We’ve all decided that 2023 is the year to commit to serving piping haute couture on the regular. The runway is absolutely popping off with bold and daring designs and it would be a travesty to not incorporate some of this inspired wearable art into our looks. Think of this as your starting point for all outfits and events this year, no matter how big or small. There will of course be events that call for some highbrow fashion choices, but anyone who watched The Devil Wears Prada once (or twenty times, who’s counting?) knows that fashion choices trickle down from the runway all the way to daily looks.
We’ve scoured the best of the best runway looks this year and paired perfect pieces inspired by our favorite designers. Whether the occasion is a brunch or a gala, we want to make sure she’s equipped to embody 2023 haute couture with any ensemble or affair. Every single one of these hand-picked pieces will be a conversation starter for lovers of the rich and vibrant fashion world.
A Belle Époque Affair
Photo: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com
Starting us off are the thoughtful and inspired runway designs by the creative mind of Zuhair Murad. Murad has been known to draw inspiration from historical and modern cultures, and his 2023 collection is no different. This time, Murad’s muse is La Belle Époque era of France - a time marked by the optimism of the end of the First World War, fashionistas and designers were playing with bright colors and whimsical fabrics like thin silks and chiffon. The Mischa Free Form Emerald Ring by Lauren K embodies this joie de vivre that encapsulated European designers during this limited time of peace. True to Lauren K’s organic designs, the Mischa Free Form Emerald Ring is completely one-of-a-kind, as each stone that is used varies slightly in shape and hue. The frosty green emerald centerpiece is surrounded by a delicate white diamond pavé, and sits in a lustrous gold setting - another nod to the modern Golden Age.
Gatsby, Meet Gothic
Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight for The Impression
No, we aren’t talking about Jack and Sally. Michael Cinco hit the runway this year with a breathtaking use of dark hues and shining crystals. While his menswear line was decidedly Egyptian-inspired, we couldn’t help but notice the Art Deco inspirations on his linework and intricate shapes in the design when it came to his womenswear collection. Instead of the bright golds and light patterns of the Gatsby aesthetic, Cinco opted for dark, yet bold, fabrics and severe patterns that are more reminiscent of a Gothic Cathedral. Talk about “take me to church.” Inspiration strikes New World Small Circle Constellation Drop Earrings by Armenta in a very similar way. Our favorite local designer Armenta has their finger on the pulse of today’s highest fashions and a keen eye for historical art to be used in the modern day. The sterling silver disc is encapsulated by a lovely diamond pavé and dotted with sparkling white diamonds to make a constellation to frame her face. The juxtaposition between the dark sterling silver and the bright diamonds gives these the same “Gatsby at the Cathedral” aesthetic as this incredible fashion line.
Playing with Color and Shape
Photo: Courtesy of Atonio Grimaldi
Antonio Grimaldi has made his place in the fashion world with sleek designs that evoke cosmopolitan vibes. This year, Grimaldi is leaning into bold monochrome pieces with intentional shapes. As another homage to shape and vibrant color, the Ruby and Diamond Flower Ring by Jye’s takes the cake. An exquisite and rare oval Burma ruby is the centerpiece for this platinum ring - but instead of the traditional diamond pavé rimming the jewel, Jye’s has placed the shining white diamonds around the ruby to appear as though a beautiful budding flower is emerging from the platinum setting.
Photo: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
Giambattista Valli is always giving us the gift of lightheartedness and airy whimsy. The bright hues and comely pastels evoke a high-fashion fairy princess vibe and we simply cannot get enough. The flowy fabric, the organic shapes, and the vibrant pastel colors are youthful yet sophisticated - a perfect marriage of ethereal and thoughtful. The two-toned pinks that Valli plays within this look reminds us of the organic whimsy often attributed to the designers at Lauren K. These Shanti Pink Tourmaline Briolette Earrings by Lauren K stand as excellent inspirations to this 2023 runway look. Because of the designed imperfections of every Lauren K piece, the pink tourmaline drops allow for a gradient of pink hues, with shocks of dark pink breaking up the lovely pastel color. Set with yellow gold clasps and hung by a cluster of white diamonds, these pink tourmaline earrings will bring a carefree vibe to every ensemble.