The Top 20 Runway Trends for S/S 2023

From New York to London, Milan and Paris, in this post I round up the biggest trends of the summer season. Color is very important, worn in a mostly monochrome way, from shades of beige, to magenta, red, lilac and baby blue. For the more daring, neon hues and cutouts are leading the way.

Cargo pants, biker jackets and fringes are absolute must-haves! Enjoy those beautiful collections.

LoL, Sandra

If you buy one thing for spring, make it a pair of multi-pocketed cargo pants. From their origins in the British army in the late 1930s to today, cargo pants have not aged a bit. This season they are elevated to fashion essentials.

Flannel shirts are an object of desire courtesy of Bottega Veneta and Dr Martens are still holding strong. Enjoy this ’90s grunge.

Denim takes up the Y2K mantle for spring, which means waistlines are down, bellies are exposed, and knee-high boots haven’t been spared either. Begin by reacquainting yourself with Alexander McQueen’s Bumsters, first debuted as part of his Taxi Driver collection for F/W 1993.

Fluorescent shades of blue, green and yellow boosted the summery allure of the silhouettes, which came with a futuristic aesthetic at Balenciaga or Miu Miu.

The baby blues, a soft chromatic mood tinted the second skin silhouettes, which were resolutely fluid and innocent.

For seasons on end, pops of purple have given way to sweeping, head-to-toe lilac looks. You better get used to it!

Magenta is the Pantone Color of the Year 2023, so no wonder shades of red are all over the runways. But it is nothing for the shy, the trend expects you to sport the vibrant shade head-to-toe. My favorite? Ferragamo’s all over sparkles.

The monochromatic silhouette came only in shades of beige. Miu Miu, Max Mara and Dior case fashion staples rather than statement pieces, daring to layer up classic basics in varying hues.

Blending craftsmanship and ’70s charm, crochet remains a failsafe option for summer.

The latest take on fringing is a far cry from its bohemian aesthetic, with the detail adorning even the most sophisticated pieces in your wardrobe.

Hints of fringing feathers and glitter details are bringing back the Roaring Twenties! However the ’20s glamour got a minimalist makeover, without compromising on elegance.

Let’s ride! From the street to the runway, the biker trend is showing no sign of slowing down.

Literal interpretations of the gothic style were replaced by a soft grunge talk on the aesthetic. Black dominates the goth girl look. Complete the vibe by playing on volume and transparency.

Transparency create a silhouette that is sexier than ever. The must-have black dresses of the season hinted at glimpses at several designers.

In what was an ingenious display of creativity, fashion played with optical illusions, unveiling troupe-l’oeil pieces that transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Whether with a new twist on a bouquet or with lifelike tropical flowers, designers transformed simple garments into blossoming works of art.

Living out our costume-drama dreams has never been so easy, thanks to the return of 16th-century farthingales, 17th-century panniers and 19th-century crinolines.

Hoods are the strangely sexy accessory taking over the summer runways. Totally reminiscent of the most renowned Alaïa muse, Grace Jones, who triumphed this look in the ’80s.

Cutouts have moved to a very daring spot. Nothing for the shy…

As the world gets more inclusive, fashion is a welcome way to express your current mood. That means you can dress up as much as you like to get all the attention. References from previous decades are a welcome source of inspiration. Even the poodle skirt is back!

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The Top 20 Runway Trends for S/S 2022

From New York to London, Milan and Paris, in this post I round up the biggest moments of the new season. One of the most important trends is the revival of the 2000s. Keyword is «Y2K» which is the shorthand for «the year 2000.» Designers found new ways to interpret sex by freeing the nipple and creating interesting cut-outs.

Color is very important. After the months spent at home, the urge for fun and vibrant fashion is huge. Enjoy those beautiful collections and let’s hope that we will find peace this season.

LoL, Sandra

After the ’90s, the 2000s are back! Crop tops and butterflies, Grecian draping and low-rise pants, and body chains – all those things are epitome of Y2K style.

No other piece of garment has come up quite the winner like the bra top, be it a bikini top, a bandeau, or a humble bra, best combined with a pant suit.

XXS hemlines are a must this summer. The micro skirt steals the show from the traditional mini skirt.

This season, homespun crochet details were a present theme on the runways, playing up texture.

As the blazer is a standalone piece in its own right, it is worn directly on the skin, preferably with a cinched waist and exaggerated shoulders.

Buckle up, ladies! The biker jacket is back.

Nothing beats elegance and sex appeal like a black catsuit.

Here’s one for the minimalists: a shock of Colgate white, worn head-to-toe, preferably oversized.

Counterbalacing the neutral monochrome trend are head-to-toe looks in bold colors.

Sweet pastel colors appear this summer mostly on airy pieces for a second skin effect.

In 2022 there is not the slightest excuse for not wearing color. Optimistic color splashes elevate color blocking to new heights.

Graphic cut-outs paired with bold colors deliver the right amount of chic.

The new sexiness means super sheer and unleashing your nipples.

A beautiful interpretation of the ’60s era in pop colors.

Colorful marabou feathers are the best way to stay warm during chilly summer nights.

A hybrid trend mixing fringing and stripes for the fashion forward.

Back embellishments, trains, and swinging tails create maximum drama.

A new definition of evening glamour with dramatic, big-volume silhouettes and goth details.

Shine bright like a diamond. Sparkling textures and sheer sexiness are a must for evening wear this season.

Dress-code after the pandemic: Fabulous and shiny with sequins, chainmail, sparkling mesh, and crystals.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

If the Broom Fits

Halloween 2015

Looking for a last minute Halloween costume? Craft yours out of pieces that will have a place in your closet throughout the year. I am sure that you have something black that is reminiscent of the ongoing Victorian trend. The F/W 2015 catwalks were full of Halloween-style looks. I prefer a stylish high end of-the-moment ensemble instead of the predictable animal ears or plastic mask.

Get the look: Ruffled silk-blend lace dressicon and embellished suede gloves, both by Alexander McQueen, embellished flocked brocade cape by Simone RochaMadison lace-up suede sandals by Paul Andrew2Jours embellished textured-leather shoulder bag by Fendi and nose ring in gunmetal-tone and crystal by Givenchy.
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Goth FW2015

F/W 2015 TREND: NEW VICTORIANS
Givenchy – Alexander McQueen – Gareth Pugh

To a boo-worthy fun Halloween! If the broom fits, jump on it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

At Julien Macdonald’s F/W 2011 Show

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IMG_0782Julien Macdonald, who is half-Welsh and half-Scottish, surprised me with his F/W 2011 show that I truly liked. The presentation took place in a church. The goth athomosphere was amazing, especially with the head-banging soundtrack and light effects rocking the show.

The designer started off with some black looks, followed by delicate layers of spiderweb-like fabrics. My absolute favourites were the beautiful embellished long flowing gowns, romantic but edgy and the lace-up boots. Truly ethereal!

Please enjoy my photo coverage and check out the celebrities who were sitting front row.

LoL, Sandra

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Me front row at Julien Macdonald

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Me with American actress Juliette Lewis

Model Amber Rose framed by other "ladies" in red

Model Amber Rose framed by other "ladies" in red

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Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director of the Daily Telegraph, going ethno

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Swimwear designer Melissa Odabash with me

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British socialite Tamara Beckworth with her daughter Anouska that she had at the age of 17 - they look like sisters.

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Aren't those Manolos to die for?!

Let the show begin:

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Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Nun’s Story

This fall, designers might have to ask for forgiveness after their fashion blasphemy on the F/W 2010 runways. So many collections evoked religion. It was hard not to think episcopally when looking at all those nun-, priest- and church-inspired looks.
Wimplelike head coverings, white collars, shoulder-covering capes, black and white combined colour combinations, and modest long skirts gave a strong impression of a Catholic convent. The long single chain necklaces brought up the image of a rosary and the drawstring belts reminded of a monk`s habit. Most designers added a goth spice to it. But see for yourself:


Take the religious symbolism with humour and not too seriously. Fashion is sometimes playing dress-up and that can be a lot of fun. So who wants to be the next sister Luke?
Audrey Hepburn looked so beautifully in The Nun`s Story 1959 and so can you. Have faith in yourself and come up with your own fashion bible! Even if it is just a cross pendant…

Your heavenly followers will gather around you.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands