my bedding, quilted and cozy.

Imagine classic pieces that somehow look too cool to be a basic wardrobe staple. They come with a twist, deconstructed, layered and so interesting to look at.

This season was filled with an air of punk-rock grunge in all ways. Fishnets, lace, leather, combat boots, chains and chokers, you know what I mean.

Tartan fabrics have always been a part of the punk movement, so it was obvious that the designers jumped on this trend for F/W 2019.

Layering has been around for a while now but this season it is undoubtedly about the art of layering all of your knits on top of each other. The more knitwear you staple, the better.

The legs of the models on the F/W 2019 runways looked literally like a crayon box. Bold hosiery in different colors came down the runway, paired with everything from frilly dresses to skirt suits.

Leather is a great cold-weather staple, especially with the right dose of color to cheer up grey winter days.

Animal prints have been around for many seasons, but finally, zebra stripes are having their well-deserved moment.

Lilac, interestingly enough, is making a resurgence now. Wearing pastel head-to-toe in winter is the ultimate sophistication.

Unleash your inner Jane Fonda and get ready to wear your ’80s aerobic gear for a fun night out.

Ready to go back in time? This season, the clothing proved to be taking inspiration from a period long, long ago, from boning on dresses and bustiers, to pretty puffy sleeves and Victorian neck ruffles.

One of the most festive fall trends is lamé and shiny metallic hues. This blast-from-the-past fabric gets you party ready in a second.

Inspired by everything you find in a museum, this stunning trend is truly one for the books. Imagine the portrait-gallery wing of your favorite exhibition brought to dresses and capes.

This trend truly seems to stay and gets elevated to new heights this F/W 2019 as every major collection had a small touch of black lace. Some of the prettiest lace dresses I have ever seen come with a rock or grunge allure. Transparent is a must!

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Purple Power

Ultra violet may be the Pantone Color of the Year 2018, but this S/S 2018 season is all about lilac. The fresh pastel shade was all over the runways shows, starting at Victoria Beckham to Tibi to Roland Mouret. Needless to say that other purple shades were also featured, but the light version is the hue that won everyone over.

It looks so beautiful on dresses and I like wearing it head-to-toe.

Diana ruched satin maxi dress by Alice + Olivia

Felcourt one-shoulder silk-crepe dress by Roland Mouret

iconRuffled plissé-satin midi dress by Tibi

iconAria ruffled chiffon maxi dress by Preen Line

Gathered silk midi dress by Pushbutton

icon

Top from left to right: Solar patent-leather ankle bootsicon by Petar Petrov and jacquard clutch by Dries Van Noten.

Buttom from left to right: Pigalle Follies 100 patent-leather pumps by Christian Louboutin iconand Mini Half Moon Box shoulder bag by Victoria Beckham.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via design-seeds