CULTURE | SEP. 11, 2023
Trends We Are Predicting From NYFW
By Arianna Adade
2023 is the year of a new normal. But in the fashion world, normal is out. The minimalism style that arose during the pandemic is slowly fading as brands are now taking it to the extreme with maximalism.
New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is even beginning to pay more attention to Black beauty and fashion events. Fumi the Label, Tia Adeola, and Tejahn Burnett are setting the way for Black diasporic fashion to have a seat at the table, which will hopefully diversify what is seen in clothing, modeling, and beauty.
Here are some of Cover2Cover’s current predictions for NYFW:
Photo courtesy of Gucci
Alien Superstar
Bey is back (but did she ever really leave?). Her critically acclaimed album and international tour, have drastically impacted pop culture, starting a renaissance of her own.
Even though the “Renaissance” album was released last summer, Beyoncé’s 2023 tour has heavily inspired the use of metallics in fashion. Chrome, sparkles, and a rodeo theme of cowboy hats, boots, and fringe could be seen on the runways this year at NYFW.
Although some fast fashion companies have pumped out silver clothing faster than they beat their RICO charges, high-end fashion designers are slowly joining the movement.
Photo courtesy of Valentino
Pink, Pink, Pink!
As the highest-grossing movie of the year to date, the “Barbie” impact has caused a pink shortage. The pink trend has circulated in and out throughout the 2000s with films like Legally Blonde and Mean Girls, so it is no surprise that Greta Gerwig’s film has reignited it.
Hot pink has been taken off the back burner and put on the plates, along with chunky, colorful jewelry. The return of the minis: skirts, tops, and purses is also accelerating. Valentino’s fall 2022 hot pink collection is a perfect example of what to keep an eye out for this week.
Photo courtesy of Ludovic de Saint Sernin
Mermaid-core
We predict a rise of “mermaid-core,” which seemingly combines the ideas of the Renaissance and Barbie fashion trends, but with a twist.
The mermaid aesthetic draws on the experimental and mythical while incorporating a sense of childhood nostalgia and summertime vibes.
We expect to see creamy pastels, crotchet, sequins, pearls, sheers, and mermaid-cut silhouettes. Versace can be seen following this trend from their prior spring/summer collections, but other brands may also follow suit.
Photo courtesy of GETTY IMAGES
Moto
A stark contrast to the other trends on the list is biker fashion. The iconic 2014 Tumblr phase is back and all grown up.
Biker boots, leather, statement sunglasses, chunky zippers, and studded clothing will likely hit the runway. Alexander McQueen and Diesel can be seen as inspirations for this.
Photo courtesy of GETTY IMAGES
Photo courtesy of IMAXTREE
Canadian Tuxedo
Ah, yes, the controversial denim-on-denim look. Love it or loathe it—it’s back! What started as a fashion joke has been sported by many fashion icons, including Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, and, of course, Julia Fox.
The “Denim Domination” trend has already been spotted on the Spring 2023 runway, and it most likely won’t stop there.
Inside Out
With the return of the Victoria’s Secret World Tour and Doja Cat as their headliner, lingerie as a fashion piece can be speculated to have a comeback of its own. Don’t be surprised if you spot lace, silk, busty corsets, and bralette tops filling the NYFW streets this year.
Photo courtesy of IMAXTREE
VHS Tape Workout
Saving the biggest wild card for last: the VHS Tape Workout look. It may seem out of left field, but this aesthetic is sure to become more popular. With the current interests in bold colors and patterns, tight silhouette cuts, and mesh fabrics, the return of 80’s fitness wear is guaranteed. Look out for leotards, vibrant solid colors, jerseys, and tights.