2023 is officially in full swing – as we well and truly hurtle through January, fashion weeks loom, temperatures drop and life goes on. You can be sure that no matter the month, brands will hit landmarks, capsules will keep on coming and trends spawn by the second.
So if you’re feeling the January blues, cheer up – we’re here with a well-needed curation of icy drops, Lunar collaborations and Metaverse exhibitions to keep you going through the post-New Year slump.
KOCCA CHAMPIONS METAVERSE K-DESIGNERS
As we catapult into another stellar year of Metaverse-related fashion ventures, The Korean Ministry of Culture has joined forces with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) to give 20 rising designers the chance to showcase their work at the KOCCA Metaverse Fashion Festival. Featuring separate ‘universe’ style showrooms for each designer, the experience will give visitors the opportunity to indulge in giant aquariums, gummy bear islands and even performances by K-pop star Hyolin.
KENZO’S PIXELISED YOUTH
KENZO have kicked off the New Year in style with the launch of their SS23 collection ‘KENZO Pixel’, taking inspiration from Artistic Director Nigo’s youth in the 70s and 80s. In a nod to nostalgic retro video games, pieces in the collection are seen adorned with pixelated roses, elephants and tigers, mixed with modern genderless silhouettes.
MCM GO CYBERCORE
MCM have hit the cybercore trend on the head with their latest collection ‘CYBERSAFARI’. Inspired by music subcultures, the punk movement and touches of Bladerunner,, CYBERSAFARI is an ode to the digital unconventional. Featuring animal print emblazoned apparel and accessories, alongside holographic illustrations and leather galore, the collection takes you on an adventure into the virtual.
ACNE STUDIOS X APOLLINARIA BOUNCE BACK
The Lunar New Year drops are in full swing. Never ones to miss the mark, Acne Studios have launched their latest ‘Year of the Rabbit’ collection, in collaboration with French-Russian artist Apollinaria Broche. Starring a bouncy sculptural protagonist named BUN-BUN and Golden Horse winning-actor Vicky Chen, the campaign tells the tale of two besties out and about in Beijing. Expect classic leathers, bunny-adorned textiles and pastelized pants.
DICKIES CELEBRATE 100 YEARS
Workwear favourite Dickies have dropped a five piece capsule for their SS23 collection in celebration of the label’s 100 year history. Presenting a colourful campaign incorporating the brand’s iconic cargo finishes and relaxed, heritage silhouettes – whilst the collection itself includes an offering of brand new spring colourways paired with iconic styles such as the 847 Work Pant and Eisenhower Jacket.
A BETTER MISTAKE GET SPRAYED
A Better Mistake are here to cure your January blues with their latest drop ‘Eternal’, which marries icy shades with spray paint stylistic features forged by Polish artist Running Files. Padding out the killer collection with a range of airbrushed jackets, pants, dresses and shirts, the drop symbolises an exploration of the digital and physical world behind A Better Mistake’s genderless, seasonless lens.
HOLZWEILER JOIN THE Y2K REVIVAL
Y2k lovers rejoice: Holzweiler is bringing back the legwarmer. In an ode to the iconic winter accessory, the Norwegian house is setting the tone for this season’s biggest incoming trend. Boasting adjustable drawstrings, feather and down padding and 10K/10K waterproof DWR finishing, stay warm this winter in style with a noughties Holzweiler twist.
A LUNAR NEW YEAR FOR ARC’TERYX
Gorpcore superstars Arc’teryx have joined the roster of Lunar New Year collection submissions and the result is A*. Following snippets of product teases right before Christmas, the label has dropped shots from their latest sea-sprayed campaign, featuring limited edition art by visual artist Zinan Lam on classic Arc’teryx pieces such as the Alpha SV Jacket, Atom LT Hoody, Motus AR shirt – all with a water-bunny embellished twist.
RICK OWENS DRKSHDW X CONVERSE GAIN THEIR STRIPES
Zebra print is back. Following on from their renowned collaboration, Rick Owens DRKSHDW and Converse have slipped two new additions into the mix as we hit 2023. Featuring two new reimagined Chuck 70’s, the TURBODRK and TURBOWPN, both complete with fuzzy safari-themed skins and varying tongue designs. You can also expect the kicks to come with a limited, zebra-print backpack offered in two size options, featuring in the Big Freedia-fronted campaign.
RUMOURS BECOME REALITY: CARHARTT WIP X MARNI
It’s finally here: the long awaited Marni x Carhartt WIP collaboration. After weeks of rumours floating around social media, product photos popping up on retail sites and whispers amongst the fashion community, contemporary has forged an alliance with utilitarian in this streetwear meets daywear partnership. Dropping on the 14th January, the collection – fronted by seminal funk artist Bootsy Collins in it’s latest campaign- will merge classic workwear archetypes with a modern, colourful Marni spin.
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