KARACHI: The fashion environment of 2023 had a wide range of designs, from metallics and corsets to the famous no-pants trend. The year saw a mix of razzmatazz, glitz, glamour, and a hint of quiet luxury, due to influencers such as Siobhan Roy. Sustainability remained a popular topic, combining it with retro revivals, old-school charms, Y2K fashion comebacks, and future trends. Let’s take a look back at the most memorable fashion moments from 2023.
Barbiecore
Pink’s resurgence as a fashion statement gained traction after Margot Robbie reinvented Greta Gerwig’s Barbie look. Barbiecore became a popular trend among fashionistas worldwide. Barbiecore ruled the fashion scene, from Ranveer Singh’s Valentino outfit to Priyanka Chopra’s plunging kaftan and Deepika Padukone’s fuchsia fringed dress.
Veiled Sophistication
Bridal dress in 2023 embraced utter sophistication, receiving inspiration from stars such as Mahira Khan and Parineeti Chopra. Mahira Khan’s wedding ensemble, which included a custom-made Faraz Manan lehenga choli and an extravagant transparent veil, established a timeless bridal style. Parineeti Chopra also went for a layered appearance in her Manish Malhotra bridal gown.
Silk Saree Slay
Saboor Aly showed the classic elegance of silk sarees on several occasions, wearing Farah Talib Aziz masterpieces. Saboor Aly mastered the skill of draping a silk saree, whether in a violet silk saree with an embellished top or a gorgeous blue number. While not a new style in 2023, silk sarees retained their classic beauty and earned praise.
Retro Renaissance
Ayesha Omar’s look at the Lux Style Awards captured the elegance of old Hollywood. Ayesha looked 1920s-inspired in a Rashmi Kumari two-piece and cape, complete with a wavy hairstyle and beautiful makeup. Her retro renaissance flair stood out, demonstrating the eternal appeal of classic Hollywood charm.
The Hair Play
Braided hairstyles took center stage in 2023, with divas such as Kiara Advani and Saba Qamar exhibiting unique twists. Kiara added a desi touch with a simple gota wrapped over her braid, while Saba Qamar went for a futuristic look in an edgy image. Braided styles with elaborate details have evolved as a long-lasting trend.
Picturing a Protest
Khalid Abdalla, best known for his role in Netflix’s The Crown 6, delivered a remarkable statement on the show’s final season premiere. In solidarity with Palestinians, Abdalla raised his hand with the words “Ceasefire Now” while wearing a simple dark suit and a geometric white tee. Pakistani celebrities Ushna Shah and Ahsan Khan have also shown their support for peace in Palestine through their dress choices, which convey sentiments of togetherness and solidarity.