As 2023 wraps up, it’s clear this was a year for daring style choices and boundary-pushing looks from the world’s biggest stars. From surreal couture to nearly-naked dresses, celebrities embraced avant-garde fashion in a major way.
No star made a bigger splash than Kylie Jenner at the Schiaparelli haute couture show in Paris this summer. She captivated the front row in a sheer black velvet gown, but all eyes focused on the gigantic, hyper-realistic lion head perched on her shoulder. It was the ultimate display of surrealist style from the iconic fashion house. Other attendees like Doja Cat and Naomi Campbell also embraced the avant-garde aesthetic in ensembles accented with abundant faux taxidermy.
While Rihanna hadn’t released new music since 2016, she commanded the world’s biggest stage at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show. With an army of dancers in white, Rihanna herself wore a rich red jumpsuit by Alaïa that concealed her second pregnancy. She finished the high-energy set in a pair of MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon sneakers that instantly ignited a global sneaker craze.
Taylor Swift continued her epic Eras Tour across the world this year, solidifying her signature stage look of sparkly boots and no pants. While fans endlessly dissected the marathon, 44-song setlists, Swift’s parade of jewel-tone Louboutin boots and crystallized Dolce & Gabbana rompers captivated fashion lovers. The mostly-bare legs felt like a subtle nod to her earlier, Nashville-based career.
Of course, the most anticipated film of 2023 was “Barbie” starring Margot Robbie. Stylist Andrew Mukamal crafted a series of Mattel-inspired outfits for the press tour, referencing over 60 years of Barbie fashion history. The nostalgic Beauty Secrets and Western Barbie looks dazzled on the red carpet up until the SAG strike halted premieres in July.
In the battle for 2023’s Most Stylish Couple, Hailey and Justin Bieber put up strong competition with their polar opposite fashion senses. A much-memed paparazzi shot of the duo showed Hailey in elegant Saint Laurent while Justin opted for grey Crocs and clashing patterns. The laugh-out-loud looks continued at the U.S. Open, with the couple sporting matching black leather jackets despite the 95-degree weather.
When Beyoncé announced her Renaissance Tour, she requested fans wear silver in honor of her Virgo Season birthday extravaganza at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium. The sparkling metallic sea paid tribute to the show’s glitzy costumes and Diana Ross’ surprise cameo to perform “Love Hangover.” If anyone still questioned Queen Bey’s influence after 16 solo albums, this coordinated fan fashion moment proved she reigns supreme in pop culture.
From surreal high fashion to nostalgic homages, 2023 will be remembered as a year for bold style risks across celebrity culture. Wherever avant-garde dressing may lead in 2024 and beyond, stars will continue to embrace boundary-pushing looks. As long as cameras are aimed at the red carpet, fashion will remain art’s riskiest medium of creative expression.
