6 unmissable fashion trends that defined 2023

KARACHI:

The metallics, the corsets, the no-pants look – 2023 fashion saw it all. The world saw more razzmatazz, glitz and glamour as well as quiet luxury (thank you, Siobhan Roy) in the most sought-after vogue of the year. Sustainability in the fashion world continues to reign with just a hint of exuberance, retro revivals, old-school charms, and the comeback of Y2K fashion coupled with futuristic looks. As the year concludes, we trace back the looks that our favourite stars adorned and others that stayed on the rack.

Barbiecore

It wasn't until last year that pink was revived as a fashion statement. Margot Robbie's reinvention of Greta Gerwig's Barbie became a trend too soon and Barbiecore soared at every fashionista's moodboard. Be it Ranveer Singh's Valentino pant-shirt coupled with a matching oversized blazer, Priyanka Chopra's neck-plunging kaftan, Hania Aamir's hot-pink top or Deepika Padukone's fuchsia fringed dress at the Oscar's 2023 after party, Barbiecore ruled the fashion game, and it showed.

Veiled sophistication

The 2023 brides were all for that sheer sophistication. Mahira Khan, Parineeti Chopra and the likes imbibed from Katrina Kaif's trousseau, and curated bridal beauty lessons to incorporate within their big-day looks. In what emerged as one of the most celebrated unions of all time, Pakistani superstar tied the knot with long-time beau Salim Karim in a gorgeous scenic ceremony. Donning a dazzling custom-made Faraz Manan lehenga choli, the Raees star was a vision in the icy-blue ensemble. Coupling her look with a sheer, elaborate veil, Mahira encapsulated the timeliness of her wedding look. Much like Mahira, Bollywood actor Parineeti, too, opted for a layered look with her Manish Malhotra bridal outfit.

Silk saree slay

Sarees are always a much impeccable choice to slay and Saboor sure knows how to nail the drapes. Silk, however, has been one of the most common choices to opt for when it comes to saree selection. Saboor, not once but several times, has shown the art of donning a gorgeous silk number – be it Farah Talib Aziz's violet creation with an embellished blouse or a blue number she seemingly flaunted in recent times, the Parizaad star gets the details right. While silk sarees aren't the emerging trend of 2023, they have been a constant fixture in any atelier's wardrobe and deserve a much-needed spot in the list.

Retro renaissance

Ayesha Omar's look for this year's Lux Style Awards was easily one of the best for the night and for several reasons. The renowned star exuded the ol' Hollywood charm in a gorgeous two-piece and a cape by Rashmi Kumari. However, it was her glam that stood out. Ayesha stunned onlookers with a 1920s vibe with a waved bun and glowy makeup. We don't mind going old school every once in a while and trust Ayesha Omar to understand the assignment!

The hair play

Want to accentuate your three-strand? Well, we've got some serious inspo for you! The tied braided hair with jewelled detailing was an iconic move by divas this year. Be it Kiara Advani's desi touch with a simplistic gota wrapped around her braid, or Saba Qamar's futuristic take in an edgy photoshoot, the clean braided look mixed with accessorised embellishments are here to stay.

Picturing a protest

Heads turned the moment Khalid Abdalla, the star who essayed the popular businessman, Dodi Al Fayed, in Netflix's The Crown 6 stepped onto the red carpet of the royal drama's final season's premiere in London. He was donning a basic dark suit with a schematic white tee. The second he held his hand up in front of the awaiting photographers, the cameras went flashing. Abdalla displayed the words “Ceasefire Now” written on his left hand in a herculean act of solidarity with the oppressed Palestinians.

Following suit, Pakistani stars Ushna Shah and Ahsan Khan shared their messages of unanimity with the Gazans. Ahsan walked the ramp for designer Emraan Rajput and held up a sign that read, “For every child, for every home. Peace for Palestine." Similarly, Ushna wore the symbolic Keffiyeh at the premiere of her recent offering, Chikkar, solidifying her stance for peace in Palestine.

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