Most read of 2023: fashion and beauty trends, from New Balance sneakers and AI Vogue models to Hermès Birkin handbags and belly fat
From fashion trends (New Balance, Lunar rabbit-themed sneakers), to viral moments (Kibbe body types) and who was in vogue (Carmen Dell’Orefice, AI models), we look back at some of the most read stories in 2023 from the worlds of fashion and beauty. Some may surprise you.
1. Why the dad shoe is on trend
We looked at why everyone is buying New Balance sneakers. The “dad shoe” is right on trend, has had high-profile collaborations and was worn at the Fifa World Cup.
At one time, you would not be caught dead in them. Now, New Balance ranks as one of the fastest-growing sneaker brands on resale platform StockX.
A model holds New Balance 580 sneakers. The “dad shoe” was in this year. Photo: New Balance
Read more here.
2. Age is no barrier
At 91 she’s one of the oldest Vogue cover girls – but she doesn’t care. We looked at the career and joie de vivre of Carmen Dell’Orefice.
Carmen Dell’Orefice models for Vogue Czechoslovakia’s April cover. Photo: Vogue Czechoslovakia
Carmen Dell’Orefice was discovered at the age of 13 by a woman on a bus in New York. She recently graced the cover of Vogue Czechoslovakia.
Read more here.
3. Kibbe body types go viral
Dramatic. Classic. Natural. Gamine. Romantic. Which are you? We looked at why Kibbe body types have gone viral on TikTok.
David Kibbe created a system in 1987 to determine body types. Lately Gen Z has embraced his body-typing system – even though it is outdated and not inclusive.
The body type-determining system David Kibbe came up with in 1987 was revived among Gen Zers in 2023. Photo: Shutterstock
Read more here.
4. Put your best foot forward
Ahead of Lunar New Year 2023, we surveyed some of the best Year of the Rabbit sneakers, from Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Reebok, Air Jordan, Vans, Gucci, Givenchy and Ferragamo.
Reebok x Looney Tunes Year of the Rabbit sneakers. Photo: Warner Bros Ent.
Read more here.
5. Bag a good investment
Experts revealed why a Hermès Birkin bag is such a good investment but other luxury handbags might not be.
The Hermès Birkin bag saw returns of 38 per cent on average in 2020 – the highest of all luxury bag collectibles – and prices rise every year.
Read more here.
6. Are AI models in vogue?
Vogue Singapore’s March 2023 “Roots” issue featured AI models. Photo: Vogue Singapore
Vogue Singapore’s March issue cover shoot was modelled by three women created by artificial intelligence.
In our story, we looked at how the industry is divided on what AI means for fashion, with some believing publishers’ budgeting decisions will see human models used less and less.
Read more here.
Australian designer and self-proclaimed “body morphing b****” Michaela Stark shows her belly pooch – as was fashionable this year. Photo: Instagram /@Michaela Stark
7. Belly pooches on the rise
While make-up trends such as Hailey Bieber’s clean, “glazed donut” make-up look was popular in 2023, others that looked surreal and fanciful also gained a following.
A beauty trend forecaster explained how people are highlighting parts of their bodies typically hidden – like belly fat – and are leaning into alienesque make-up.
Read more here.