And Just Like That, Season 2 returned to our screens over the last few weeks, and despite the fact we’ve only seen the first three episodes, the new season is already proving to be just as fashionable as the last.
From Valentino couture gowns to Hermès Birkin bags, the series is certainly not lacking in over-the-drop luxury designer looks. But would you believe one of the season’s key outfits was actually found in a thrift store?
Yes, according to the show’s costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santaigo, the bright blue snowsuit Carrie Bradshaw wears in the new season was actually a find Sarah Jessica Parker tracked down herself in a charity shop.
(Image credit: Getty)
And apparently, this is not an anomaly…
Earlier this week, Marie Claire UK sat down with the costume designers behind the hit show, and they revealed that the cast actually regularly contributes ideas about their looks.
As Molly Rogers explained, “Kristin [Davis] is really good about texting us and going, ‘I just saw the cutest dress. It’s $45, it’s perfect for Charlotte. Do you think you could find it, if it’s in my size?'”
She continued, “They’re always looking and trying to help and contribute.”
Although we have yet to see the episode that Carrie’s blue charity shop find corresponds to, if the paparazzi images are anything to go by, it appears that she wears the look while out shopping (surprise, surprise).
While you might be inclined to think wearing a thrift shop buy seems out for character for Carrie (who is regularly dressed in head-to-toe designer) it is important to remember she has always been a fan of vintage fashion.
After all, she is the character who once famously said: “I was looking for the perfect $7 vintage dress to go with my $300 shoes when…”
Carrie’s affinity for vintage clothes is well documented, so we love to see the way this has been continued for the new seasons, too. Never stop shopping sustainably, Carrie Bradshaw!
With balmy temperatures here to stay and summer officially upon us as of this week, you might find yourself thinking about your warm-weather wardrobe. And whether you have day trips planned or a longer holiday on the agenda, it’s true that no summer packing list is complete without swimwear.
From bikinis to one-pieces, finding a swimsuit that makes you feel like the best version of yourself can often be a key to a great holiday. That is why, this week, we’ve turned to the experts to understand exactly which swimwear trends to buy into this season.
If you’re after something a little more timeless, two of our designers called out chocolate brown as a key shade for the season, while several spoke to the enduring nature of buying into classic silhouettes that will stand the test of time.
Of course, if you’re looking for styles that can go beyond the beach, many of the designers below outlined pieces which can easily be paired alongside wide-leg trousers or skirts, for a post-swim aperitif.
Without further ado, keep scrolling as six designers offer their take on the biggest swimwear trends for 2023.
Triangl
“‘Less is more is the Summer 2023 motto,” Jaynee Wehbe, the Creative Director of TRIANGL tells Marie Claire UK. “For this season, we have gone with less fabric, expect to see cheekier bottoms as well as tops that show off under boob (the ‘ESTE’). We also continue to hero textured fabrics (like terry towelling, lurex, velvet and ribs), ensuring you can transition your swim into styled outfits.”
When it comes to prints, Wehbe explains, that 2023 is all about stripes. “Our number one print for the season is the stripe, you’ll see this across different fabrications and bold colours as well as shorts, skirts, dresses and shirts.”
Triangl Este Sugo Swimsuit
Triangl Maia Lyla Swimsuit
Triangl Mica Sour Stripe Swimsuit
Fruity Booty
Minna Bunting and Hattie Tennant, the founders of Fruity Booty, say this season is all about “modern interpretations on classics.” The brand creates its products from repurposed and sustainable fabric, and for 2023 has utilised traditional materials found in vintage swim pieces. The brand has reimaged cotton seersucker fabrics and textured materials, using them to create modern shapes.
Aside from this, Bunting and Tennant say, tropical colourways also inspired by “vintage prints from the ’60s – ’70s era” are in, as well as “comfort silhouettes.” The brand is also “focusing on higher rise briefs that elongate legs and wired bras that provide support.”
Fruity Booty Grape Zoe Bikini
Fruity Booty Mandarin Bikini
Fruity Booty Harbour Tie Side Bikini
Tona The Label
Tona The Label is a sustainable swimwear brand made with all women in mind. The brand specialises in creating supportive swim with sizes that range from a D to a G cup.
In terms of Summer 2023 trends, the label’s founder Tona Stell, says “Brown has been gaining more and more popularity as the new neutral so I think we’ll see that as a big swimwear trend this summer.” She continued, adding that she also predicts vibrant shades will be on the agenda. “Bright colours are always popular in swimwear but I think we will see lots of clashing colours and pop prints on the beach.”
When it comes to silhouettes, Stell explained, “I think people are moving away from itsy-bitsy triangle bikinis and looking for something with more substance.” She continued, “I think a sculptural design with curved silhouettes will be a big win.”
Tona The Label Bella Bikini Top
Tona The Label Milly Bikini Top
Tona The Label Lulu High Waist Bottoms
Renia Olga
“The cut-out trend is the hottest at the moment, and we fully embraced this in our latest collaboration with Valentina Ferragni Studio,” said swim designer behind Renia Olga, Guia Cleps. “Having the support of a swimsuit but adding playful cut-out detailing makes it a really transitional item for your suitcase, taking you seamlessly from beach to bar.”
Aside from this, Cleps says you’ll be shining on the beach this summer. “The first drop of our Lurex Collection sold out in just 72 hours – there was a crazy demand from our customers shopping for glitter and statement beachwear this year. We have also just launched the ‘Oldie’ bikini set to fully embrace the metallic trend, giving you a retro golden glow.”
And finally, if you’re looking for a one-piece but still want to show a little skin, monokinis are trending, according to Cleps. “The monokini is one of our key search terms. It’s a swimsuit, but in the usual Reina Olga style, always elevated! Our Augusta Scrunch defines this well and following demand we’ve continued to make this in a variety of block and two-tone colours.”
Renia Olga Brigitte bikini set
Renia Olga Augusta Scrunch Swimsuit
Masarà
At Masarà, founder Francesca Fabris says her products are made to transcend trends. “I would say that when designing Masarà, I give more attention to timelessness rather than trends, as we’re an eco-centric brand,” she explains.
“We want customers to enjoy and keep their pieces for as long as possible; however, by coincidence, we are proposing styles that coincide with some very influential SS23 trends this year.”
“The first is Barbiecore. It’s great as there has been a wide variety of pinks on offer; we, however, have gone with a more “grown-up” version of the colour with our Cherry Blossom Pink styles this summer.”
She continued, highlighting that the neutral tones within the collection make them easier to style. “I’ve also seen nuances of beige and earthy tones! We have the Cappuccino and, this season introduced the Chocolate shade. With these colours, I personally believe that the pieces are much easier to accessorise with.”
“And last but not least, the bandeau strapless trend. This classic style is versatile and very day-to-night appropriate with wide long pants and skirts.”
Masarà Coco Bikini Bottom
Boteh
“Print and palette wise it’s all about pastels for this summer, yet with a bright undertone; marigold with lilacs, Aegean blues and ’60s pink. Think shades that are reminiscent of colourful coastal towns across the Med,” Amelia Mather, founder of Boteh tells Marie Claire UK.
“For silhouettes, I can’t go past the classic triangle this season, tortoise trimmings and high-waisted bottoms are also eternally chic,” she continues.
“Bodice styling and soft structure is something I’m loving in swimwear, for both one piece or bralettes,” Mather adds. “A more structured bodice can be worn with wide-leg pants or a wrap skirt for a dressier look.”
Boteh Es Canar printed recycled-fibre bikini top
Boteh Ra Helios halterneck belted swimsuit
Boteh Es Canar printed recycled-fibre bikini briefs
Given we’re in the midst of our first heatwave of the year, it’s safe to say that summer weather is finally here. With the new season on the horizon now is the time to take stock of your wardrobe and start thinking about the items you’ll need for your summer capsule.
Of course, summer dresses are always a good place to start. Dresses are a key element of almost every summer wardrobe, acting as the perfectly polished, all-in-one outfit that can be styled in a snap. So, exactly what kind of dresses are trending for summer 2023? To understand the answer to this question, I called upon the experts.
Speaking to the creative minds and fashion designers behind some of my favourite brands—including Faithfull The Brand, FarmRio, Rixo, Rhode and Alémais—I got an insight into what we should expect to see everywhere this season. And lucky for you, I don’t plan to gatekeep.
From the return of minimal ’90s-inspired styles to a focus on artisanal and artful detailing, the summer dress trends of 2023 are as varied and versatile as they come. Maxi lengths are set to be omnipresent, while strapless silhouettes are also due for a resurgence.
Without further ado, keep scrolling for the biggest summer dress trends of 2023, according to five fashion designers.
Faithfull The Brand
“What we are excited about this summer is slip-style hemlines and bias cuts,” explained Faithfull The Brand’s co-directors Sarah-Jane Abrahams and Helle Them-Enger. “They are both elegant and modern cuts; perfect for the cool girl who wants effortless sophistication.”
The pair continued, explaining we’re set to see slip dresses in a range of versatile, lightweight fabrications. “We also anticipate the maxi dress to return as a key summer staple. Its no-fuss, timeless cut allows for ease of transition from beach-to-bar.”
“And finally,” the pair ended, “this summer will see a resurgence of the ’90s styles we all know and love. We welcome interesting detailing in high cuts, halter necklines and open backs. Taking influence from past eras and drawing inspiration from retro styling and icons, we expect dresses to emulate the ultimate sunseeker aesthetic.”
Faithfull The Brand Lusia floral-print LENZING ECOVERO crepe de chine maxi dress
Faithfull The Brand Sommar open-back linen maxi dress
Faithfull The Brand Rosalie tie-detailed crinkled linen-blend gauze maxi dress
Rhode
Phoebe Vickers and Purna Khatua, the founders of Rhode, also believe the ’90s are set to be a huge point of inspiration this summer. “Our customers are loving ’90s mini dresses this season,” Vickers and Khatua tell Marie Claire. “Simple, flattering and fun and perfect for dressing up or down depending on your style, plus they look great with a trainer or a heel.”
“Mermaid-core is a runway trend that’s going to be big this summer and we’ve put our own Rhode take on this through our prints as well as upcoming sequin and embellished applique pieces,” the pair explained. “And the strapless dress is also going to be popular this season – it’s something that we are seeing a lot of pick up on. Some favourites from our very own Spring/Summer 2023 collection include the The Giovanna Dress & The Lisa Dress.”
Alemais
Emerging Australian designer Alémais has its own distinct artistic aesthetic and for 2023, the brand predicts the rise of versatile pieces with a unique point of view.
“A shirt dress is a classic favourite of mine,” explained Alémais co-founder and creative director, Lesleigh Jermanus. “It’s so versatile to wear, timeless and I see so much value in this style which can be worn in a casual chic way or more sophisticated by changing accessories. In our Pre-Fall ‘Superhero’ Collection we have numerous shirt dresses in eclectic prints.”
“I’m really drawn to statement dresses right now,” Jermanus adds. “Something with an artful silhouette and luxurious hand feel, such as our Guardian Midi Dress, Leonard Fringed Dress and Dana Midi Dress. I’m always attracted to dramatic sleeves to make an impact and these are all perfect for a summer wedding, long lunch or a garden party.”
Jermanus explained that collaboration is a key element in Alémais’ designs, highlighting that this year they’ve worked with Paris-based illustrator Lou Benesch. “Each season we work with various artists to create unique prints, so naturally my final stand-out trend has to be one of our artist collab prints!”
“Storytelling is central to the collection,” she adds. “Lou’s drawings depict mythical beasts and fantastical creatures which are found in the Lou and Seeker stories for this season. They are such special conversational pieces, which will be cherished for seasons to come.”
Alémais Ira puff-sleeve printed-linen midi shirt dress
FarmRio
“Summer dresses are our love language at FARM Rio,” explains Head of Design, Thalita Cotrofe. “For 2023, we predict low-waist, cut-out and artisanal styles being the key trends of the season.”
The brand is known for it’s elaborate, colourful designers and this season Cotrofe highlights that it’s all about dresses that make a statement. “The Sand Jungle Midi Dress, for example, is an effortless style that packs a punch, cut from breezy linen and adorned with a jungle print and tassel hem.”
“We create one-of-a-kind pieces, for the woman with a free spirit and love of colour.”
Versatility is key in the Rixo world this summer, co-founder Henrietta Rix tells Marie Claire. “I really believe people want more out of their clothes now, rather than just a one-time wear/ occasion purchase. Having key dresses you know you’ll wear over and over again is only going to be more important to customers.”
Aside from purely design-related trends, Rix believes eco-conscious consumers will turn to renting as a means to bring new life to their existing wardrobes this summer. “I believe renting summer dresses will also be really popular this summer, especially for occasions like weddings. We’ve just introduced rental for key occasions and bridal styles, and it’s an area of the business I’m really excited about.”
As London Fashion Week draws to a close, the capital has lent its stage to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Fashion Week is unable to go ahead in Kyiv as usual due to the ongoing war, with this week marking one year since Putin’s 2022 invasion. But despite the air raid sirens and missile attacks, Ukrainian designers continue to create.
As a result, the British Fashion Council invited Ukrainian Fashion Week to be a part of the official schedule this season, showcasing the work of three leading Ukrainian designers – KSENIASCHNIEDER, PASKAL and FROLOV.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The RTW collections were all created in Ukraine, amid the Ukraine-Russian war, and under the sound of bomb sirens, with the designers coming together to deliver an all-important message.
“We strive to create. Creating collections is our resistance to war. Today more than ever, we need creativity for life,” they announced in a powerful statement.
“The fashion show on the London Fashion Week runway is our manifestation of will. This is the fulfilment of our strength and resilience. This is a reflection of the courage of all Ukrainians.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“To create in spite of everything,” they continued. “Despite working in the most unstable and difficult conditions, under the sounds of air sirens… Together with our teams, we continue to work on the collections.
“We know that all of this is for the sake of our common peaceful future. For the sake of inviting all of you next season to our show in liberated and free Ukraine.
“We will never destroy, but we will always create.”
Features Editor Jenny Proudfoot (opens in new tab) attended Ukrainian Fashion Week, and went backstage to interview the three designers as they made their London debut.
KSENIASCHNIEDER
(Image credit: Getty Images)
KSENIASCHNAIDER was founded in 2011 by married couple Ksenia Schnaider and Anton Schnaider. With sustainability at its core, the collections cover women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, reworked, upcycled patchwork denim and accessories. All collections are made at the brand’s own production in Kyiv, Ukraine.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Talk me through the inspiration behind your collection…
I did not have particular inspiration for this collection – I was just working with KSENIASCHNAIDER legacy. I used all our classical techniques – such as zero-waste patchwork of waste, upcycling of sportswear and reworking denim. I know that all these ideas are not new, but it was important for me to show to the bigger audience what we were doing for ages in Ukraine. I dedicate this collection to my team, who decided to stay in Kyiv and keep working in our studio. They all are my true heroes and I value their craft, their incredible work with old clothes and dead stock.
What does Ukrainian Fashion Week mean to you?
I started showing at Ukrainian fashion week at the age of 19 when I was working for another Ukrainian brand. So it`s been a lot of seasons for me there in different locations. I value them like our partners, they were always very supportive. When Irina proposed to me to become part of the London Fashion week showcase she said “We have only one condition for you to become part of the LFW show – promise me to have a big show in Kyiv after our victory”. I think it tells a lot about her as a person and her love for the Ukrainian fashion community.
What message do you hope to send with this show?
The main message was written on the cards that we put on the seats at the venue. We created it together with my colleagues Paskal and Ivan Frolov – “We will never destroy, but we will always create.”
This week marks one year since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine – how can we support the people of Ukraine right now?
“At the finale of our shows we were walking with a Ukrainian flag to mark this tragic date. On the flag there was the name of an organisation who provides help to Ukrainians – United24 (opens in new tab), we wanted to encourage people to continue donating and supporting us. This help can save lives.”
PASKAL
(Image credit: Getty Images)
PASKAL was founded by Julie Paskal, then an architecture graduate, back in 2013. Since then the brand has gone onto become renowned for its delicate silhouettes and minimalistic shapes, taking huge inspiration from Paskal’s architectural background. This collection, ‘Out of Cocoon’ is PASKAL’s first return to the runway in three years.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Talk me through the inspiration behind your collection…
The leitmotif of the ‘Out of the Cocoon’ collection is a butterfly, as a metaphor for the beauty and fragility of life. It is a very special symbol for me. It is the epitome of transformation, which is usually not an easy process. For the most part, it is quite brutal, yet, it is natural and vital. The aspect of temporality evokes the urge to see and cherish the uniqueness of our world. Being an ethereal creature, a butterfly can change the world with a flap of her tiny wings. And then, the next cycle of change begins. So let’s take a moment to appreciate the stealing beauty of a butterfly that lands on your shoulder.
What does Ukrainian Fashion Week mean to you?
Unconditional love and support of Ukrainian designers. Having an opportunity to represent our country in its modernity and creativity means everything to me and the whole Paskal team. Plus, my brand had not been on the runway for the last three years, so this moment is also personally overwhelming. Now, we are out of the cocoon, in a way.
What message do you hope to send with this show?
The main message of this collection is how precious life is by itself. It is an invitation to slow down and take a look at the deeper level, to see the tension between eternity and finiteness, originality, and cyclicity. Once again, to see the beauty of life, which is born on the cusp of these oppositions. It is a dialogue on the power of change and staying true to yourself at the same time. We may get quite surreal while manifesting these ideas through the fabrics, colours, and silhouettes. But what is real, after all?
This week marks one year since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine – how can we support the people of Ukraine right now?
Every contribution matters. There is no universal answer but I think that everyone can do something: donate to local volunteer organizations, visit a manifestation in your city, or simply raise awareness and spread information. And it all starts with keeping yourself aware and your eyes open. Keep Ukraine on your radar! I think that only our unity against Russian terror and helping Ukraine to resist at the frontier will bring us peace.
FROLOV
(Image credit: Getty Images)
FROLOV is a couture-to-wear brand that was founded back in 2015 by Ivan Frolov. The brand originates from Kyiv, with ‘love’ being at the centre of everything they do, and the meaning behind their logo – an anatomical heart. FROLOV has been worn by a host of Hollywood celebrities, from Beyonce to Dua Lipa.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Talk me through the inspiration behind your collection…
We love to give our collections names that reflect their main idea in a short form. The one we were representing during London Fashion Week is named “Song to Song”. I was deeply inspired by authentic Ukrainian music I loved throughout my whole life. In childhood, we had a tradition of listening to those certain songs as a family, and it stays in my heart like the symbol of something very intimate, deep, and emotionally evoking. Songs accompany us throughout our lives, from the time we’ve been born to when we die, when we celebrate something or even have sex. And it is so interesting that a heart, a symbol of our brand, is the source of the song itself. It has a rhythm, its beat changes at different moments, and it can have a melody when you listen very carefully.
As each of us has a heart, it makes us all a song ourselves. Together we make a solo, a duet a triptych, and even an orchestra. And as a brand we’re deeply connected to music, working a lot with Ukrainian and international artists, we feel clothes best through a song. And when the heart of the piece syncs with a heart of the person, a new melody is created. From song to a song.
What does Ukrainian Fashion Week mean to you?
Ukrainian Fashion Week has been the biggest supporter of our brand since we’ve started. This is the biggest and oldest Fashion Week in Eastern Europe that helped a huge amount of talented Ukrainian designers to be seen by the wider fashion community. UFW are basically the founders of the modern Ukrainian fashion, and we’re so happy and proud to work with them so closely each season!
What message do you hope to send with this show?
I hope it has evoked emotions in people – that was my main goal here. And I know these emotions can be very versatile, but the main thing to me is reaching the hearts of the audience so that people do not stay indifferent. It was also a great chance for us to show that there’s nothing impossible for Ukrainians, and we are able to continue living, working and fighting for our freedom. We felt like cultural warriors who are able to continue to talk about Ukraine in every way possible. We are happy to use this opportunity as a platform to represent Ukrainian talent, to show it to the world and continue spreading the message that we won’t give up on our main goal and what we’re doing in any circumstances.
This week marks one year since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine – how can we support the people of Ukraine right now?
First of all, I want to thank the whole international community, every single person in the UK and abroad for their incredible support of Ukrainians, for every small and big action, for standing with us and helping in every possible way. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to still defend Europe from the Russian terrorists. As Ukrainians, we do everything to bring this common victory together, so I can just ask to never stop talking about Ukraine, support our talent, buy our products. It is crucial for our economy and survival. Because the war is still isn’t over and in order to win we have to feel the world is still by our side.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“We are delighted to welcome Ukrainian Fashion Week to the London Fashion Week schedule this season,” announced Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of British Fashion Council. “Ukraine is home to a host of exceptionally skilled creatives and artists, and we must continue to support Ukrainian craftsmanship during this time of immense unrest and beyond.”
