9 Viral Fashion Items Of 2023

While there are ways to forecast the trends for the year ahead, there's no telling just what items will go viral. This year, some wearable items (COS' quilted bag, Wales Bonner x Adidas Sambas), and some arguably less wearable ones (MSCHF's 'Big Red Boot'), had us in a collective chokehold. Keep scrolling to find out more about the viral fashion items of 2023 that took social media, and the world, by storm.

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JENNIE’s COS Quilted Bag

The COS oversized quilted bag became a sales phenomenon for the retailer after none other than Blackpink's JENNIE was spotted carrying the accessory in a selfie snap. According to research conducted by fashion market analyst Lyst, the bag was one of the most in-demand items in the third quarter of 2023. 

Across Asia and beyond, the style—which has since been re-released in various sizes in both polyester and leather iterations—can be spotted on the shoulders and in the crooks of the arms of someone, somewhere on any given day. For now, while the colourway and size of the bag you’re after may be hard to find, something tells us that COS will continue expanding the line-up of its quilted bags. 

COS Quilted Mini Bag

Wales Bonner x Adidas Sambas

ICYMI, the Adidas Sambas are having a moment. And the most coveted iterations of the sneaker are those from the brand's collaboration with British designer, Grace Wales Bonner. The limited edition shoes feature a large exaggerated tongue, along with the classic three stripes. In particular, the silver Sambas with crochet detailing went viral for encompassing the ultimate cool girl look, resulting in them being sold at cool prices as well.

Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba "Silver" Sneakers

LOEWE Howl’s Moving Castle Collection

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Photo: LOEWE

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Photo: LOEWE

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Photo: LOEWE

Many of us have a Studio Ghibli film close to our hearts, and one of the most popular amongst them is the 2004 cult favourite fantasy film ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’, which was the focus of a collection by LOEWE this year.

This collaboration between the Japanese animation studio and the Spanish luxury house marks the final instalment of their tie-up, and the pieces in the collection, expectedly, sparked a frenzy. From ready-to-wear, bags, small leather goods, to footwear, the collection featured the film’s most beloved characters as embroidery, embellishments, and prints over the luxury house’s signature styles, with thoughtfully considered details—such as the jewelled earring for pieces bearing the image of the titular character ‘Howl’, which showcased the artisanship of LOEWE. Now, this is one way to go out with a bang. 

Related article: LOEWE Unveils Final Instalment Of Studio Ghibli Partnership: Howl’s Moving Castle

MSCHF's 'Big Red Boot'

New York-based brand MSCHF released the ‘Big Red Boot’ in February of this year and they became a viral sensation practically overnight. The bulbous silhouette pays homage to famous cartoons, Astro Boy and Dora The Explorer, with its comically large and eye-catching appearance.

Celebs, streetwear enthusiasts and fashion influencers were quick to participate in the amusing fad, prompting the internet to turn the Big Red Boot into a popular meme. The first drop of the ironic fashion statement, priced at about $465, sold out quickly, with social media users caving into the hype and their curiosity. A series of funny videos followed, with those sporting the boots enlisting the help of multiple people to pry the controversial boots off their feet, further contributing to the already viral meme.

MSCHF Big Red Boot

Miu Miu's Bejewelled Hot Pants

Having arguably sparked the 2023 trend of embracing short shorts and microskirts, Miu Miu took things one step further with a sparkly pair of undies. The daring piece made its debut on the Italian fashion house's Fall/Winter 2023 runway, worn by The Crown actor Emma Corrin.

With its eye-catching design and eyebrow-raising price tag, Miu Miu’s jewel-encrusted knickers soon became a hot topic on the internet. Love it or hate it, there's no denying its virality, since it is currently sold out everywhere.

Louis Vuitton's Illusion Boot

The Louis Vuitton Illusion Boot has come to steal the Big Red Boot's spotlight. Inspired by the Surrealist art movement, the boots are painted by hand to resemble a conventional black pump on the bottom, worn with 'ribbed' socks, complete with LV initials and a sliver of 'skin'. Retailing for $3,650, the boots were worn by Louis Vuitton ambassador Emma Stone at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year.

The statement boot reached viral status as a result of a TikTok post by fashion influencer, Isabelle Allain. The creator gave her review along with a styling video, in which she labelled them the “Polly Pocket Boots” and expressed her love for the ‘doll like’ boots.

Louis Vuitton Illusion Boot

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Balenciaga's Towel Skirt

Balenciaga is no stranger to unconventional designs, but this might just take the cake. Available for pre-order, the terry cloth towel skirt retails for $1,250, and features an adjustable belt on the inside and a pair of buttons at the waistline. Naturally, social media users promptly took to TikTok, replicating the look with their own bath towels, with IKEA joining in the fun with its own $12.50 towel.

Balenciaga Towel Skirt

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Thom Browne's Dog Bag

This year, animals were all the rage when it comes to designs for bags, and over at Thom Browne, the dog finally has its day. Inspired by the eponymous designer’s own dachshund Hector, the sizeable top-handle style bag is crafted in full grain calf leather and comes with a gold foil-printed luggage tag—that way, you can always have your best paw friend with you anywhere you go. Pet horror stories in airplane cargo, begone!

Thome Browne Hector Bag

Powerpuff Girls x Nike SB Dunk Low

11 out of 10 of your childhood friends have at least watched a single episode of The Powerpuff Girls, regardless if anyone says otherwise. In the age of reviving nostalgia in fashion, the superhero cartoon trio are back in the form of Nike's SB Dunk Low sneakers—good news for fans who were looking forward to the now-cancelled live action remake. Available in three colourways that take on the colour palette of Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, with adorable details like their eyes stitched on the heel, the sneakers swiftly sold out upon being released. 

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