Niche Trends From The Runway
- kendallflavin
- May 15, 2023
- 4 min read
My last post was a recap of all the top trends from the runway, and this post is a continuation for everyone looking for more niche trends. Tired of the countless slip dresses and wide leg jeans? Keep reading to see trends that are less popular that will make a statement and get you all the complements.
Dripping In Honey
In contrast to some of the over-the-top styling we saw on the runway, some designers leaned into the quiet luxury trend that has probably taken over your for you page. Shades of honey and gold were draped elegantly over the models, hugging their curves. Most of these styles were sheer or made of a lightweight fabric, so if you're feeling lost when trying to plan your vacation looks, try a lamé knit maxi or khaki skirt in shades of brown.
Puff Out Your Chest
Puffers are a staple piece used for function in most peoples closets, but the resurgence of puffers was seen done in a much more artistic way. Jackets were elevated with belts and oversized shawl collars and done in lux fabrics. Some designers added trims, such as bows, while others strayed away from coats entirely and opted for pants and scarves.
Silver Surfer
This trend has been big online, but it has taken a moment for designers to catch on. We finally saw silver and chrome all over runways. Some designers elevated basics and trending pieces such as moto jackets, while others incorporated this trending textile into their signature styles, a la Di Petsa's wetlook dress. Can't decide if you want to go all in and embrace this trend? Start somewhere easy, like a bra top or pair of heels.
Vivienne Westwood Meets Clueless
With the 90s revival, it was only a matter of time before the school-girl look was reinvented. Cher from Clueless was everyone's favorite it girl, so it only makes sense that designers are trying to emulate her. Nostalgia is a great way to garner attention and sales, and the recent focus on Vivienne Westwood made plaids and tartans popular.
Not Your Grandad's White Shirt
Simone Rocha made waves with her ruffles and volume, and many designers have taken note. This season, we saw lots of oversized button downs and voluminous styles, be it a result of ruching, gathering, bows, or a combination of all of the above. If you aren't super into some of the more out there trends, trying a puff sleeve button down or maxi white cotton dress is a great place to start.
Fur Real
Solid fur coats are a thing of the past now - the new way to wear it? Literally anywhere else. Jacket and skirt sets were sent down the runway with fur trim on the sleeves and skirt hems. Full fur dresses and skirts were statement pieces, and a few designers even made tunics out of fur. This turns the whole concept of fur being an outer layer on its head and makes it a much more functional daily wear piece.
All That Shimmers
While there is nothing particularly new about sequins and shimmer, I wanted to include this section to emphasize the small details. Rick Owens has mastered the use of sequins as an almost armor looking textile. Other designers added draping which is notoriously difficult to do with sequins - this requires a true mastery and an incredible amount of time invested in developing the particular fabric. There were also gradients from small to large sequins, and even specific motifs - stars and flowers being the most popular.
Shut Up and Ride
Moto is not a new concept, but I was pleasantly surprised to see elevated versions on the runway. A number of designers presented colorblocked matching sets, with style lines and contrasting colors. Others took the leather inspiration and made the pieces simple yet elevated - a matching blazer and pant suit with a front tie, a buttery brown bomber jacket, and even printed leather.
Snake Charmer
Animal printed leather has become somewhat of a neutral, so designers took it a step further to make a statement. Designers shunned the typical leopard print or cowhide motifs, and instead found a new favorite for this season: snake leather. Reds, olives, and even blues weren't just added as a detail or accessory, but were instead the entire look. Gone were the knee high snake boots, and instead we saw dresses, matching jackets and pants, and floor length duster coats.
Bad (H)Ombre
While ombre was not the most popular trend on the runway, it was definitely a stand-out look in the shows that featured this fabric dyeing technique. Typically this is seen in knits, but unexpected fabrics were used this season. A velour maxi dress did neutrals in an exciting way, going from a rust brown to silver. However, most designers opted for a green and black combination. This is not the dip-dye everyone was DIYing at home during quarantine - there was a beautiful leather skirt and jacket set, and even a jersey dress with an exaggerated lettuce hem.
Teenage Dirtbag
This is another trend that started on the streets - the bottom up development process has become the go to for many new brands who are hoping to appeal to younger generations. 90s references, such as ultra low rise jeans and Von-Dutch inspired trucker hats mixed with lace and layered tops emulated the 90s pop star aesthetic that Gen Z has fallen in love with. DSquared2 has revamped their brand with a younger customer in mind, and are a perfect example of mixing 90s inspiration with current trends (peep the legwarmers mixed with a sheer skirt or the micro mini skirt made to resemble a slip dress). Our Legacy is more understated in their execution, but the 90s inspiration is undeniable - forgoing the early MTV red carpet looks, you can see the skater culture references in this collection - baggy denim jeans layered over a longer pair, or the tank top layered over a long sleeve top.
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