2024 Fashion Forecast

A year has passed and my never ending promises to blog more are gone. I bring you little a fashion forecast post. Starting off with current trends that were popular towards the end of 2023 and will remain at the beginning of 2024. These are just some throwaways so bare with me, Quiet Luxury, bows, & red with pale blue will still be big in the beginning of the year for obvious reasons.

Now that that is out of the way,, on to bigger and better things. Zoning in on what is Quiet Luxury or essentially minimalist 90s fashion we get what I call sexy 90s secretary. Think Gisele Bundchen in The Devil Wears Prada. Very much high fashion corporate vibes. Pencil skirts, those tiny ugly glasses we wore in middle school, office attire but make it chic. You can look to brands like Prada, Miu Miu, even YSL for this desired ‘aesthetic’. From here we see the looks of tights – not really a trend as I feel like they’re a wardrobe staple- mixed in with form fitting clothing. Gone are the days of baggy oversized garments.We are looking for slim, clean lines that fit to the body but not tight enough to be considered body-con. (Yes, that does mean the skinny jean will be coming back soon. Don’t blame me, blame the accelerated fashion trends). From here I see more slim form fitting t-shirts, slim cut or bootcut jeans/ pants.

On the complete opposite of this we will be seeing – you guessed it – Indie Sleaze. I’ve only been talking about it for almost two years now. From here we will see a lot more lace being introduced, not just for this ‘aesthetic’. Cheetah and snake print will be added on there as well as plaid. I also want to group in there the rise of the 2014 fashion blogger, tumblr girl looks. We can already see this in Addison Rae’s instagram, she’s literally taking photos with an iPhone 5 of what we would see all over tumblr. I also see long dangly jewelry possibly being grouped in this category as well, imagine those long necklaces with crosses on them or I don’t know dream catchers?

Going off of tumblr fashion a complete 180 from that would be tweed. I’m seeing a lot of collars in the last fashion week. Think Peter Pan collars that poke out at the top of a shirt or dress, almost conservative dressing. The 60s are creeping in as well, this can be seen in Versace’s last collection. A line dresses with trapeze coats adorn the runway. Mixed in with the 60s, I see capri’s being added on to the ‘aesthetic’ along with 3/4 sleeves. Other predictions that I can’t seem to group in niche aesthetics are bigger bags, I talked about this in my last forecast but I think now it’s finally arrived in its final form. That one TikTok shop bag that you can’t seem to get away from or the Coach Lana Shoulder bag (I would kill for her). There’s also polka dots, baby doll dresses, and fur trimmed jackets.

PFW Finale

We’ve finally come to the final day and the only show I truly want to write about is Miu Miu. Always staying in the realm of uniforms this show they tapped into school uniforms. With Miu Miu polos being paired with their draw string short shorts or frilly ones. It very much gave bloquette aesthetic at the very beginning but as we progressed further into in we saw some beaded dresses and leather jackets with matching skirts. Miu Miu always grabs me in, even when certain collections are not necessarily my favorite styles or aesthetic there’s always something done so well that I have to write about them. Now I go on vacation for my birthday, goodbye everyone.

MFW Day Two

The time has come for Prada. This season they continued the slime trend like their past show. Like other collections these past few weeks, we see florals on display. Prada and Simons stated that they wanted the clothing to do the talking with this collection and that it did. Although it was a bit tame it still was done so in a very cohesive and attracting way. Shackets, bedazzled garments, and fringe were the big hitters here. They also said goodbye to their Design director Fabio Zambemardi

Moschino was a collection everyone was interested in seeing the outcome because this would be their first collection without Jeremy Scott. Done by four stylists, each one displayed their connection to the house or house heritage. Some pieces being influenced by 80s and 90s collections while others being interrupted in a way that connects to them and their personal style.

Blumarine was less in your face than previous collections. Stating that this season they wanted to be lighter. Quite literally as most of the collection was made of lighter colors and minimal compared to their norm. Angels wings were worn by many and the butterfly made her appearance. Though the collection was light and angelic you also see the spice.

Tom Ford was another exciting collection to see as this would be Peter Hawkings debut as the new creative director. Here we saw house staples, as far as back as the Gucci days which I loved. I was specifically obsessed with the all gold suit. Hawkings having worked with Ford he really brought out the looks everyone loves without being too nostalgic.

MFW Day Two & Three

Prada, I literally love this woman forever and always I don’t care if I’m biased. This season Miuccia and Raf were inspired by uniforms. Quoted “give importance to what is modest”. Within this collection you can see nods to nurse and military uniforms. Being a year now since the war in Ukraine, Prada wanted to give attention to the front liners as last year’s collection was inspired by the events taking place. Displayed are garments you would see in WWII posters of women helping in the war, real life women. Gone is the beauty and glamour and here is the ugly and true. Perfect for Prada as they’re always known for their ugly-chic aesthetic.

Blumarine always understand what Y2K trend to bring. This season brought on the scene kid with metallics, shearling, and buckles scatter throughout the collection. A burning B in the background, Brognano was inspired by Joan of Arc. Taking influences from the Middle Ages and the 1999 movie “The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc”. Though one would think these three would work Brognano does a wonderful job at fusing all three aesthetic together to create the collection we have here. It continues to having the Y2K elements that the brand is popular for but with a more serious darker tone.

GCDS brought the suits. This collection mixed the menswear with womenswear. Everyone and their mother was wearing a suit or at least some sort of iteration of a suit. Maturity is a word I would give this collection because I feel the brand has grown from previous.

Day Three, Gucci. Now I normally don’t talk about Gucci often not because I don’t like them because I do. I can recognize that it’s a brand that release good items but not my style. That’s not the case this season. With the departure of Michele people are left wondering how Gucci will look now. Their new creative director, Sabato De Sarno, will not debut until Spring 2024 this collection I feel was a reflection. Mixing in designs and aesthetics from Michele and Ford, the brand showed that they are more than their creative director. This was noted as the staff came out and bowed at the finale.

Sunnei, of course I had to talk about them. Sunnei was quite literally a concert meets a runway show. By now you all might of heard of the crowd surfing moment. The show was a white rectangular catwalk high up so that you would look up at the models. At the end of the catwalk the models would then throw themselves backwards to be caught by the audience to crowd surf. Making up the models were the staff members of the brand as the designers believe they desired recognition for their efforts. The crowd surfing in a way was a hint towards taking a leap of faith or risk. Reminding everyone of just that. The collection on the other hand was very trendy. That’s it just trendy, the pieces will sell and be popular but the wow factor was more in the performance than the collection.

Jil Sanders looked to the 90s and 2000s for inspiration. Having a more simplistic approach this season the collection was very polished but at times made no sense. Starting with a moto inspired pieces then eventually ending in garments with fruit and candies printed on them. The overall collection was beautiful but also kind of left me confused. I will say that they were hit by the skirt over pants trend.

Miu Miu Spring 2023

This post was originally suppose to go up earlier in the month and mainly for the last day of Paris fashion week but it ended up being mostly about Miu Miu. A lot of my post during fashion month didn’t bring me the thrill and excitement they use to. That may have to do with something lying deeper within me and not the hard work and craftsmanship that went into the collections, but nonetheless I’m making an effort to update that series like I intend to every year.

Miu Miu Spring 2023 consisted of 64 looks. Continuing with the theme of styling “normal” items in a not-so normal way this season we strayed away from the cropped sweaters and mini skirts. We moved to stone-washed leather and deconstructed blazers that showed the inner lining. Some traditional Prada elements were in the collection. For example there were nylon jackets and bra tops with a clip fastener. The deconstruction done on the blazers were also done on the cropped tank tops which I was a very big fan of. This season brought a lot of layering of pieces that you would normally not see grouped together. Not only was this done in Miu Miu but other collections as well. Another popular look on the runway this season was the jeweled/sequins pieces. Prada and Miu Miu having those looks in their collections before but within this collection they also brought the layering element to it. Very Y2K but not as flashy or in your face. Y2K has become so commercial and overly saturated in shows recently and I feel like Miu Miu is the only one to make it look not so glamorous. It makes me appreciate the aesthetic because being a person who remembers the fashion of Y2K, I don’t remember it ever being this cute. It was weird and cringey at times but personal to everyone’s own personal style and that is what I think Miu Miu did here.

MFW Day Two & Three

GCDS Spring 2023 was full of irony. At least that is what designer Giuliano Calza wanted to display. Often fashion shows are looked at in a way of complete and utter seriousness. Which it’s true they should be looked at in that way, this is the job of countless people. With that being said it should still be taken seriously even when the collection is one that is not serious at all. That, I believe, is the emotion that Calza wanted to invoke. As you can see this collection had a lot of Spongebob in it. Regardless of the fun cartoon character, the craftsmanship and work put into the collection was one of superb.

Prada Spring 2023 brought back the skinny pants. A great fear of many Gen Z’s, not a fear of mine. I embrace any style or trend honestly. The scene that was set was a dark room with windows. Windows giving a hint of looking inside of a home and the daily life of a person. I love Prada because they make me think. (That literally makes me sound stupid but let me explain). Yes, I think all the time when watching shows but Prada makes me think outside of the box. The windows were symbolic in showing the life behind closed doors. There we are invited by lived in clothing like nightgowns and daily work wear. It was a display of lived in clothing. Seeing life behind closed doors.

Blumarine Spring 2023 gave me the indie sleaze aesthetic I have been dying for. Straying away from the Y2K aesthetic that I feel like they brought back first, this season was very early 2000s punk/ goth. The runway was adorn with cargo skirts, crosses, and long Morticia like dresses. Floor length dresses were a big point of the collection as mermaid was an inspiration (very ironic given the current climate). You see the movement and flowy-ness of the gowns both mermaid like and Morticia like.

On day three Sportmax Spring 2023 brought us futurism with hints of vintage embellishments. There were psychedelic prints, pvc, and studded bras. This collection comes off as very instagramable. Perfect for social media and all the social media girlies. (I’m definitely one of those girlies but I haven’t posted on IG in a while). What I mean is that the collection fits the mainstream. It’s something that I can see many younger audiences wearing. There’s something about teenagers now being trendy or fashionable that is an it thing amongst them. This collection seems fit.

Versace Spring 2023 is probably my favorite collection in all of Milan Fashion Week (sorry to Prada and Blumarine). The collection was littered with goth styles, all black looks, lace and layering. Cargo pants were shown, a staple for this season. The layering in here was another item seen in a few collections these past weeks. After the all black looks we are introduced to an array of purple and magenta ones with sheer button ups and fringe. Also you can’t forget the veiled pieces ranging in magenta, purple, neon green, and black. I think I’m becoming a Versace girl.

Not Okay

I remember seeing the photos of them filming Not Okay and thinking differently on how I thought the movie would pan out. This isn’t going to be a review of the movie obviously since I don’t really talk about film, but mostly about fashion. First and foremost, we have to talk about the fact that the fashion sucks. I’m not the only one who thinks this. This movie is a perfect indicator on how fast trends go out of style. It made Danni, the main character, look like she was trying too hard which is the purpose of the movie. Starting with her wearing a gray hoodie and working as a photo editor. She clearly shows that she wants more, she wants to be relevant in some sort of way because of her suggestion on writing a piece for Depravity, the company she works for.

Early in the movie you can see little fashion fads like the beaded wrist strap on the phone case, colorful manicure, and colorful plastic rings. This is a trend I saw very prevalent last year and rarely do I see someone with one now. This in a way is Danni clinging onto her inner child, a time where she was happiest. Danni wants to stand out because of her loneliness and lack of self love. If you’ve seen the movie you know that she faked the Paris trip because she wanted to get the attention of Dylan o’Brien’s character Colin. She edited her photos to look like she was in Paris where ultimately there was a bombing and she faked the fact of seeing it all go down. Not Okay shows just as far as Gen Z would go to clout chase essentially. While Danni is in “Paris” we see her wear cliche beret’s and girly cottage core dresses. A lot of movie watchers saying that the fashion during these scenes were a dig at Emily in Paris.

Upon her fake return to New York she is still wearing the token beret and a baby blue Prada nylon bag. The Prada is something I want to focus on here because she was the moment during 2020-2021, even yours truly still wants it. Although the popular colors to get it were either in the black or beige color I find it funny that Danni has it in baby blue. It’s almost like she is trying so hard to be on trend or notice but falls short and settles. When her mother suggest she goes to a group meeting for survivors she doesn’t talk about her experience but rather takes mental notes on other survivors for her article. There she meets Rowan who she literally adopts as a sort of younger sister bestie. During this time where Danni is having writer’s block you see her style evolve to something more eye catching. Not only has she changed her clothing because of the new attention she is receiving but also because she has changed her mind on becoming a journalist to an influencer. She continues to try to get the attention from Colin by dressing in the style that the influencer women would wear in his circle. Or what she believes them to wear.

During this period we see her wearing trends that are very much in the realm of micro-trends. (I believe at once point she was wearing the House of Sunny pants that went viral last year). These micro-trends seen on Danni kind of date the movie a bit to show her quite literally be a try hard for not only the validation from everyone else in the office but for Colin, sadly. It isn’t until she has a bit of a lackluster sexual experience with Colin where she decides to change her style because she longer wants his validation or “love”. This is where Danni starts seeking love from other people, the other people being Rowan as this is where their sisterly relationship starts. With Danni being Danni, she of course starts to adapt Rowan’s style. She no longer is adorn in colorful knock off designer pieces but is wearing baggy pants and t-shirts. A more casual look with the occasional button up here and there. Danni has now shifted from wanting to be an influencer and now an activist. There is a phrase used by many, “fake it till you make it” which is often used in instances where if people really want a lifestyle or job they have to start acting like it’s already theirs. A perfect way to adapt this mentality in your life is to start dressing like the job or lifestyle you’re striving to achieve which is what I believe Danni is doing here. Though this phrase is motivational in this instance there is no positives within it. Danni has used clothing to fit the fake lifestyle she has tried to keep up with where eventually it translate to a person who doesn’t really know themselves or what they want in life. Ultimately she reverts back to the gray hoodie and has no redemption arc. The hoodie now is her safe place and something she feels protected in.

Fashion News

Disclaimer I had started working on this before the recent news from the Supreme Court ruling came out. Please do not view this as tone deaf but a distraction from the craziness going on in this country. I never thought that I would start writing blog post about fashion news. Often times I feel so out of the loop as I hear things later on or I’m busy with my 9-5. I think with this series it would be more my opinions on selected fashion news. But let’s see where this goes.

First and foremost, to get it out of the way. The Marilyn Monroe dress is ruined. Honestly not surprised I saw this coming. I was under the impression that Kim wore it a certain way where it was tied at the top of where the zip would end but I guess not. While they’re many bigger issues in the world, me being someone who loves fashion and history, it’s upsetting to see something in history be ruined. Why was she even allowed to borrow the dress? Who’s idea was it? It wasn’t even giving a look, I would of gone with a remake that’s closer to her skin tone. I also don’t understand how the museum let her wear this but who cares. It’s ruined there’s nothing we can do now unfortunately.

Men’s Spring Summer collections are swiftly coming. At the time of writing this I had gotten the notification for the Prada show. I love the sweaters and picnic-blanket coats. Also the bags, I need to get my hands on one of those. The invitation used for the show is probably my favorite one so far, the paper coat was great although not wearable. Choice being the theme of show, Choice indeed Ms. Prada. The Louis Vuitton show started with a marching band and had Kendrick Lamar rapping while the models strode. This show was the first without Virgil’s direction at all and it served as a homage to his first show. With Kendrick throughout the show repeating “Virgil” or “Long Live Virgil”. Play, the theme of the collection being indicator of things that Virgil believed in. The final walk through of the models holding a rainbow sheet play a nod to his first show. Also rumor has it that they closed all gates to the show early and that a lot of people could not get in. I wish I had more interesting news about Men’s fashion weeks but I feel like I’m very bad at keeping up with them, sorry.

Beyonce on the July cover of British Vogue is a whole vibe. She had a lot of creative direction on this shoot. She wears Harris Reed, rides motorcycles, horses so much going on and I love it. The whole vibe of the photos give me Studio 54 vibes which is talked about in the article, as well with 80s excess and 1990s. The shot of her on the horse reminds me of the Bianca Jagger’s entrance into Studio 54 and also Lady Godiva. This cover is obviously to promote new music, something I’m very excited about. After listening to Break My Soul, I believe the photos convey the aesthetic she wanted to bring. A whole Renaissance vibe meeting 70s disco. Perfect explanation of her latest release.

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Introductions: Prada

After what almost feels like a year from my last “Introductions” post, I’m surprised it took me this long to write about my favorite brand. My obsession with the brand started off as a joke. Being obsessed with fashion at a young age caused a lot of “The Devil Wears Prada” jokes with me. Thus creating interest in the brand.

Founded in 1913 by Mario Prada, the brand originally specialized in leather handbags, travel accessories, etc.Their first shop was called “Fratelli Prada”, translating to Prada brothers, was owned and operated by Mario and Martino Prada. There is where they sold animal goods, English steamer trunks, and handbags; something that was very common for famous brands during this era. Mario believing women shouldn’t run the company eventually passed the brand onto his daughter, Luisa Prada, when his son didn’t want it. (The irony of it all). Through Luisa is where we are given Miuccia. Born as Maria Bianchi on May 1o^th, 1949 in Milan to Luigi Bianchi and Luisa Prada. She would later take the name Miuccia Prada in the 80s after being adopted by an aunt. Miuccia was the youngest of three, older siblings including Albert and Martina.

Surprisingly Miuccia had very little interest in fashion at the beginning. Graduating with a PhD in Political Science from the “University of Milan” her career did not push her in the realm of Prada until later on in life. She trained as a mime at the “Teatro Piccolo” and performed for five years, was a member of the Italian Communist Party, and was involved with women’s rights movements in the 70s. It wasn’t until the mid-seventies where Miuccia would take over the family business. During this time she met Patrizio Bertelli who had started his own leather good business at the age of twenty-four and would eventually become her business partner and future husband. Patrizio was the one to advised Miuccia on the end of steamer trunks and change the products of the brand. This is what lead us to the infamous nylon bags.

By 1979 Miuccia released the first collection of backpacks and totes made of nylon. This is the same nylon that was used as coverings for the trunks. Ten years later in 1989 the first women’s ready-to-wear collection would be released. This collection was known for their dropped waist and narrow belts. The brand would gain popularity for their clean lines and basic colors. Prada in a way is considered “Ugly Chic” mixing the old and new the ugly and chic. They are all about function rather than beauty. Towards the 90s is where Prada really starting gaining its popularity. With fashion in this era being loud and full of many colors, Prada brought the opposite. Being in a way, the ugly duckling which is what made them more interesting. A lot of earlier collections resonated with audiences due to the fact that it was perfect for the every day woman.

The brand continues being a leading force in fashion due to the juxtaposition in collections and overall aesthetic. Not just women’s ready-to-wear but men’s as well. Not to mention Prada Sport and Prada Linea Rossa. Prada Sport was sportswear line created in 1998 that now does not produce as much as before but is still in effect. Prada Linea Rossa has caught the eye of streetwear culture and is kind of what took over Prada Sport when Barrett left the company. As well as Miu Miu, which is viewed as a little sister to the Prada line (I’m obsessed with both). Other than clothing, the company has “Fondazione Prada” which is an institution devoted to artists in Milan. Raf Simons has joined the Prada team and we’re just getting a feel for what he will bring to the brand. With only a few collections from the duo I still don’t have an opinion on his impact but so far so good. The one thing I love about Prada is the variety in aesthetics, as someone who likes to dabble in all it’s nice to have a brand that does that in such a way that I feel compliments my personal style.

The Met 2022

It’s my favorite time of the year, the one night I look forward to besides my birthday and Christmas. Continuing on from the American theme from the Gala held last September, this exhibit is In America: An Anthology of Fashion. Whereas the red carpet theme was Gilded Glamor. With shows like the Gilded Age this theme should’ve seemed fairly easy for many people to emulate. I have such high hopes in humans unfortunately.

The Gilded Age was an era where people showed off their wealth. Which is a perfect opportunity for these celebrities that get invited to show off the most extravagant things they can wear. Let’s dissect the words gilded and glamor. The definition of gilded is “covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint” and glamor “an attractive or exciting quality that makes certain people or things seem appealing”. One can take the theme quite literally and cover themselves in gold – as seen on my many people on the carpet – but that’s not what I believe the theme is here. The theme more so revolved around the Gilded Era fashion and the glamorization of it. The Gilded Era is marked from 1870-1900s so I expected many people to dress like that. I was truly wrong but anyways here’s my best dress list. I’ll keep it short and simple because Lord knows a small percentage of people followed the theme.

Cardi B in Versace looks beautiful here quite literally dripping in gold. I love what she said as well that “gilded doesn’t have to be just the age you can be gilded in any time period”. Which is absolutely true and something to note here in this red carpet. She mimicked an old 1900s silhouette but modernized to fit perfectly now in our generation.

Billie Eilish in Gucci giving us another vintage silhouette which I’m here for. Although I would of wanted the coloring to be a little different, that was until I heard that the materials used to make this gown were of left over fabric in the shop. (We love a non-wasteful queen). But other than that I love the look, it’s giving me Victorian, it’s giving me Gone With the Wind, it’s giving old man Vanderbilt. If you know, you know.

Paloma Elsesser in Coach gave off a slight hint to the Gilded Age era. The corset was something used during the time so she’s on my best dress list for being on theme. But overall an okay look.

Sarah Jessica Parker wearing Christopher John Rogers. At first I wasn’t too crazy about the pattern but after hearing what Sarah had to say about the inspiration for the dress it changed my mind. The dress was inspired by the gowns Elizabeth Keckley would make for Mary Todd Lincoln. (For more information on her story you can check my Introductions post on her). Keckley essentially bought her freedom as a slave with her seamstress skills. Sarah wanted to pay homage to her in the gown she wore to The Met as she was one of the many seamstress that often were forgotten in this period of time.

Phoebe Dynevor in Louis Vuitton, although many would say this isn’t on theme I can see hints here and there to the older silhouettes. It’s very glamor in my eyes for sure.

Evan Mock in Head of State. The suit had a corsetted like top which was a trend in the early 1900s as a lot of the women’s styles were slowly transferring onto the mens. Cute but not too crazy about the color (still works on him though).

Shawn Mendez in Tommy Hilfiger. I could honestly care less about Shawn Mendez, he has some good songs here and there but never turned looks. But this look was for the girls. It’s giving romantic love interest, it’s giving Anthony Bridgerton, it’s giving Mr. Darcy, yes.

Rosalia in Givenchy, I have nothing to say other than I love it.

Maude Apatow in Miu Miu, giving the glamor.

Kasey Musgrave in Prada giving me My Fair Lady vibes.

Vanessa Hudgens in Moschino, the puffed shoulders, the drama, the glamor. I’m here for it.

Kendall Jenner in Prada, I love the full skirt and pleated ruffles. A lot of people could do without the top but I think the top is what makes it modern and slightly glam.

Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian in Thom Browne. Contrary to a lot of people, I love the fact that Kourtney is wearing a deconstructed version of Travis’ look. His suit definitely hints to that early 1900s style men wore. Despite Kourtney being no-thoughts-head-empty for the theme of the Gala, her wearing his outfit still went very on theme in my opinion. The jacket formed skirt on her has the bustle like style which is very Gilded Age.