From the Runway to Street Style: Denim's Resurgence
Denim's Dazzling Return: Runway Highlights and Innovative Styles
AFI Insider
There has been an undeniable buzz in the air during the fashion weeks happening around the world and it was all about one textile: denim.
A clear favourite amongst attendees and designers alike, denim is taking centre stage on the runway and throughout the fashion capitals of the world. It is safe to say that denim is certainly making a fashionable comeback!
For the past three years, fashion lovers have had to express their personal style virtually during fashion weeks, but now they can show it off in real life once again.
Though some traditionalists in the fashion world may have been disconcerted by streetstyle outfits taking the attention away from designer collections in the past, this time can be used to unite all types of individuals who live and love fashion.
Respected fashion journalist Suzy Menkes observed in 2013 that street style was beginning to take precedence over runway looks, transforming catwalks into crowd scenes.
“Two things have worked to turn fashion shows into a zoo,” she wrote. “The cattle market of show-off people waiting to be chosen or rejected by the photographers, and the way that smart brands, in an attempt to claw back control lost to multimedia, have come in on the act.”
Many silently agreed, even though they also celebrated the risks these fashionistas were taking to democratise fashion.
It has been ten years since those remarks and evidently, much has changed. Now, with the Covid-19 pandemic mostly in control, there is an undeniable sense of relief that fashion weeks once again in-person, bringing along with them the customary throng of stylish individuals all vying for recognition from renowned street style photographers.
The fashion train has chugged steadily from the world’s major style hubs, and one thing is clear- denim is back in the spotlight.
Not that the textile ever goes away. Denim is dependable and is the go-to for many people. It’s easy to wear, accentuates the body and can be worn up or down.
At the opening of the Atlantis The Royal Hotel in Dubai earlier this year, Trevor Stuurman spiced up proceedings with a Canadian tuxedo by Gucci, bucking the trend of traditional suits worn by other guests.
At Cape Town Fashion Week, South African fashion editor, Asanda Sizani, stunned in a denim strapless gown, while former Miss South Africa, Shudufhadzo Musida, wore a denim maxi skirt with a denim shirt worn off-the-shoulder. Both were by G-Star Raw.
The runway also saw a variety of denim designs. Ghanaian designer, Chiip O Neal stood out with their embroidered structured pieces.
Mozambique’s Taibo Bacar did tailored denim to perfection.
Botswana’s Koki Kamala impressed with her Trompe-l'œil garments paired with regular denim looks. She showed just how you can wear denim, even when it’s not denim.
Denim looks by Taibo Bacar, Chiip O Neal and Koki Kamala showcased at Cape Town Fashion Week 2023.
It is clear: denim has come back with a powerful surge, and the way you choose to rock it is up to you. Different washing and styling options have been popular – from distressed detailing to tailored cuts and voluminous silhouettes – all of which demonstrate that denim is undeniably the star this season.