Go bold or go home: Autumn/Winter 2023 fashion is all about making a statement

Designer labels are making sure that the Autumn/Winter 2023 season is a bold and standout one. Photo: Gucci

While the “quiet luxury” trend is still going strong, it seems that fashion labels are not afraid to take it up a notch with loud designs for Autumn/Winter 2023.

The collections for the season are nothing if not fierce and statement-making.

Elements like bright colours or standout embellishments will make sure that you are noticed – all the time and during any occasion.

There is also the use of bold prints and metallic fabric to wow audiences.

If it is just a monochrome look, then expect a play on contrasts to elevate it from the realm of boredom.

Red and more red

Fierce red is the favoured colour of the season. Photo: Ferragamo

The colour red is a favourite for designers this season. Not just any shade though, think the angriest, bloodiest ones to really capture attention.

Ferragamo chose a stark black background for its runway, which helped magnify the effect of its red designs.

Even if not a full-red outfit, a label can still incorporate red accessories like bags. Certain black designs sported red trimming and edging, as well.

Loewe showed a few all-red garbs too. As its collection was predominantly subtle visual wise, the colour red really popped and became memorable.

Read more: Designers can find inspiration in varied places, as seen at London Fashion Week

Retro cool

Labels are turning to coloured tights to jazz up outfits. Photo: Miu Miu

You may think of tights as more of a 1980s trend. Well, they’re back!

Models are walking the runways wearing tights – more so, coloured ones to help draw eyes.

Look to the Miu Miu runway show, for example. The outfits kept to a more earthy colour palette, so coloured tights helped elevate the looks and bring about a certain feel of zest.

Gucci also put its models in coloured tights. These peeked out from under long coats and skirts to add a welcomed visual contrast.

Shiny through and through

The metallics trend is still going strong in Autumn/Winter 2023. Photo: Paco Rabanne

The love for metallics is still going strong in Autumn/Winter 2023. To be clear, this is not entirely about someone just pilling on jewellery – the trend is more about outfits that resemble metal.

The runway of Paco Rabanne sparkled as the label sent out multiple designs that play around with materials like lurex and metal mesh.

It does not have to be in the colour of gold or silver too. As long as the fabric used has a sheen, then that is considered metallic.

Rick Owens included multiple outfits covered in sequins in pink and lime green. Not exactly the idea of heavy metal, but still pretty metal in itself.

Frosty florals

Cool florals are making an appearance on runways. Photo: Alexander McQueen

When you think of florals, what usually comes to mind is the spring season. After all, that is when the flowers start blooming again in countries of the northern hemisphere.

This time around however, fashion seem fixated with floral prints in the cooler months of autumn and winter.

Alexander McQueen featured giant orchids on certain clothing pieces. Using a contrast of black and white, they just jump out at you visually.

Balenciaga also did something similar. Against a background of black, coloured flowers bloomed in the clothing of the collection.

Read more: Atmosphere of stark opposites: Grand diversity seen at New York Fashion Week

Pristine and pure

Yes, white is a colour too – and it can turn heads. Photo: Valentino

You may not think that white is exactly “colourful”, but a completely white clothing piece can really catch the eye.

Case in point: Valentino’s dramatic all-white shirt dress.

It is so striking that you can even go so far to label it as flamboyant – despite it being just a minimalistic (albeit oversized) shirt paired with a simple black tie.

Bottega Veneta also favoured white. There were plenty of full-on white looks in the collection. Even the accessories like bags and shoes for these looks were intentionally chosen to be white ones.

Pleat guilty

Pleats have invaded the shows of numerous fashion houses. Photo: Balmain

Another way to raise the drama in an outfit is to embellish it to the nines – and pleats are this season’s favourite, it seems.

Balmain used pleats to the greatest effect. Sculptured dresses walked the label’s runway, showing off folds and folds of fabric.

Coperni showed off ruching in a couple of looks too. This helped elevate a simple design.

Using metal fasteners of sorts (shaped like hands), the label placed strategic folds to create an illusion of cinching for long dresses. The same was done to sweater tops too.