The Fall/Winter 2023 fashion season has definitely been ripe with various silhouettes that are aesthetically intriguing, utility-focused, branding-heavy, or everything all at once. The popular Japanese label UNDERCOVER, for instance, has been deemed to "reference itself" during the debut of its Fall/Winter 2023 offerings. This is so for a number of reasons that extend to the revival of iconic silhouettes and some playful motifs that have been popular with "die-hard fans and collectors" of the brand. This revival strategy is sure to bring another wave of hype to the brand.
One of the archival motifs that stands out in the Fall/Winter 2023 capsule by UNDERCOVER is one from 2015 where the brand "channeled a little bit of David Bowie and a little bit of the Universal horror monsters with a series of claw-like hand graphics."
Self-Referencing Fashion Collections
For Fall/Winter 2023, UNDERCOVER is Reimagining Old Design
Trend Themes
1. Self-referencing Fashion Collections - Brands are reimagining old designs and motifs from their archives, creating nostalgia and hype among loyal fans.
2. Iconic Silhouette Revivals - Reviving old, iconic silhouettes is a trend among fashion designers and brands, creating new interest and appreciation for classic styles.
3. Playful Motifs and Graphics - Fashion brands are incorporating fun and playful motifs and graphics, often from older collections, to create excitement and interest among fans.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - Fashion designers and brands have an opportunity to revisit and revive old designs in their archives to create buzz and nostalgia among consumers.
2. Graphic Design Industry - Graphic designers have the opportunity to create unique and playful motifs and graphics for fashion brands to incorporate into their collections.
3. Nostalgia-based Marketing Industry - The trend of self-referencing fashion collections creates an opportunity for marketers to appeal to consumers' sense of nostalgia and emotional connection to brands.