Spring 2024 Runway Recap: Nostalgia, Innovation, and Style Trends

The Spring 2024 runways in New York, London, Milan, and Paris featured several notable fashion trends and elements. Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from the season:

1. 1960s Mini Hems: Mini hemlines reminiscent of the 1960s were a standout trend. Designers like Marni, Miu Miu, Michael Kors, and Missoni showcased dresses and skirts with short, boxy silhouettes and sheer long sleeves.
2. ’90s Nostalgia: The ’90s made a strong comeback with high-ribbed turtlenecks, low-slung maxi skirts, and layered, colour-blocked dresses from brands like Marni, Bally, and Ferragamo.
3. Business Casual: Short suiting was a prevalent trend, with Bermuda-length shorts, as seen at Loewe, Chanel, and Dries van Noten, and mini hems appearing at Gucci and Prada.
4. Butter Belle: Soft, butter-hued dresses and matching sets in soothing colours dominated the runway at brands like Loewe, Bally, Proenza Schouler, Louis Vuitton, Del Core, and Jil Sander.
5. Denim Dandy: Denim was reimagined unexpectedly, including unique denim dress silhouettes, complete denim sets, and denim cargos at Junya Watanabe, Chanel, Valentino, and Schiaparelli.
6. Film Noir: The dark and moody style of the 1950s, influenced by film noir, was evident in collections like Prada and Maison Margiela, featuring rhinestone-encrusted dresses and dramatic silhouettes.
7. Knit Hooray: Cardigans and Fair Isle knits were popular in knitwear, with intricate pieces at Bottega Veneta, matching sets at Molly Goddard, and playful cardigans at JW Anderson.
8. Layer Cake: Layering was a playful trend this season, with brands like Balenciaga, Meryll Rogge, and Miu Miu experimenting with unexpected layering combinations.
9. On the Fringe: Fringe made a comeback, with brands like Prada, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Burberry incorporating fringe details into their garments.
10. Playing with Proportions: Designers played with proportions by featuring high-waisted bottoms, low-slung trench coats, oversized accents, and statement collars in collections like Loewe, Burberry, Comme des Garçons, and Vivienne Westwood.
11. Sporty Chic: Sportswear was elevated by pairing classic sportswear looks with more tailored or festive pieces, as seen in Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Miu Miu, and The Row.
12. The Bigger the Better: Dramatic, oversized elements took centre stage in evening wear, such as enlarged pom-poms at Bottega Veneta, oversized bow capes, and unique dress and skirt combinations.
13. The Greatest Show on Earth: Some collections drew inspiration from circus and performance themes, with elements like clowns, acrobats, and tightrope walkers showcased in designs from Louis Vuitton, Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, Jil Sander, and Molly Goddard.
14. Travelling Wardrobe: Inspired by hotel stays, brands incorporated mixed silk shirting, pyjama-inspired pants, and bathrobe-inspired pieces, as seen in Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and The Row.
15. Tumble Dry: Garments with a “tumble dry” feel, showcasing a worn-in look, were seen in collections from JW Anderson, Duran Lantink, PH5, and Y/Project.
16. Out of this World: Futuristic elements, drawing inspiration from The Jetsons, appeared on runways, with designs that felt clinical and synthetic in contrast to the natural, as seen in Courreges, Prada, Sportmax, and Tory Burch.

These trends and elements collectively reflect a diverse and innovative fashion season with a mix of nostalgia, creativity, and experimentation on the runways of major fashion capitals.