Accessories play an extremely vital part in fashion, having the power to make or break a look.
For Spring/Summer 2023, bags focus on consumers’ demand for comfort with easy- to-carry styles that hug the body and bring softness via soft, plush textures.
Weaving comes alive with artisanal crafting and sustainability through longevity, quality and upcycling practices, while seasonal designs reflect the values and messages key to new consumer mindsets.
This season, Fendi chose to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its iconic ‘baguette’ bag during NYFW. Designer Kim Jones explained that as the bag was an integral part of the original series of Sex and the City, it seemed appropriate to show the collection in New York.
Read on to discover the top trends in accessories for Spring/Summer 2023 season.
METAVERSE-INSPIRED FOOTWEAR
Following in line with apparel, influences from the virtual world are manifesting themselves into physical reality when it comes to footwear design.
Designers and brands are going all out and experimenting with playful styles that feature exaggerated, pumped-up proportions that are ultra-creative and underline unexpected elements in their rendering.
Moulded-look constructions and bulbous, rounded sole units inspired by the metaverse appear as though they are ready to be worn by an avatar. Soft gathered sock effect booties and glittering crystal studs add to the other-worldly feel to make these pieces further compliment the trend that is sure to be a sell-out among the Gen Z and Gen Alpha crowd.
SOFT HANDBAGS
For the upcoming season, handbags are assuming a larger shape and soft, plush textures giving into consumers’ desire for comfort.
Unstructured and relaxed bag silhouettes in supple, buttery-handled skins are key, as voluminous bag bodies prove to be lightweight and easy to carry whilst still making a style statement.
Many designers on the international radar have prioritised this trend with Stuart Vevers showing a crossbody bag in soft camel-coloured leather with the C logo as a clasp at Coach and Michael Kors opting for a soft hobo shape bag in bright red as part of a total look. Elsewhere at Altuzarra, a soft tote bag in a monotone tie-dye print added freshness to the game.
UPCYCLED FOOTWEAR
The trend for upcycled constructions translates to footwear with designs crafted from pre-existing recycled pieces, deadstock of waste components and found objects or materials. Midsoles are mixed and matched into sandwich layers, lace trims and duct tape become straps and Velcro and laces from different designs are used to create new fastening techniques. Hand-drawn graphics applied to soles add to the creatively crafted DIY aesthetic.
HAT ATTACK
In terms of head accessories, hats take over the top spot owing to an increase in destination travel and scorching temperatures.
On the runways, hats with high crowns emerged as the prevailing trend in headwear with designers such as Dur Doux, Adam Lippes and Victor Glemaud championing the trend.
The shape is elongated and umbrella-like at the brim – reminiscent of bucket hats – offering (sun) protection and style at the same time.
OVERSIZED FOOTWEAR
This supersized ‘it’ accessory has taken over the micro bag trend that ruled 2022, owing to factors that include the resurgence of travel and, subsequently, the demand for more space and practicality – two factors that the tiny trend fails to offer.
The oversized bag is practical in terms of offering size and silhouette that stand out in the crowd while enabling buyers to fit just about anything they would desire. Tapping on the demand for the style, designers have come up with iterations that are suitable for a variety of occasions, with simple leathers available for dailywear and embellished designs perfect for the evening.
On the runways, Louis Vuitton assumed a spot at the forefront, displaying a wide variety of oversized bags ranging colossal iterations of its monogram clutch bags, while standout designs came in the shape of dollhouses and shiny, gold chained shoulder bags, each bringing a sense of surrealism to its line. Similarly humorous takes could also be spotted at the Moschino and Bottega Veneta shows. Brands like Chloé and Dries van Noten opted for more classic styles, the former with bucket bags, the latter with the baguette.
CRAFTY TECHNIQUES
Designers and brands are giving a second life to existing materials by creatively upcycling them into new, expressive accessories. Waste fabric trims and deadstock materials are pieced and patched together into colourful, contrast panels.
Basking in the glory of the DIY and crafting techniques taken on by designers and consumers, artisanal bag constructions are made by hand. Soft hand knits and padded upcycled fabric offcuts are interwoven into plumptious bag bodies whilst velveteen and woolly finishes enhance the sensory feel.
On the other hand, chunky proportions retain a lightweight and easy-to-carry appeal through careful material selection.
