2023 was a year of iconic runway moments—over-the-top fashion, trends moving quicker than we can remember and major debuts. This year, some of the best moments included unconventional stars taking over the runway in daring looks. Think animals, Paris Hilton, and yacht clubs. Supermodels from the 90s made a comeback (not that they ever went out of style). The industry remembered designers, found new it-brands and presented runways more diverse than ever. From proud parents to the ubiquity of the actor-slash-model, the runways this year offered not only a look to the future, but also a reflection on fashion legends and trends from the past.
While another year might be over, these runway moments are sure to be on our minds well into 2024.
Schiaparelli’s Animal Heads at Paris Couture Fashion Week
Wake up, world. Daniel Roseberry, the creative powerhouse behind Schiaparelli, shook us from our winter hibernation with, well, animals. Creepy? Maybe. Iconic? Yes. Modeled by veterans Naomi Campbell, Irina Shayk and Shalom Harlow, the faux-fur heads gave a nod to Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy. The wolf, snow leopard, and lion prowling down the runway were complemented by a fourth animal: Kylie Jenner, sitting front row, was also donning the lion head. Roseberry made sure the world knew the animal heads were meticulously crafted using wool, silk, foam, resin, and other manmade, non-animal, materials in response to the almost-instantaneous critique that arose. As creepy as the heads looked, the dedicated artistry and craftsmanship of the Schiaparelli team started the year off on a bold note.
Paris Hilton Embodies Movement at Mugler SS24
Mugler is vying for popularity with ever-viral moments. From their sold-out collab with H&M to star-studded parties throughout 2023, Mugler is back. Creative director Casey Cadwallader drew inspiration from jellyfish and octopuses for the Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 show, which saw stars and supermodels alike embracing the theatrics of Mugler in liquid-like movement. One of the best moments of the show was Paris Hilton strutting down the runway in a structured corset-dress-blazer ensemble. Paris was joined by other icons on the runway, including Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Anok Yai, Paloma Elsesser and Mowalola Ogunlesi.
Boss Imagines a Diverse World, Filled with Suits
Boss is showing the world who’s boss. No longer solely affiliated with corporate lifestyles, Boss presented their genre-defying, star-studded Spring/Summer 2023 show in Miami this March. What critics called one of the most inclusive shows to-date, the show opened with the legendary Pamela Anderson and closed with DJ Khaled and Naomi Campbell. RuPaul’s Drag Race superstars Violet Chachki and Gottmik walked in full drag, looking snatched as ever. Law Roach, soon after announcing his retirement from the styling scene, also marched down the Boss runway in a perfectly tailored suit. As stunning as the show was, Boss struck a deeper chord: anyone, of any identity, can rock a Boss suit, in all its body-positive glory.
Squid Game Star Hoyeon Jung Opens Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall in Seoul
In a year of new beginnings for Louis Vuitton, the Parisian house flew to Seoul to put on its pre-Fall show. None other than Squid Game star Hoyeon Jung opened in a blue and yellow 80s-style track jacket, complemented by the setting —Jamsugyo Bridge—which offered attendees stunning views of Seoul, and the pieces. The collection was one of the last before Pharell Williams’ gigantic September menswear debut in Paris, and the setting and cast in Seoul certainly gets a green light.
Kendall Jenner as a Pompom at Jacquemus “Le Chouchou”
Supermodel Kendall Jenner appeared at Jacquemus’ “Le Chouchou” show, staged at Versailles, in what looks to be a cotton ball. Or maybe a pouf. Or a loofah. We might never know. Paired with a Princess Diana-inspired necklace, square-toed heels, and not much else, especially in the realm of pants, the outfit almost instantaneously drew commentary. This wasn’t Jenner’s first time going pantless, either. Her Met Gala look was notably devoid of the garment many see as essential. We’re still unsure if the pants-free look will stick, but with brands like Miu Miu also in the trend, there’s a time in the near future where the pant might be ditched for good.
Zaya Wade Walks for Miu Miu, Melting our Hearts
Speaking of Miu Miu, the fashion world witnessed what was arguably one of the cutest moments of this past year: Zaya Wade’s runway debut. Walking in Miu Miu’s Fall/Winter 2023 show titled “Ways of Looking,” the 16-year-old model strutted her stuff, just days after being filmed by her dad, Dwayne Wade, practicing her walk on their driveway. As she walked, her dad and stepmom, Gabrielle Union, beamed proudly with joy, an example of the unconditional love both have for their daughter’s new foray into the fashion world.
Troye Sivan Debuts in Miu Miu
Miu Miu seems to be the ‘it girl’ of the fashion world this year. Like Wade, Troye Sivan had his own moment this fall, debuting his runway career with the brand. On the runway, Sivan strutted in a frat boy-meets-yacht club ensemble, including boat shoes and a preppy shirt and polo combo. Outside of the fashion we all know and love Sivan for, Miu Miu showed the world that the ever-popular singer can really do it all. 2023 was his year, with immensely popular songs, TikTok dances and a major runway debut.
Vogue World: London Doesn’t Hold Back
A year after Vogue inaugurated their Vogue World event at New York Fashion Week last year, the star-studded spectacle hopped over the pond for its London debut. From the opening to the closing, the night was nothing but iconic. Kate Moss started the show in a dazzling sheer piece, accompanied by Royal Opera House singer Hongni Wu, a perfect fusion of fashion and art that Vogue World hoped to achieve. FKA Twigs then performed, followed by Stormzy performing in a Vivienne Westwood brooch, a tribute to the late British designer whose designs captivated the world. As the evening wrapped up, the ‘Supers’ closed the night, a term referring to only the most iconic of the '90s supermodels—Christy Turlington Burns, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford. The four also graced the cover of American Vogue in September, and Vogue World was like a real-life version of their stunning cover.
Cardi B Serves Drama on Balenciaga’s Los Angeles Runway
Cardi B made her runway debut this month walking down L.A.’s South Windsor Street for Balenciaga. Wrapped in a faux fur, bright blue overcoat, Cardi looked simultaneously cozy and sharp as her gothic-inspired makeup and razor-thin eyebrows complemented Balengiaga’s edgy aesthetics. Her jewelry was arguably the star of the look — her blinged out necklace featured Balenciaga’s double-B logo, and her right hand was overtaken by a cursive Balenciaga ring that spanned all 5 fingers in what looked more sculptural than practical.
Vivienne Westwood Remembered in a Touching London Tribute
When Vivienne Westwood passed away last December, the world grieved the life and legacy of one of Britain’s finest culture makers and fashion icons. Known around the globe for her commitment to social change through punk and protest, the fashion industry held a touching tribute to Westwood during February’s London Fashion Week, an event that opened the week in a somber tone. Held at Southwark Cathedral, the tribute was filled with celebrities and fashion industry professionals alike gathered in full Vivienne Westwood ensembles to remember the true artistry and versatility of the late designer. Photos from outside the event showed Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Anna Wintour, Victoria Beckham, Stormzy and many, many more gathered in memory of one of England’s most creative souls.
