Fashion Trends | Summer 2023

The BDA team, made up of trend forecasters and commercial strategists, has rounded up the top womenswear trends for Summer 2023. The world has changed, and so have our priorities. Comfort, and feeling comforted, continue as two key drivers for future consumer decision-making.

As we continue to live life through screens, the desire for tactility, human connection and interaction regains momentum. Authentic creativity and hand-crafted techniques are increasingly celebrated, driven by ideals of remaking, reusing, and repurposing waste for the good of the planet. In turn, the restorative power of nature has also come to the fore, and fashion’s obsession with the great outdoors shows no signs of abating. Local and low-impact production, natural materials and dyes, and biophilic developments are key to protecting nature and allowing it to thrive.

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Soft Focus

Dreamlike Tones | Draped Florals | Louche Fits

Diffused pastel tints and distorted florals set a dreamlike tone for silhouettes conjured from nostalgic and historical references. A romanticised adaptation of the homebody trend sees all-day pyjama dressing given a luxurious revamp, while occasionwear is reconsidered in louche proportions.

Images: Eliza Faulkner, Galvan Girl, Brøgger, A Bronze Age

The escapism found in surrealist dreamscapes and blossoming landscapes inspires a palette that balances cool pastel tints with strong floral tones. Details are borrowed from historical references, reworked in relaxed proportions. A romantic look and feel is exaggerated through a whimsical assortment of floral prints and sensuous fabric combinations.

CHANEL Cruise 23/24 Resort Show

The recent CHANEL Cruise 23/24 resort show was youthful, full of energy and oozing with pink. Margot Robbie, star of the new culture-shaping Barbie film, sat front row at the show adding to the childhood nostalgia and Barbiecore references. Prints featured roller skates and milkshakes, giving a luxurious yet unserious and dreamlike air.

Images: CHANEL

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Artisan

Colour & Craft | Exploration | Discovery

Celebrating a return to exploration, and the joy of discovering something unique and lovingly hand-crafted. Saturated earthen tones, natural materials, and time-honoured techniques come together in holiday-ready looks that bring a sense of occasion into the everyday.

Images: Acne Studios, Cult Gaia, Mansur Gavriel, Jacquemus, Cortana, Hatori

Inspired by the ‘raw earth’ architectural movement, a growing practice of using local raw materials and skillsets, Artisan is a celebration of creativity, collaboration and craftsmanship. The palette of highly saturated natural tones is drawn from the earth.

Wales Bonner Spotlights Artisanal Craft for SS23

The SS23 accessories campaign evokes an artisanal nature, emulating the craftsmanship that has gone into creating Wales Bonner’s jewellery and footwear. The jewellery, that utilises recycled glass beads, eggshell disc beads and freshwater pearls, which are locally made in Ghana by a selection of artisans.

Images: Wales Bonner

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Mother Nature

Feminine Strength | Softened Utility | Traditional Roots

Celebrating nature, escapism, and strength in softness, Mother Nature draws on the surge of interest in spending time outdoors, gardening, and rewilding. A palette grounded in earthen utility tones is layered with softer floral notes, a mentality that is echoed throughout the theme, with heritage workwear paired with traditionally feminine detailing.

Images: Micheile Henderson, Beklina, Rejina Pyo, Malaika Raiss

Mother Nature explores the importance of the human connection with nature. Natural fabrics, heritage silhouettes and garden-inspired prints come together to create a curated look and feel. Consumers are buying less, and buying better – the appeal of hardwearing, versatile, and timeless pieces is growing.

Vintage Floral at Milan Fashion Week SS23

Vintage florals are key for SS23, as seen on the SS23 runways from Marras, Act No1 and Liberatore. Looks feature with vintage inspired floral patterns, either all over or in irregular placements. There is a faded look and feel to the print, that has a brown and neutral base.

Images: Marras, Act No1, Liberatore

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