The definite list of our 11 favourite fashion moments that saw celebrities stepping into the past to source retro red carpet looks
Vintage is hotter than ever. This year, fashion held a mirror to our growing social interest in preserving and rewearing clothing. As Gen-Z counts environmentalism among one of its most important values and the global resale market is expected to surpass $350 billion (£275 billion) by 2027, this year’s emphasis on recycling looks is only the beginning. (We can all but certainly expect much more of where this came from at next year’s Met Gala.)
Archival pieces not only underscore the desire to champion sustainability, they also point to one of 2023’s hottest trends: singularity. Now, in an era marked by break-neck fast fashion and algorithmically informed personal style, having a one-of-one piece – or, at the least, an incredibly rare one – is a status symbol in itself.
This year, the stars showed us their commitment to rewearing looks from the archives, scouring old Chanel, Prada, Mugler, and beyond. Some wore famous outfits, like Olivia Rodrigo’s sequined Todd Oldham miniskirt, while others broke out previously under-the-radar pieces like Kendall Jenner’s late-’90s Gaultier. Some even rewore looks from their own past, like Claudia Schiffer, who dug through her own treasure trove of fashion to find a 1994 Gianni Versace metallic miniskirt. Many turned to specialty vintage sourcers and dealers, finding their gems at Pechuga, Aralda and Tab.
Naomi Campbell used the archives to honour Karl Lagerfeld at the Met Gala, while Lily-Rose Depp turned Erewhon into a runway for her vintage Gaultier. Below, see some of our favourite archival moments from 2023.
Amal Clooney wore autumn/winter 2000 Christian Dior by John Galliano to the 2023 DVF Awards in Venice, Italy. Photo: Jacopo Raule/Getty Images
Hailey Bieber celebrated her birthday in autumn/winter 1998 Thierry Mugler couture. Photo: Courtesy of @haileybieber on Instagram
Zendaya in spring/summer 1993 Prada at the 2023 NAACP Awards. Photo: Getty
Megan Thee Stallion in spring/ summer 1997 Paco Rabanne for The Hollywood Reporter’s Power Stylists dinner. Photo: Donato Sardella/Getty Images
Claudia Schiffer wearing autumn/winter 1994 Versace during Milan Fashion Week. Photo: Moeez Ali
Olivia Rodrigo celebrated the release of her sophomore album, Guts, in spring/summer 1995 Todd Oldham. Photo: Courtesy of @oliviarodrigo on Instagram
Lori Harvey attended the Renaissance premiere in autumn/winter 1989 Thierry Mugler couture. Photo: Emma McIntyre
Rooney Mara at the Academy Awards in 2008 Alexander McQueen. Photo: Getty Images
Naomi Campbell in spring/summer 2010 Chanel couture at the 2023 Met Gala. Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Kylie Jenner wearing spring/summer 1992 Prada in Milan. Photo: @kyliejenner
Anne Hathaway in spring/summer 1993 Valentino at the British Fashion Awards. Photo: Mike Marsland
Originally published on vogue.co.uk