It’s all about that bling at 2023 London Fashion Week.
The London catwalks are positively glimmering with the message that no, you don’t need to reserve the sparkle for your next fancy soirée, wedding or high-paced, flash-filled fashion event.
Much like last year’s disco ball ’60s-inspired looks, LFW is proving that it’s simpler than ever to work crystal embellishments into your uniform, whether it be on or off-duty.
If we look to David Koma, who adorned everything from cropped tank tops and crisp white button-downs, to latex thigh-high boots and tankinis in high-shine embellishments, we can see how one signature detailing can be dressed up or down in different designs.
Not only did he feature a crystal embellishment feature, regal in design, with gaudy-but-classic European undertones, but he also wove in a more subtle embellishment within a textured crochet.
Opting for huge contrast between his textures, materials and overall looks, going from crystal-embellished lilac knit sets to black leather boots and mini dress, with red and crystal embellished bra detailings — Koma’s runway married innocence and edge together effortlessly.
This was echoed in Simone Rocha’s collection. Rocha sent schoolwear-inspired silhouettes and whimsical party dresses into a more glam-punk space, thanks to the delicate crystal embellishments throughout her 2023 LFW runway.
Even the socks — reminiscent of school uniforms in length and colourways — had gleaming crystal embellishments.
It was a re-imagining of the private school experience if you will. The boarding school of your fashion dreams. If your dreams have an Alice in Wonderland meets The Adams’ Family theme.
But these crystal embellished staples — that can be seen as versatile standalone pieces as well as part of a bigger high-fashion picture — aren’t to say that sparkly embellishments are any less important in the eveningwear space.
As exhibited by the dazzling dresses at Erdem and Richard Quinn, crystal embellishments are still very much alive and well in the world of couture gowns.
While Erdem opted for an almost ’20s-inspired, gothic, medieval vibe, Richard Quinn oozed garden party couture.
Whether it be destined for a non-traditional wedding look, the funeral of a powerful figure or fancy art gallery opening — each and every piece that walked down Quinn’s wonderland runway was destined to create a moment.
Crystal embellishments can certainly elevate a look. But as these LFW shows have shown us, they can have a different effect depending on the styling and design.
You can use bling to add glamour to something edgy, to dress up something casual, or to take your already-spectacular outfit, even more jaw-dropping. Or you can wear them in exchange for excessive jewellery, for a more minimal, effortless look.
Bling doesn’t have to mean more. It can exist as a quality over quantity moment, for those times you want to stand out and not have to think about it.
