<<<<<<< Fashion Month Diary >>>>>>>
How was my fashion month, you ask?
Spring Summer 2023 fashion month was fashion month on steroids. Brands sprinted back into action, dropping bonus events with extra doses of content on top for media players, VIC clients and social media followers. As hectic as it all was, I can honestly say that I enjoyed every moment of my Milan and Paris fashion weeks. What brought me the most joy was seeing so many of my colleagues and friends after the two year lockdown. With most territories lifting their quarantine requirements, editors, buyers, digital creators and other creatives were able to resume attendance. It felt like returning to university after a break and greeting friends with huge hugs and laughter ahead of a marathon-like semester. Notwithstanding the turmoil taking place globally, the light and joyful atmosphere is healthy for our industry - positivity travels a long way, hopefully to every corner of our system.
Now, let’s get to the fashion. For your enjoyment, I’ve created a little journal of exclusive street style images of my show looks and front row videos from shows and events.
Click through the credits to shop each look - some items are linked by partnership and ATPB may receive affiliate payments in case of purchase.
Street Style Images by Nadia Krawiecka
Reel Video by Nisha Johny and Jonathan Jacobs
More joy: Assuming an old school pose outside of Max Mara with Nicole Chapoteau.
Front row with Coco Rebecca, Chiara Capitani, Gilda Ambrosio, Giorgia Tordini, Ami and Aya Suzuki and Anna Dello Russo.
I swear, if someone doesn’t let me produce, direct, and star in the Jamaica inspired collection… I can already see myself in those t-shirts on the streets of Kingston!
PRADA
Prada show experiences are always the moment. To see Mrs. Prada sharing the design stage with Raf Simons is like witnessing a rich conversation which will set the tone for fashion for many years to come. I appreciate what I see, and I want all of the dressing gowns... and that lime coat!
SPORTMAX
Sportmax Dress with Rhinestones
Get the look with these Celine Mules:
Sportmax delivered a gorgeous pastel palette infused with bold neons and took color blocking to new heights. The neon yellow look featuring a maxi sequins crop top and floor length catapulted me into a plank position. Abs come through!
STELLA JEAN WITH WAMI
Photo Courtesy of We are Made In Italy, Carlo Scarpato
Backstage at the Stella Jean with WAMI (We are Made in Italy) historic runway tribute to emerging talents. I am wearing a masterpiece by Claudia Gisele Ntsama. Stella returned to the runway after a self- imposed break in resistance to the islamophobia and racism that exists in Italy and the lack of inclusion and diversity within the Italian fashion system. She founded WAMI with fellow fashion professionals Michelle Ngonmo and Edward Buchanan. I am so honored and humbled to have participated in this moment of representation.
GUCCI
Alessandro Michele’s Twinsburg collection and show revitalized the show experience as we know it. As the last of 68 models graced the runway, a panel featuring portraits of the models who were cast in the show slowly lifted towards the ceiling and revealed what appeared to be a reflection of those of us seated before it. After a few beats, it was evident that we were not looking at a mirror, that we were not seeing our own reflections (there is only one Bethann Hardison), and that the models who were walking on the other side of the catwalk were identical pairs of those closest to us. What was more dazzling than my favorite lilac dress from the collection was the ruminations that our brains cycled before truly processing what had unfolded before our naked eyes. My right leg twitched vigorously from the excitement of it all, and I had all over goosebumps. It was absolutely magical.
CECILIE BAHNSEN
Cecilie Bahnsen also explores the theme of water with her “We are Water Collection.” Fluid forms, fabrics draped to mimic rolling waves, and sheens applied to reflect the power of water.
MIU MIU
Miu Miu has been feeling so fresh these past few seasons. The Spring Summer 2023 is no exception as Miuccia Prada delivers the most perfect wardrobe essentials in her uber elevated fashion. T-shirt and windbreaker dresses offered in numerous styles (Miuccia’s got you hun), a pause, rewind and zoom in denim section, and thong style sandals boots in an array of bold colors. They won’t last a minute at your favorite on-line retailer. Act fast come next Spring.
LOUIS VUITTON
Nicolas Ghesquiere’s SS23 collection is perfect for someone like me who is currently collecting reading glasses and depending on family members to zip her up everytime she leaves the house. Trust me, blown up zippers are a godsend, even for those of you with 20/20. If 2023 turns out to be as hectic as 2022, gorgeously crafted clothes that give you a hand when getting dressed and make you smile are the way to march forward. Fashion is meant to be fun and lift your soul. Also, and this is really important: those oversized bags are not going to last. Organize your life to ensure you secure the bag next season!
