The most spectacular moments from fashion month that live rent-free in our minds

First things first, we have to address the dress that sent shock waves around the world. Attendees of the Coperni show had no idea what they were in for when Hadid appeared on the runway with nothing but her undergarments to close the show.

As scientist Dr Manel Torres and his team whipped out their airbrushes, the audience whipped out their phones, ready to capture an exciting moment. The cobweb-like polymer fibre sprayed onto Hadid’s body chaotically before soon taking shape – transforming and moulding into a second skin when it dried.

This environmentally-conscious brand wanted to bring water to the runway but it was their approach that made us chuckle. Before the show started, the Botter crew extracted bags encased in ice out of a freezer — but that was far from the best part.

Condoms were stretched over the hands of a few models before being filled with water dyed in blue, creating a little aquarium to raise awareness of how our oceans are flooding with plastics.

One of the worst fears models could have would be tripping and falling flat on their faces at a major fashion show — yet that’s exactly what AVAVAV’s creative director Beate Karlsson wanted for her first show in Milan.

The collection featured comically-oversized boots, including some with fur and others with monstrous toes and slinky heels – none of which caused the models to tumble. They were instructed to do so as a parody of how society chases and flaunts wealth in order to look perfect all the time.

Fashion is more than just something we wear — it’s often a statement about the world around us. Fe Noel debuted its couture ‘Dre$$’ sewn with bills, featuring a 16-foot train to represent the wage gap between men and women in America.

However, the dress’ message was not just aimed at criticising the system, but also empowering women to take all that they deserve for themselves.

Seeing double? Don’t worry, it’s just Gucci’s 68 street-casted models. Siblings stomped out onto two separate runways, leaving the audience wondering if this was an extremely well-executed illusion by the Italian house, or the real deal.

But questions were dispelled when the models converged hand-in-hand wearing the exact same look. Creative director Alessandro Michele wanted to showcase how clothing exudes a different feeling even when worn on the same body.

Speaking of twins, Sunnei gave the audience a show to remember by planting multiple pairs of twins in the audience dressed in normal attire, which helped them blend into the crowd.

One by one, a plainly dressed twin would stand up, make their way to the centre of the runway and strike a nonchalant pose, staring down the camera’s lens. Walking towards the revolving door, they then disappeared before being replaced on the runway by their sibling wearing a drastically different Sunnei look.

We know and love this British designer for his eclectic take on traditional tailoring and championing men in skirts way before they became mainstream. This time, Browne upped the ante for his Spring Summer 2023 collection.

Browne showcased his love for storytelling through 20 full-length opera coats in a mix of vibrant and neutral hues. Hiding underneath these billowing coats were more pastel frock coats, swing skirts with petticoats, and tailored suits with polka dots galore – all of which are fitting of a contemporary fairytale.

The theme of time was apparent right from the get-go with sand pouring down a circular pit much like an hourglass. This is translated in the SS23 looks as well, which encompass modern futurism – draped shirt dresses, flared pants, cutouts, silver hardware and more.

This was a clear showcase of how artistic director Nicolas Di Felice is moving the 60-year-old brand in a different and refreshing direction while using the same materials, such as vinyl and polyurethane, which are beloved by fans of the house.

We are all familiar with Jonathan Anderson’s surrealist designs, both at Loewe and at his eponymous label, and he continues to impress throughout the seasons.

There were many bizarre looks from this collection that explored society’s reliance on digital devices and the accessibility that comes with them, but the standout had to be the halter top covered in yellowed letter keys from a keyboard circa 2000.

Hello darkness, my old friend. Paris Fashion Week marked the return of this Japanese brand that operates under Comme Des Garçons in mystical glory.

The entire collection was an explosion of fairy-like goodness interlaced with supernatural forces. English and French courtliness were also channelled into the looks with houndstooth- and Prince of Wales-patterns along with whimsical crowns and tiaras atop bone-white frizzy wigs.

This article was first published on Harper’s Bazaar.

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