Fashion rewind: Bizarre trends that defined 2023
As the curtain falls on 2023, let's take a moment to journey back through the corridors of fashion, both on and off the runway, to find out the most bizarre trends that graced the fashion scene.
From the 'catty' Met Gala to the daring sheer outfits, 2023 was the year of bold fashion statements! (Source: Instagram) 2023 certainly ushered a riot of attention-grabbing fashion trends, from the whimsical world of Barbiecore to the commanding allure of oversized suits. This sartorial phenomenon signaled a collective yearning to break free from the cocoon of loungewear that had enveloped us during two years of pandemic-induced hibernation. It appears the momentum has only intensified. So, as the curtain falls on 2023, let’s take a moment to journey back through the corridors of fashion, both on and off the runway, to find out the most bizarre trends that graced the fashion scene.
Bucket bags
We bid farewell to the era of dull, boxy handbags! From runways to global events, celebrities embraced this bold accessory. From Ananya Pandey’s golden ‘balti’ bag to Bottega Veneta’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, these trendy bags took every look it was teamed with, to new heights. No matter the size, they proved to be both functional and stylish!
Ananya Panday’s golden ‘balti’ bag was a hit among social media users. (Source: Instagram)
Denim-on-denim
Just when you believed double denim had reached its zenith back in the early 2000s, courtesy of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s iconic blue-on-blue rendezvous, the trend had a full-blown resurrection in 2023. Fashion houses like Versace, DSquared2, Stella McCartney, and more unveiled collections that redefined the boundaries of denim chic. Even our Bollywood divas, such as Sonam Kapoor — a fashion icon in her own right — lend a spin to the trend.
Sonam Kapoor’s muddy acid-washed denim set is a must-have for fashionistas! (Source: Sonam Kapoor/Instagram)
See-through clothes
From the subtly sheer to the daringly translucent, see-through clothing has assumed its throne on both the runway and the red carpet. Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Priyanka Chopra, and the ever-stylish Alaya F have all jumped aboard the see-through express. The trend has also undergone a metamorphosis, manifesting itself in delicate organza and ethereal tulle, resulting in pieces that are not just fashion-forward but also surprisingly wearable.
Alaya F’s sheer organza dress is a perfect summer dress. (Source: Instagram)
Quirky phone covers
As it was the year of Orry, it was also the year of his quirky phone cases. Never had we fathomed that a simple accessory such as a phone cover could become so fashionable. From his ‘crab on a plate’ mobile case to his ‘3D peeled banana’ cover, Orry’s eclectic phone case collection inspired us to embrace the eccentric and let go of the normal — reminiscent of a year when GenZ dominated the fashion world.
It was truly the year where Orry shone brightly like his phone covers. (Source: Orry Awatramani/Instagram)
Big shoes
Given that last year we finally switched to our stilettos after the unprecedented Covid-19 forced us into our flip-flops, 2023 surely had ‘big shoes’ to fill (pun intended), and so it did quite literally when the US label MSCHF launched its “big red boot” — cartoonishly clompy footwear that proved a hit among big celebrities. There was no stopping as the craze only grew bigger, with high-end brands like Prada, and Loewe, among others, jumping on the bandwagon and offering their take on the huge “clowncore” shoes.
Would you buy a pair? (Source: MSCHF)
Cut-outs
While cutout clothing first made its debut in the 1930s, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the trend gained traction, with designers like Thierry Mugler and Tom Ford contributing to its popularity. In its latest iteration, the cutout craze has hopefully reached its maximum potential with exposed abs and framed belly buttons being integrated seamlessly into the fabric of contemporary design. Bollywood divas like Kiara Advani, Janhvi Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and others, have also shown us how to draw a fine line between bold and bawdy while embracing the trend with unabashed confidence.
Bold or bawdy? (Source: Instagram)
Cats, cats, and more cats!
Fashion’s biggest night — Met Gala — saw a flurry of cats grace the carpet. Of course, not actual cats but celebrities dressed as furry creatures to pay homage to the late Karl Lagerfeld’s cat — Choupette. From rapper-singer Doja Cat’s cat ears and feline facial prosthetics to Jared Leto in a fluffy catsuit, Met proved to be a spectacle for global audiences!
Jared Leto’s three looks at the Met Gala 2023 red carpet. (Photo: AP)
Whatever Uorfi Javed wore
After Ranbir Kapoor called out Uorfi for her bad taste in fashion, the internet started picking sides. While we agree that Uorfi’s bold and oftentimes outrageous fashion statements are certainly not for everyone, they surely are memorable and make heads turn (quite literally). If you are looking to stand out, you must bookmark a page from Uorfi’s lookbook.
Love or hate her, you can’t ever be her! (Source: Uorfi Javed/Instagram)
As the year comes to an end, we can say with surety that in an era where social media reigns supreme, trends are not only shaped by the famous and the elite, but also by influencers, content creators, and the everyday person who add creativity and authenticity to the fashion realm.
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