Some measure a year in time: time spent at work, away from work, in front of a screen, away from a screen. Others do so in milestones: a promotion, a new apartment, an addition to the family. At Vogue Runway, the year is measured in seasons—spring, fall, and everything in between—and in fashion moments.
Remember when Daniel Roseberry went viral for his faux taxidermy animaux at Schiaparelli in January, and then again in November for his guest starring appearance opposite North West in The Kardashians? Recall the Super Bowl halftime show? Don’t ask us who won, or who even played; we’re talking about the instant Rihanna revealed her second pregnancy wearing custom Loewe and Alaïa.
Speaking of big reveals, this was the year that Pharrell Williams took over Louis Vuitton men’s with a massive show on the Pont Neuf in Paris that he capped off with a performance where he was joined by Jay-Z. This was also the year of Beyoncé’s Renaissance and Taylor Swift’s Eras tours, and their many custom-made looks. In the absence of red carpets this summer, these tours offered brands the opportunity to remain visible, and us observers the joy of experiencing fashion at its boldest.
With dual American and British Vogue September covers and an Apple TV+ documentary, 2023 was also a big year for Linda, Christy, Naomi, and Cindy. The original Supers were once again dominating pop culture, though Linda Evangelista’s reemergence post-Coolsculpting debacle won the most hearts. On the topic of returns, welcome back, Phoebe Philo!
Ah, but as is the case in any year, 2023 bore witness to the end of a few eras, too, most significantly Sarah Burton’s at Alexander McQueen. The beloved designer left her post at the house she helped build after 26 years with one of the most touching fashion shows of recent times. Burton left quietly with no big interviews, her show being her one closing statement, but her exit started a conversation nonetheless. Why are most creative directors at luxury houses white men? That’s a question we’ll be digging into well into 2024.