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February’s New York Fashion Week circuit marks the beginning of the Fall/Winter ready-to-wear cycle, and presentations of the latest from beloved American designers and otherwise came and went, as they do every season, with a quickness. With Marc Jacobs among the latest mega houses to commit to off-calendar showings, and budding designers such as Theophilio sitting this round out for one reason or another, a more bare bones line up this time around didn’t necessarily mean the week was destined to be an uneventful one. In the end, Parisian commodity Ludovic de Saint Sernin cast a fresh POV over the week with its first New York-destination show, Puppets & Puppets executed an emotionally stirring farewell (the brand showed its last ready-to-wear collection this season and said goodbye to New York and fashion shows, pivoting henceforth to accessories with London as its new base), and at Luar’s Bushwick show, a surprise Beyonce appearance.

While trends of past seasons leaned heavily into monochromatic palettes, color blocking and ‘90s minimalism, recent collections see a palpable shift toward a palatable maximalism, ushering in mixed patterns, vibrant tones and bold textures reminiscent of ‘60s. Runway gimmicks were in shorter supply this year (Beyonce aside), leaving room to take in the collections themselves, and there were efforts at diverse casting after a few seasons of backtracking, with models baring maternity bodies and brands enlisting a wide age range.

Ahead, as shows ensue in London, and up next, Milan and Paris, here’s the rundown on New York’s best.

Helmut Lang

Peter Do made quite a stir during his debut at SS24 in New York last year, and as he navigates constructing his sartorial narrative through the iconic label – the designer continues to carve out his own path as a Vietnamese-born designer for an American label. The collection retained a much darker tone than spring/summer, ditching bright colors and bold cutouts for more sharp and structured tailoring, mixed plaids and interesting silhouettes. Accessories from the collection included inflated handbag handles, flat crossbody sling bags, large rectangular leather purses and steel detailed boots.

Collina Strada

Coming off the heat of her AI-assisted SS24 show, the Collina Strada FW collection was playful as ever, baring models with pregnancy bellies, tops resembling inflated muscles and even a baby on the runway. As typical for a Collina Strada show – diversity was a must on the runway featuring models of diverse sizing and races. The collection was an explosion of color, whimsical patterns and over-the-top layering – ruching was a key component of the collection which added to the inflated bicep silhouettes resembling muscles which matched the eccentric dumbbells fashioned with squashes instead of weights.

Eckhaus Latta

Held in an empty industrial office space in Tribeca, the Eckhaus Latta fall/winter collection was a delightful presentation made up of earthy neutral and berry tones. The 30 look collection showcased faux fur detailing, ribbed knits, and sheer garments which embodied the restrained yet sexy aesthetic synonymous to the independent label. The unisex collection also featured playful accessories like an oversized fur scarf and knitted headpieces. Latta has mastered the art of cutouts, this collection including an asymmetrical cutout midi skirt and tops with strategic slicing in the fabrics which bared the models skin, adding intriguing detail to the laid back collection.

Anna Sui

In attendance by icons like Sofia Coppola and Marc Jacobs – the Anna Sui runway show was held in Strand’s Rare Book Room, a 37 look collection of explosive patterns and accessories that made no attempts to stay within muted or neutral tones and rather leaned into a palette that stood out among other runway shows. The collection began with orange and brown tones that utilized plaids and tartans, moving into blue paisleys and floral patterns before moving on to some darker looks which included some silver and foil tones, closing the show with an all sequined look. The styling of the collection was intentionally over the top, knee high socks, assorted headpieces, gloves and scarves were piled onto strategically layered looks adding complexity to the show. Overall, the runway presentation made for a delightful throwback to 60s aesthetics and vintage silhouettes while still including modern inclusions like cargo pants layered under plaid skirts.

Tommy Hilfiger

After a year hiatus from NYFW, Tommy Hilfiger has come home to New York City with a 59 look collection which reminds us what American design is built on. The iconic NYC label built on preppy staples like Khakis, Polos and cable knit sweaters quintessential to the all-American uniform – affordable, timeless and versatile. The large collection made use of classic patterns like stripes and plaids in standout pieces, paired with tailored blazers and more casual garments like varsity jackets and oversized sweaters to make for effortless and cool looks which were accessorized with large scarves and baseball caps. Tailoring varied from structured skirt suits to relaxed button-ups layered under chunky sweater vests, which demonstrated variety in the collection and Hilfigers knack for creating a recognizable uniform for a modern preppy aesthetic.

Elena Velez

The Milwaukee-born Elena Velez presented a small collection of 7 intricately crafted designs which notably made use of quality rather than quantity. Velez described the event as a salon rather than a classic runway presentation which further dove into the world that the designer is building with each season of work. The humble collection was a far-cry away from the designers previous runway season’s mud-fight stunt but no less synonymous to Velez’s vision of expanding the notions of femininity in fashion. Attendees were adorned with custom Elena Velez designs, and the intimate gathering of curated guests gathered on Fifth Avenue to bear witness to the brilliant artistry of Velez’s more current work. The collection leaned into Victorian Era details like voluminous tiered skirts and off-shoulder necklines in specific brand fabrications and textiles like leather and cotton-linen blends.

Sandy Liang

2023 was the year of the bow, chinese-born designer Sandy Liang being a principal influence in this trend which is still going strong. Liang has kept momentum following the success of the launch of her pointe shoe inspired ballet flats and multiple collaborations with notable footwear brands like Soloman and SUBU over the past year. Moving into Fall/Winter her latest collection has evolved her signature bow motif and featured Liang staples like the pleated skirts, square necklines and the adored ballet flat with the inclusion of new textures and silhouettes like rosette applique outerwear, fuzzy textured skirts and jackets as well as sweet floral prints. The overall pastel palette of the collection was punctuated by bright looks like an all-red look and bright pink bow dress which stood out among the collection. An expert at blending sporty aesthetics with more formal workwear and suiting, Liang has established a codified equation for the Sandy Liang it-girl which remains ever evolving.

Every year, publications recycle the February content as if the general public is unaware that Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” are the undisputed greatest of love songs of all time already. Even without the standard rolodex of romantic classics, there’s enough love to go around without having to count on covers, remakes, or soundtrack singles– it just won’t include Celine Dion.

Considering that the late Aretha Franklin covered Alicia Keys’s “No One” for her 2014 album, Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics, there’s a whole new age of love songs worth appreciating. While Dolly Parton’s original version of “I Will Always Love You” and Billy Joel’s “She’s Got A Way About Her” crown the nostalgia factor, Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking out Loud” and Colbie Caillat’s “Bubbly” set a new standard to today’s love ballads, which leaves Cigarettes After Sex and Lana Del Rey to harness their contemporary moodiness into pure bliss. Even left-field genres like Eurodance know a thing or two about love thanks to Kylie Minogue’s iconic dance delight “Love At First Sight.”

Ahead, with an appreciation for underrated gems, these are the best love songs to have on your Valentine’s Day playlist, from throwback staples to modern classics and every genre in between.

Dolly Parton “I Will Always Love You” (1973)

Originally released in 1973 after leaving pal Porter Wagoner’s show, Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” was later popularized via the “‘nineties-vocal-diva” treatment a la Whitney Houston in 1992. Hailed as one of the greatest love songs ever written, Parton’s heartfelt dialogue and wistful delivery convey a poignant message of gratitude, resilience, and the pain of saying goodbye. The soaring melody and genuine sincerity in Parton’s voice on “I Will Love You” championed many generations’ unsaid feelings while simultaneously etching itself as an ageless romantic masterpiece.

Shania Twain “You’re Still The One” (1998)

Shania Twain knows when to celebrate, and romance is always a plus– when it comes around. The Grammy-winning single “You’re Still The One” is Twain’s victory lap, an enduring testament to love that’s been in the making for years. One that always hasn’t been easy, but through great devotion, genuine connection, and a bit of country, anything is possible.

Ed Sheeran “Thinking out Loud” (2014)

Sheeran is no stranger to love and heartbreak; actually, he’s quite adept in turning those gushy feelings into hit records, where each of his five”Popular Tracks” on Spotify exceeds one billion streams, including the guitar-ridden “Thinking out Loud.” Although questioning if the English native’s artistic legitimacy has become a nonsensical debate, wedding receptions seem to be his universally approved space since 2014. Despite its new-age status, “Thinking out Loud” spent the past decade captivating listeners with Sheeran’s transcendental vision of true love, poetic verses, and soulful voice, which fit perfectly into many people’s “happiest day of their life” and defined a new generation of love ballads.

Whitney Houston “Saving All My Love” (1985)

Out of Whitney Houston’s pocketful of love ballads, perhaps her 1985 self-titled debut record preserves her most pure ideologies, so much that “Saving All My Love” still sounds fresh in 2024– even if full-blown saxophones aren’t widely used in mainstream pop anymore.

Colbie Caillat “Bubbly” (2007)

Colbie Caillat may not be as grandiose as other entries, but she captures love in its most simple form on “Bubbly”– and, sometimes, that’s all we need. While acoustic pop rarely turns into a Billboard hit, Caillat’s 6x RIAA-Certified Platinum sophomore single reads like a love letter detailing a blossoming romance through Caillat’s soft voice, melodic guitar, and intimate charm.

Paula Abdul “Rush Rush” (1991)

This dancing diva may be better known for her sucker punch hits like “Straight Up” and “Cold-Hearted Snake,” but even the coolest need a “spicy” moment. The pure erotica of “Rush Rush” by Paula Abdul is completely expected and equally captivating to the early ’90s crowd with its steamy production and quivering songstress. Powered by a Keanu Reeves-led music video, who wouldn’t enjoy making a breathy love song between two megastars into a Billboard chart-topper and, now, a perfect throwback for the bedroom?

Snow Patrol “Chasing Cars” (2006)

The mid-2000s was the prime fast-lane experience to seeing pop-rock turning into instant classics, which included a more indie take with Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars.” Much like Ed Sheeran’s entry, it became a wedding staple partly through universal love sentiments; however, Gray Lightbody’s soul-stirring voice underpins the emotional buildup as the melody reaches its climactic conclusion. The iconization of “Chasing Cars” also comes from the Grey’s Anatomy cast’s spirited rendition from their sole musical-themed episode, led by Tony-winning actress Sara Ramirez.

Alicia Keys “No One” (2007)

If you give Alicia Keys a piano, she will write at least five hits. Keys in 2007 was ferocious with the pen, bridging her soulful voice in a “classic yet vintage, desperate yet triumphant” way, which won her Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 2008 Grammy Awards. Aretha Franklin also covered this for her 2014 album, Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics.

Mariah Carey “Fourth of July” (1997)

The Songbird Supreme may have built 19 No.1 Billboard hits, but nothing compares to the treasure trove that is 1997’s Butterfly album. High off her first licks of post-marriage freedom, Mariah Carey doubled down on her R&B feels and let the pen follow suit. There, “Fourth of July” sparkles like a fireworks display as she soaks in her new-found independence with a new lover, all accentuated by her sing-song whistle register shining in the background.

Lana Del Rey (ft. The Bleachers) “Margaret” (2023)

Lana Del Rey has a track record of brooding over smiling, even in music. But once in a while, you catch a gleam of light, especially on “Margaret,” dedicated to Margaret Quaily, wife to Del Rey’s frequent collaborator and friend Jack Antanoff. Packaged as a lowkey, off-the-cuff rambling that sprawls over five minutes, the folky orchestral instruments add an element of sophistication to the alternative-pop production, tipping the recurring “when you know, you know” sentiments to real-life manifestations.

Maroon 5 “She Will Be Loved” (2002)

Before Maroon 5 ventured down the pop stardom path, their humble beginnings displayed a well-rounded array of young love soaked in indie pop-rock, all stemming from their twinkly-eyed debut record, Songs About Jane. Among the enamored track stands “She Will Be Loved,” a lighter version of alternative rock singles like “This Love” and “Hard To Breathe,” but commercially superior on the love spectrum. Everyone dreams about chivalry seen in ’80s teen rom-coms, and Maroon 5 brings that feeling alive in the chorus.

Kylie Minogue “Love at First Sight” (2001)

The Queen of Australian Pop embraced the new millennium with warmth and eurodance. Housed on Kylie Minogue’s iconic Fever album (2001) stands the Grammy-nominated single “Love At First Sight,” a euphoric dance track about the electrifying feeling of an instant connection. Tied together with Minogue’s signature up-tempo sultriness, “Love At First Sight” celebrates the unexpected for a lifetime– and then some.

Cigarettes After Sex “Sweet” (2017)

No one does haunting romance like Cigarettes After Sex, even if lead singer Greg Gonzalez is obsessively admiring your body on “Sweet.” The band’s dreamy atmosphere is not only lyrically mesmerizing, the track captures a desire to connect skin-to-skin to where Gonzales would gladly break his heart for you. In a new generation of love songs, Cigarettes After Sex’s “Sweet” still doesn’t match their peers in love ballads, though what they deliver evokes an existential awakening similar to lightning in a bottle.

Billy Joel “She Got A Way About Her” (1981)

Released as part of his album Songs in the Attic (1981), Billy Joel’s lyrical genius is prime and sharp with heartfelt composition and admiration. Like Colbie Calliat, the stripped-back approach on “She’s Got A Way About Her” is ablush with sheer simplicity and rhapsodic imagery. His generation-spanning effect on romance led Joel to encapsulate his greatest swooners on 2013’s She’s Got A Way: Love Songs compilation album.

Bruno Mars “Just The Way You Are” (2010)

Where most love songs grip you with emotion, Bruno Mars rolls out the compliments on 2010’s extra-shimmery “Just The Way You Are.” It’s straight to the point and, truthfully, makes listeners feel nothing short of perfect in their own skin.

Every year, the Sundance Film Festival kicks off the film calendar in January with some indie charm right before the glamour of Cannes and Venice sweeps all the fashion and film headlines. Ever since its beginnings in 1978 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sundance has been the go-to for niche cinema as well as major debuts—Darren Aronofsky’s “Pi” in 1998, Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” in 1992, and Wes Anderson’s “Bottle Rocket” short-turned-feature in 1993.

The film festival marked its 40th anniversary this year and was held from January 18 to 28, including in-person and virtual segments. With 82 features and 53 shorts, we couldn’t cover them all, so we handpicked a diverse lineup to cater to different tastes.

From post-human AI-love stories to heartwarming coming-of-age stories, here’s the best of this year’s Sundance lineup.

1. Rob Peace

The biographical drama film written and directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor is an adaptation of Jeff Hobbs’ nonfiction work, The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, which tells the true story of Peace’s rise from East Orange, New Jersey, to Yale University. The story has its fair share of tragic moments but is equally inspiring. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting Peace’s hardships and adversities, but at the same time, it aims to capture the entirety of Rob’s life so that it is not defined solely by tragedy.

2. Love Me

Sam and Andy Zuchero’s cosmic romantic comedy is set in a future where humans have become extinct. The surviving machines live off massive hard drives containing data from search engines and social media sites and project their personalities onto different AI characters played by Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun. The movie has its “multitasking brain” moments, but at its core, it tells a simple story of a boy meets a girl, portrayed through an ambitious AI-driven lens.

3. Little Death

Music video director Jack Begert makes his feature debut with Little Death. Set in LA, the story is narrated by a sitcom TV writer (played by David Schwimmer) trying to direct his autobiographical screenplay. However, the producers suggest making the movie’s protagonist a female character, which is challenging given his misogynistic character. At some point, the film ends up following two different protagonists, creating a sensation that the movie is blending two other films – it gets confusing. Still, it’s an interesting film worth watching.

4. Freaky Tales

The directing duo of Captain Marvel and longtime Sundance favorites Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck return with a four-chapter pulp genre anthology film set in 80s Oakland. Although a few moments don’t quite deliver, particularly the supernatural parts, the story includes plenty of unforgettable characters and an electrifying energy that leaves a lasting impression at the end. The movie stars Pedro Pascal and features Dominique Thorne, Normani, and the late Angus Cloud.

5. A Real Pain

Written, directed, and produced by Jesse Eisenberg, this film follows two estranged cousins (played by Eisenberg himself and Kieran Culkin) on a Holocaust tour through Poland – a gift left by their grandmother to visit the country she had left ages ago. While they argue as they visit war memorials and cemeteries, they also grow closer and reconcile their differences. You might wonder how it can be a comedy against a grim environment, but as the film goes on, you realize that’s partially the point.

6. My Old Ass

Canadian actor and director Megan Park directs a tender coming-of-age meets time-travel comedy that follows 18-year-old Elliott, played by Maisy Stella, who is self-centred and focused on attending college in the big city of Toronto. During a mushroom trip that summer, Elliott comes across her older self, played by Aubrey Plaza. When she wakes up the following day, Elliott still desires more answers from Plaza. And while we do not know exactly how they communicate, we don’t need to. We’re just glad it happens.

7. Sasquatch Sunset

The upcoming film by the Zellner brothers documents the daily life of a family of four sasquatches as they navigate through the mountains, feast on plants, and engage in “typical sasquatch activities”. You might not be able to catch it, but the cast includes Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg. In a word, it’s absurd. It’s dialogue-free and has its repetitive moments; however, instead of asking, “Am I willing to watch 90 minutes of the day-to-day of sasquatches?” ask yourself, “Why not?”
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8. Love Lies Bleeding

This queer romantic noir, directed by Rose Glass, tells the story of Lou, a gym manager played by Kristen Stewart, and Jackie, a body-builder from Oklahoma, played by Katy O’Brian. The two women fall in love in rural New Mexico in 1989, but things quickly turn dark when they find themselves in a crime they try to hide from the police. As the story progresses, the characters are faced with violent situations that become increasingly gory. It’s a compelling script that most notably leaves the cliche femme fatale trope far behind.

9. Presence

The film is directed by Oscar-winner Steven Soderbergh, who has given the haunted house genre a fresh twist. The story is shown from the perspective of a spirit that resides in a newly renovated house that a new family occupies. The tension is slowly built with long, uninterrupted takes that create a dreadful atmosphere for the audience. One of the themes in the movie is that the family cannot hide from the lurking spectre even if they can hide matters from one another. The cast includes Lucy Liu and Julia Fox.

10. Ponyboi

Esteban Arango directs a stylish yet wretched film that features intersex actor and activist River Gallo. The wild adventures of the film occur throughout 24 hours as Gallo’s character Ponyboi, an intersex worker, is on the run from his pimp, played by Dylan O’Brien. Gallo, who uses “they/them” pronouns, is also the film’s writer and sees this project as an opportunity to educate audiences about the social and psychological aspects of expressing male and female traits in a rigid binary world. The film is an expansion of the 2019 short film of the same name.

As 2023 comes to a close and we reflect on the trends which came and went, it is safe to say that the year was filled with surprises – Y2K phased off the runway to make room for 90s minimalism, quiet luxury made its debut, and designers explored their playful side with bold colors and Barbiecore. The vintage movement dominated amongst Gen Z shoppers and Phoebe Philo made her return to fashion with the debut of her namesake brand. And while some fads are sure to phase out, 2023 will not soon be forgotten – it was the year we said goodbye to pants, librarian core got a sexy revamp (thank you Bella Hadid), the coquette trend introduced the bow (in many variations), and the ballet flat made a comeback.

Ahead, here are 12 trends you can expect to see much more of this year.

1. Hyper fem

While it may be easy to write off Barbiecore as a 2023 fad brought on by Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s Blockbuster film, the principles of the trend certainly are here to stay. Mini skirts, pink everything, french nails and all things bimbo core will undoubtedly continue to be hot in 2024. Similarly a TikTok-fueled coquette craze encourages hyper feminine details such as frills, bows and soft pastels, a sharp turn from the opening of 2024 which saw a majority of the fashion set in embracing darker palettes.
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2. Leggy proportions__

Possibly the biggest curveball of 2023 trends was the no pants movement which ranged in extremes from micro shorts and briefs to ditching trousers altogether. Leggy proportions aren’t going anywhere, and you can be sure that designers will continue to play with this concept and push it to new heights this year.

3. Not-so-office wear

Going hand-in-hand with librarian core, office wear is hotter than ever – thin rectangular glasses frames, tight pencil skirts, fitted vests and kitten heels are the newest uniform for the corporate fashion girls. Tailored trousers, tight button ups and sexy blazers will take “power-dressing” to the next level as we tap into our 9-5 fantasies.

4. The slouchy bag

Inspired by the iconic Jane Birkin, who served as the muse for Hermes’s most recognizable Birkin bag – messy handbags are on the rise. Decorated with jewelry, bows, charms and scarfs – the possibilities are endless. This customizable trend is easy to accomplish without breaking the bank, and will indefinitely add some personality to your accessories.

5. Indie sleaze evolution

There has long been murmurs of the rise of indie sleaze and emo comeback, but we have yet to see it in full force. This year expect to see ironic t-shirts, side parts, fringe, and layered accessories everywhere. Whether you like it or not, these trends will evolve into streetwear and runway collections alike.

6. Fringey Bits

Following the rise of indie sleaze and the revival of festival wear – details like fur and fringe have been steadily rising in popularity. Furry hats, fur coats and even fur belts have peaked fashion’s interest and have invited us to stay warm this winter in style. Fringe details have also been popular as of late, appearing in runways collections and street style trends.

7. ’60s Mod & futurism

The rise of technology and increasing fascination with futurism in fashion are very familiar concepts to fashion historians. Designers like Mary Quant, Pacco Robanne and Andre Couregges made their mark on the industry playing with concepts of futurism which gave life to the 60s Mod style movement. As society faces changes in technology through the rise of AI, fashion confronts these concepts through reborn images of futurism in a contemporary manner and explores elevated notions of what is next to come in fashion.

8. High-waisted trousers

The Y2K revival brought back low-rise jeans, from skin-tight to falling-off baggy. We’ve seen it all over the past few years – but as trends tend to swing from one extreme to another, we can safely report that high-waisted jeans haven’t gone anywhere and will be making a comeback in 2024.

9. Preppy revivals

The pandemic influenced athleisure and comfort to reign king over buttoned-up attire but as we move away from work-from-home uniforms, preppy attire is having its moment. Sweaters, knit vests, ties and trousers have been ever present on recent runways as designers like Miuccia Prada and Johnathan Anderson explore the bounds of preppy wear and melt its aesthetics with bold silhouettes and proportions.

10. Amour Wear

Fueled by advances in 3D printing and new techniques in construction – breastplates and garments resembling armor have made their way onto the runway, including chainmail like-textiles and headpieces which reference medieval aesthetics and explore metallics in a modern way.

11. Stockings frenzy

From pantyhose to stockings – hosiery has been an it-girl staple in 2023, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Paired with kitten heels or ballet flats, tights can bring a fun pop of color to any outfit and add a feminine touch to your looks.

Wind of the nominees for the 2024 Oscars, announced by The Academy Tuesday morning, is making its rounds across the industry and the internet, and it’s already causing a stir. This year’s 96th Academy Awards come after the success of cinematic phenomenons such as “Barbenheimer,” involving of course Margot Robbie’s colorful patriarchal commentary and Christopher Nolan’s World War II biopic. The latter received 13 Oscars nominations, a record high in recent years that was closely followed by “Poor Things” which boasts 11 nominations, and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” sitting gloriously at ten.

“Barbie,” on the other hand, did receive its share of nominations this year, landing at eight, but many can’t help but raise an eyebrow to what some feels like a palpable absence of both Gerwig lead actor and producer Margot Robbie’s names among the list. “To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement,” Ryan Gosling, who received a nomination for his role as Ken in the film, said in a statement, adding that “their work should be recognized alongside the other deserving nominees.”

Another name notably missing from the Academy’s list of nominees this year is Leonardo Dicaprio, whom many anticipated would receive recognition for his role in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Ahead, see all the nominees from every category. The 96th Oscars will air on Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST on ABC.
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Performance by an actor in a leading role__

Bradley Cooper in “Maestro”
Colman Domingo in “Rustin”
Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers”
Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer”
Jeffrey Wright in “American Fiction”

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

Sterling K. Brown in “American Fiction”
Robert De Niro in “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Robert Downey Jr. in “Oppenheimer”
Ryan Gosling in “Barbie”
Mark Ruffalo in “Poor Things”

Performance by an actress in a leading role

Annette Bening in “Nyad”
Lily Gladstone in “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Sandra Hüller in “Anatomy of a Fall”
Carey Mulligan in “Maestro”
Emma Stone in “Poor Things”

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

Emily Blunt in “Oppenheimer”
Danielle Brooks in “The Color Purple”
America Ferrera in “Barbie”
Jodie Foster in “Nyad”
Da’Vine Joy Randolph in “The Holdovers”

Best animated feature film of the year

“The Boy and the Heron” Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki
“Elemental” Peter Sohn and Denise Ream
“Nimona” Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary
“Robot Dreams” Pablo Berger, Ibon Cormenzana, Ignasi Estapé and Sandra Tapia Díaz
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Amy Pascal

Achievement in cinematography

“El Conde” Edward Lachman
“Killers of the Flower Moon” Rodrigo Prieto
“Maestro” Matthew Libatique
“Oppenheimer” Hoyte van Hoytema
“Poor Things” Robbie Ryan

Achievement in costume design

“Barbie” Jacqueline Durran
“Killers of the Flower Moon” Jacqueline West
“Napoleon” Janty Yates and Dave Crossman
“Oppenheimer” Ellen Mirojnick
“Poor Things” Holly Waddington

Achievement in directing

“Anatomy of a Fall” Justine Triet
“Killers of the Flower Moon” Martin Scorsese
“Oppenheimer” Christopher Nolan
“Poor Things” Yorgos Lanthimos
“The Zone of Interest” Jonathan Glazer

Best documentary feature film

“Bobi Wine: The People’s President” Moses Bwayo, Christopher Sharp and John Battsek
“The Eternal Memory” Nominees to be determined
“Four Daughters” Kaouther Ben Hania and Nadim Cheikhrouha
“To Kill a Tiger” Nisha Pahuja, Cornelia Principe and David Oppenheim
“20 Days in Mariupol” Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner and Raney Aronson-Rath

Best documentary short film

“The ABCs of Book Banning” Sheila Nevins and Trish Adlesic
“The Barber of Little Rock” John Hoffman and Christine Turner
“Island in Between” S. Leo Chiang and Jean Tsien
“The Last Repair Shop” Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers
“Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó” Sean Wang and Sam Davis

Achievement in film editing

“Anatomy of a Fall” Laurent Sénéchal
“The Holdovers” Kevin Tent
“Killers of the Flower Moon” Thelma Schoonmaker
“Oppenheimer” Jennifer Lame
“Poor Things” Yorgos Mavropsaridis

Best international feature film of the year

“Io Capitano” Italy
“Perfect Days” Japan
“Society of the Snow” Spain
“The Teachers’ Lounge” Germany
“The Zone of Interest” United Kingdom

Achievement in makeup and hairstyling

“Golda” Karen Hartley Thomas, Suzi Battersby and Ashra Kelly-Blue
“Maestro” Kazu Hiro, Kay Georgiou and Lori McCoy-Bell
“Oppenheimer” Luisa Abel
“Poor Things” Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston
“Society of the Snow” Ana López-Puigcerver, David Martí and Montse Ribé

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)

“American Fiction” Laura Karpman
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” John Williams
“Killers of the Flower Moon” Robbie Robertson
“Oppenheimer” Ludwig Göransson
“Poor Things” Jerskin Fendrix

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)

“The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”
Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
“I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
Music and Lyric by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt
“It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”
Music and Lyric by Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson
“Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Music and Lyric by Scott George
“What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”
Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

Best motion picture of the year

“American Fiction” Ben LeClair, Nikos Karamigios, Cord Jefferson and Jermaine Johnson, Producers
“Anatomy of a Fall” Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion, Producers
“Barbie” David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, Producers
“The Holdovers” Mark Johnson, Producer
“Killers of the Flower Moon” Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese and Daniel Lupi, Producers
“Maestro” Bradley Cooper, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers
“Oppenheimer” Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Christopher Nolan, Producers
“Past Lives” David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, Producers
“Poor Things” Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone, Producers
“The Zone of Interest” James Wilson, Producer

Achievement in production design

“Barbie” Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
“Killers of the Flower Moon” Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis
“Napoleon” Production Design: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Elli Griff
“Oppenheimer” Production Design: Ruth De Jong; Set Decoration: Claire Kaufman
“Poor Things” Production Design: James Price and Shona Heath; Set Decoration: Zsuzsa Mihalek

Best animated short film

“Letter to a Pig” Tal Kantor and Amit R. Gicelter
“Ninety-Five Senses” Jerusha Hess and Jared Hess
“Our Uniform” Yegane Moghaddam
“Pachyderme” Stéphanie Clément and Marc Rius
“WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko” Dave Mullins and Brad Booker

Best live-action short film

“The After” Misan Harriman and Nicky Bentham
“Invincible” Vincent René-Lortie and Samuel Caron
“Knight of Fortune” Lasse Lyskjær Noer and Christian Norlyk
“Red, White and Blue” Nazrin Choudhury and Sara McFarlane
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” Wes Anderson and Steven Rales

Achievement in sound

“The Creator” Ian Voigt, Erik Aadahl, Ethan Van der Ryn, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic
“Maestro” Steven A. Morrow, Richard King, Jason Ruder, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic
“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” Chris Munro, James H. Mather, Chris Burdon and Mark Taylor
“Oppenheimer” Willie Burton, Richard King, Gary A. Rizzo and Kevin O’Connell
“The Zone of Interest” Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn

Achievement in visual effects

“The Creator” Jay Cooper, Ian Comley, Andrew Roberts and Neil Corbould
“Godzilla Minus One” Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” Stephane Ceretti, Alexis Wajsbrot, Guy Williams and Theo Bialek
“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” Alex Wuttke, Simone Coco, Jeff Sutherland and Neil Corbould
“Napoleon” Charley Henley, Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet, Simone Coco and Neil Corbould

Adapted screenplay

“American Fiction” Written for the screen by Cord Jefferson
“Barbie” Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach
“Oppenheimer” Written for the screen by Christopher Nolan
“Poor Things” Screenplay by Tony McNamara
“The Zone of Interest” Written by Jonathan Glazer

Original screenplay

“Anatomy of a Fall” Screenplay – Justine Triet and Arthur Harari
“The Holdovers” Written by David Hemingson
“Maestro” Written by Bradley Cooper & Josh Singer
“May December” Screenplay by Samy Burch; Story by Samy Burch & Alex Mechanik
“Past Lives” Written by Celine Song

Just because someone is an “emerging” artist doesn’t mean they are necessarily “new” or “half-done.” À la Shelby Lynne’s 2001 Best New Artist Grammy’s speech — it sometimes takes “13 years and six albums to get here.” By rule, the Recording Academy governs the Best New Artist nominations by “[…] an artist whose eligibility-year release(s) achieved a breakthrough into the public consciousness and notably impacted the musical landscape.” And in the case of Mexican musician Peso Pluma, it may take a few years to gain international traction despite becoming a 5× Platinum Latin-certified artist in 2022 (“Siempre Pendientes.”)

While it’s up for debate whether or not awards have become a stamp-of-approval faux pas, the Recording Academy also recognizes “new artists” as working professionals who recently achieved mainstream success, much like 2024 Grammy nominee Noah Kahan and his catalog of collaborations with Billboard chart-topping artists. Even without a Grammy nomination, there’s no stopping PinkPantheress or Chapell Roan’s bag as they prepare to open for Olivia Rodrigo’s sold-out GUTS world tour. And it won’t keep South African artist Tyla from conquering Billboard’s U.S. charts, let alone K-pop band NewJeans from drawing out a 70,000-person crowd at Lollapalooza Chicago.

Ahead, with the term “emerging” slightly expanded, these are the artists who should be on everyone’s radar going into 2024, from TikTok favorites to the industry’s up-and-coming.

Tate McRae

Tate McRae already made a name in the dance world as the first Canadian finalist on So You Think You Can Dance. Now, McRae is putting that fancy footwork into her savvy, baby-voiced single “greedy,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 (with the help of TikTok’s “Tube Girl.”) McRae was already making the TikTok rounds with viral singles “you broke me first” and “10:35,” but her jaw-dropping dance breaks swept late-night television and spawned an iconic Billboard Music Awards performance, leaving people seeing a Britney Spears reincarnate– complete with teeny bops about heartbreak, self-reflective ballads, and downright bangers scaling her debut album, THINK LATER. Now, the “exes” singer makes an official bid to pop stardom with her 54-date world tour starting in April 2024.

PinkPantheress

The PinkPantheress world domination started with the earworm intro: “Take a look inside your heart / is there any room for me?” Since then, the English singer-songwriter has become a pillar in the Y2K movement. While the quick drum-and-snare of the UKG genre has transformed into Billboard chart-toppers with rising stars Ice Spice (“Boy’s a liar pt. 2”) and Central Cee (“Nice to meet you”), the Londoner radiates a singular aura through her “anti-fashion” looks, nostalgic mixed-media music videos and candy sweet verses that attract nearly 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Although losing out on a Best New Artist nomination at the 2024 Grammys, her eight-date U.S. tour and opening slot on Olivia Rodrigo’s sold-out GUTS world tour will undeniably keep PinkPatheress busy enough.

Peso Pluma

The Mexican singer-songwriter was already a RIAA-certified multi-platinum Latin artist before becoming Variety’s 2023 Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Whether collaborating with reggaeton heavy hitters Karol G and Bad Bunny or regional Mexican group Eslabon Armado, Pluma’s streaming numbers always skyrocket– to the point where his Top 5 Spotify tracks alone amount to 2+ billion streams. With Música Mexicana as the focal point of his third album, GÉNESIS, the rising star displays a raw duality that delivers cultural sounds from the requinto, the bajoloche, and corridos tumandos to audiences worldwide.

NewJeans

A No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart? Check. The first K-pop girl group to perform on the United States’ most-watched New Year’s Eve special program? Double Check. Despite debuting in July 2022, NewJeans are the type of super rookies that can draw in 70,000 concertgoers to Lollapalooza during a Chicago heat wave and non-headlining time slot. The contrast between the quintet’s bubbly UKG sound and powerful (yet re-creatable) choreography makes for a memorable 2023 Billboard Music Awards performance while driving ten of their songs across the 100-million stream threshold on Spotify.

Noah Kahan

As one of Time Magazine’s TIME100 Next for 2023, the Vermont native never thought he would be famous, especially with the two-year-old hometown-momento “Stick Season.” But here he is with a shiny Best New Artist nomination at the 2024 Grammys, along with his breakout folk-Americana surpassing one billion streams across all streaming platforms. With Olivia Rodrigo as the newest member of the Kahan fan club, along with country legend Zach Bryan and Maisie Peters, the singer-songwriter generates irresistible A-list collaborations with Post Malone (“Drunk Dial”), other Best New Artist nominee Gracie Abrams (“Everywhere, Everything”), Hozier (“Northern Attitude”) and more. Beyond headlining Red Rocks and performing with the Lumineers, Kahan established enough buzz to nearly sell out his “We’ll All Be Here Forever” beginning in March 2024.

Tyla

While putting her mining engineering degree on pause, who knew South African artist Tyla would end up going on tour with Chris Brown or earning a 2024 Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance? There was no way TikTok could solely contain the virality of “Water” to a 15-second clip of rhythmic booty shaking. Instead, Jimmy Fallon invited the amapiano artist to his late-night television show, marking her debut U.S. performance, and indomitable international presence. In a sample singles package released in December, Tyla proves “Water” (and the Travis Scott remix) is one of many sexy, bodacious hits off her self-titled debut album releasing this March.

Tezzo Touchdown

It’s almost a shame how Tezzo Touchdown isn’t hip-hop royalty already. In between guesting on works with Lil Yachty and Travis Scott, he modeled for Moncler and Marc Jacobs’ Heaven campaign and even toured with Colombian star Kali Uchis and idol Tyler, The Creator. Tezzo’s multi-genre artist friends filibuster his unique vibe, notably heard on Tezzo’s verse on Drake’s track “Amen” (For All The Dogs), and prepares new fans for his genre-bending tendency present on his debut album, How Do You Sleep at Night? and his much-anticipated headlining tour starting in April 2024.

Chappell Roan

Nothing spells a killer debut album better than keyboard pop artist Chappell Roan on The Rise and Fall of A Midwest Princess. Once a struggling Atlantic Records artist who sought refuge in her home state of Missouri in defeat, Midwest Princess was Roan’s heavy-handed last-ditch effort at fame, one powered through 14 brilliant displays of genre-spanning pop spanning from electro-pop dance tracks to folk-soaked ballads. Filled with flirty, kiss-smudged choruses, Roan topped Rolling Stone’s year-end list with a special acknowledgment from the Recording Academy. Now on everyone’s radar, Roan will go international as another opener on Olivia Rodrigo’s sold-out GUTS world tour.

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter may seem like a newcomer, but the “Feather” singer has been releasing music since her Disney Channel days at Epic Records. Now five albums deep, the 24-year-old finally arrived at the pop precipice with social media pages dedicated to her freestyled “Nonsense” outros, a coveted opening act on the Eras Tour, and a Marilyn Monroe-inspired performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. While netizens thought Carpenter deserved a 2024 Grammy nod for Best New Artist, the singer left the year on a high note with a holiday EP and a newfound confidence only found on the South American leg of Lollapalooza.

Del Water Gap

From 2020’s “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat” receiving social media endorsements from actresses Margaret Qualley and Kaitlyn Dever to collaborating with music prodigy and NYU friend Maggie Rogers, Samuel Holden Jaffe (known professionally as Del Water Gap) is that one too-cool-for-school indie kid who’s a closeted romantic at heart. As an opening act for other well-known indie acts like Arlo Parks, girl in red, Holly Humberstone, Jeremy Zucker, and Mt. Joy, Jaffe slowly built a sonic reputation that filled many New York Fashion Week venues last September. His latest album, I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet (2023), is a lyrical eulogy to heartache, addiction, and life yet to come, which was brought to life with a 2023 headlining tour and festival sets at Austin City Limits and Newport Folk Festival.

To kick off the 2024 award season, the 81st annual Golden Globes were hosted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, honoring last year’s achievements in both television and film. Whether you found yourself leaning team Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s “Barbie” last summer, or Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy’s “Oppenheimer,” or where you stand following that scene (you know the one, or few) of the Jacob Elordi, Barry Keoghan and Rosamund Pike led “Saltburn,” the nutshell of facts are the same — The past year ushered in new heights for box office records and streaming for both film and TV, somehow all after a three month long industry strike.

With a predominant focus on acting performances,Golden Globes recognitions also cover original scores, animation, and stand up comedy, as well a newly added award category honoring ‘Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.’ It’s a night that, in the end, becomes just as much about the outfits on the red carpet as it is about the acceptance speeches that happen on stage.

With Emma Stone walking away from the awards stage with a win for her role as the enigmatic Bella in “Poor Things,” along with Kieran Culkin for his role as Roman Roy in HBO’s succession, and Billie Eilish for her musical contribution to Barbie, it goes without saying these heavy hitters made just as much of impact in the wardrobe department for the occasion. Ahead, here’s a look at some of the best fashion moments of the night.

Nominated for Best Actress in a TV Series (Musical or Comedy) for her role in “The Great,” Elle Fanning wore a strapless archival Balmain gown with a bow detail, styled with pointed toe pumps and timeless silver jewelry.

Breakout Star of “The Bear,” Ayo Edebiri took home the win for Best Actress in a TV Series in a red strapless, a custom courtesy of Prada, styled by Danielle Goldberg.

UK born Barry Keoghan, riding the high of “Saltburn” stardom, arrived wearing a Louis Vuitton from Pharrell’s latest collection for the brand.

Star of Sophia Coppla’s latest film “Priscilla,” Cailee Spaeny donned a custom Miu Miu dress featuring corset-like detailing for last night’s occasion.

Up for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, pink continued to take over Margot Robbie’s red carpet wardrobe, this time channeling 1977 Superstar Barbie with a Georgio Armani gown, netted boa and pink clutch.

Oppenheimer co-star Florence Pugh wore a floor-length Valentino gown with all-over floral rosette detailing, complete with gold jewelry and a punky haircut to set off the look.

Golden Globe nominee Dua Lipa arrived in a mermaid gown by Schiaparelli, fitting for referencing her cameo in the Barbie film.

Wearing a particularly daring shade of green, Taylor Swift was dressed in a floor length Gucci gown for the evening, finishing off the look with matching emerald heels and dangling silver earrings.

Euphoria and Hunger Games star Hunter Schaefer hit the red carpet in a billowy Prada dress, custom made for the actor for the event, which featured a high neckline and sheer mesh overlay that became even more striking when hit with the wind.

With all eyes on her from “Past Lives” fame, and the Best Performance nomination to prove it, Greta Lee opted for a backless Loewe gown for the evening.

Most known for her role in ‘Gone Girl,’ Rosamund Pike is turned up to celebrate her nomination for Best Supporting Actress in “Saltburn,” vintage lace gown from Dior and a matching veil. The dramatic ensemble felt on par with Pike’s on screen character, however the actor told reporters the choice of a veil was ironically thanks to a skiing accident she’d had just last month.

To feat no a nomination for her role in “Only Murders in The Building,” Selena Gomez arrived in an asymmetric Giorgio Armani gown, which had a bit of a Marilyn Monroe moment on the carpet.

Everyone’s favorite heartthrob wore a custom Calvin Klien suit with a sheer button down, Jeremy Allen White won in the category for Best Actor in a TV Series (Musical or Comedy) for his spectacular performance in ‘The Bear’.

Nominated for Best Actress in a TV Series (Musical or Comedy) for her role in ‘Poker Face’ Natasha Lyonne arrived on the red carpet wearing a white Schapperelli Couture gown with micro fringe detailing and an exaggerated pointed bust.

Wearing a powder blue Prada jacket and lavender trousers, the young star is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series (Drama) for her performance in ‘The Last of Us’.

Wearing Dior Couture, Jenneifer Lawrence looked classic in a black gown styled with a silver clutch and jewelry – she is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) for her role in ‘No Hard Feelings’.

Looking darling in Prada, Hailee Steinfeld wore a long pink satin gown with a rectangular train and sheer black opera gloves. The singer opted for a middle part bun and a silver necklace to bring this sweet look together.

For her role in ‘May December’, Natalie Portman is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy), she arrived wearing a stunning Dior Couture gown covered with multi-colored jewels.

For his new role in the ‘Wonka’ Timothee Chalamet is nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy), wearing an all black Celine suit with a sequined blazer and a black and white necklace.

For her role in ‘Love and Death’ Elizabeth Olsen is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress (Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television). Wearing a Vivienne Westwood white lace paneled gown with floral detailing throughout and corset detailing at the waist, styled with silver jewelry and paired with a bold red lip.

In 2024, fashion is the emerging designer’s stage. With social media progressively encouraging the democratization of the industry in a way that leaves trade secrets, once kept tightly sealed away for the eyes and ears of the who’s-who only, more accessible to newcomers by way of social media, up and coming players are met with the tools to compete with industry giants, even without investors or significant startup capital. New industry darlings are just as likely to be self-taught designers cultivating a tribe on social media as they are to be graduates of a prestigious trade school with inherent industry connections. What’s more, in a hyper-trendy and homogeneous sartorial climate, many offer a unique point of few and satiate a collective craving for innovation.

With the barriers for entry to the industry lower than ever, it seems every year breeds a new name (or more) to pay attention to. Especially as younger designers continue to better meet consumer needs around sustainability, inclusivity and transparency, they’re more and more becoming just as key of an industry player as brands backed by Kering or LVMH. Whether employing new technology, presenting a unique and compelling approach to brand story-telling, there is already a line-up of industry insiders, celebrities and fashion fans alike are eyeing closely, and they’re bound to play a part in shaping out the fashion landscape of the year.

DIOTIMA

Jamaican designer Rachel Scott infuses Diotima with Caribbean influences and experiences, resulting in a strong brand aesthetic and a vision that feels true and resonates with audiences. Characterized by its use of color and intricate crochet designs, the brand limits production to two collections a year, all handmade to order in the designer’s home country.

PRODUCTS LTD

Betsy Johnson, London-born multidisciplinary artist and former Visual Director for YEEZY has spent the year foraging a path for her own brand. Debuting in September under the name PRODUCTS, the brand’s first collection was a unisex mashup of apparel, accessories and footwear, each design rooted in cheeky exaggeration and irony. Exploring culture, class and commercialism in the fashion space, Johnson operates with principles that criticize the wasteful industry in which it exists by ethically sourcing materials and production.

ELIZABETH SHEVELEV

The namesake brand of an independent New York designer and seamstress, Elizabeth Shevelev has already graced the likes of Kylie Jenner, Rosalia, Megan Fox and more, and is becoming a frequent name in the press. Thoughtfully designed right in the designer’s own apartment, Shevelev leverages texture and illusion to blend art and fashion, and her designs have even earned a spot in the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Costume Institute’s ‘In America: a Lexicon of Fashion’ exhibit.

LUCILA SAFDIE

Lucila Safdie may have only just launched its first collection in 2022, but it didn’t take long before the brand began cropping up on industry darlings, having recently made an appearance in the popular K-Pop group New Jeans’ “Super Shy” music video. Led by Argentinian-born Central Saint Martins alum, India Lucila Safdie, the brand explores the concept of girlhood and playfulness through signatures, embellishing hot pants and bandeau tops with signature details such as varsity number emblems, and ruffles.

SPENCER BADU

Helming from Toronto, Canadian-Ghanaian designer Spencer Badu launched his namesake label as just a freshman in college. Artfully referencing the ‘90s and 2000’s in his presentations, Badu’s designs explore the idea of uniforms (“YOU-niforms” as he calls them), deconstructing them through tactile design. Infused with nods to African American culture and built on the idea of collaboration, the brand centers on community, and takes a modern approach to construction and aesthetics, allowing masculine and feminine design principles to co-exist in a contemporary way.

IZZY MCKINLAY

With a stint first at Loewe and Givenchy, designer Izzie Mckinlay explores material, sculpture and form within her own brand by way of 3D printing and unconventional materials. The result? Unexpected statement pieces such as the brand’s fiberglass handbags. Typically pulling from everyday garments for inspiration, Mckinlay’s creations interact with the body in motion with a minimalist flare. Described best as surreal, Izzy Mckinlay is a home for fans of the abstract and unconventional.

VICTORIA LEBRUN

With a graduate collection that won the SOFAM prize in 2022, Belgian designer Victoria Lebrun’s designs explore the developing relationship between two dimensional and 3D components, creating a world rooted in the abstract, and color. The brand’s most recent collection, titled ‘CARRÉMENT,’ was born from the designer’s early memories playing with images in magazines, drawing on top of pages and cutting out images to scrap together her vision.

JC THE LABEL

Jina Cappo is the designer behind the Los Angeles and Shanghai-based brand JC The Label, which infuses womenswear with streetwear elements. With the help of Instagram, the brand’s styles have steadily grown in popularity, being picked up by the next generation of retailers, such as Ap0cene. Cappo borrows from nostalgia in her designs, with love letters to her childhood in China throughout, and a sprinkle of whimsical details such as frills and pleats in each piece.

LAMARCHE LAB

Julie Lamarche, the mind behind Lamarche Lab, comes with an impressive professional background, having worked as an embroidery stylist at Christian Dior. Now, the designer’s work is rooted in innovation, and evokes the mystique of feminine mythical creatures. Catapulted by Lamarche’s personal obsession with glass and her desire to be able to wear it, the brand’s couture pieces are best described as fantastical second-skins that embody fantasies of the imagination.

If it weren’t clear, music has officially entered the era of the viral moment. Reflecting on 2023, it’s challenging to identify a genuine hit beyond a 15-second clip, and thus, we’re perhaps left with more contenders than usual. While the summer blockbuster Barbie produced numerous chart-topping singles, the year featured a surge of emerging talent poised for Grammy nominations, and the coveted spot for the biggest song of the year.

It’s evident that Taylor Swift’s influence with “Midnights” transcended music, with newcomer Tate McRae offering a taste of old-school pop fantasy on “Greedy,” and K-pop group Newjeans providing listeners with a sonic slice of heaven. Meanwhile, 2023 also marked the rise of Bronx rapper Ice Spice, whose sprint to stardom included a TikTok frenzy, an RIAA platinum-certified collaboration with PinkPantheress, and an opening slot on Doja Cat’s Scarlet tour.

Beyond streaming, radio airplay propelled country artist Morgan Wallen to Billboard’s No. 1 artist of 2023 with the powerhouse single “Last Night.” The charts also witnessed an alluring surge of rock-pop entries from Olivia Rodrigo and Post Malone, compensating for the sudden fatigue of dance-pop. As the year concluded, TikTok officially crowned K-pop group Fifty-Fifty’s “Cupid” as the platform’s top song of 2023, along with other year-end lists.

Ahead, with streaming and trending numbers in mind, these are the tracks that defined the year most, from the TikTok breakouts to the comebacks of some of the industry’s biggest names.

1. “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift

Self-described by Swift as “one of [the singer’s] favorite songs [she’d] ever written,” “Anti-Hero” is the glimmery lead single from Midnights, Swift’s tenth album which, at its core, celebrates the mega-star’s past music “eras.” All 10 songs of the album had, at one point (and the first time ever in Billboard history), come together to construct the entire top 10. Needless to say, it’d be a severe understatement to dub the No. 1 track as a social media phenomenon.

1. “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

While“Flowers” reads like a basic self-love mantra, the sparkly 70s synths turn the Gloria Gaynor-interloped single into a scream of joy– one heard from the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks.

3. “Barbie World” by Nicki Minaj ft. Ice Spice

The year undisputedly belongs to Ice Spice, who championed the Billboard Hot 100 with her instantly recognizable ad-libs and catchy hooks. The summer’s runaway hit, “Barbie World,” offers a fresh reinterpretation of Aqua’s “Barbie Girl,” complete with a bubblicious pink music video, complete with a feature from the industry’s own beloved “Barb,” Nicki Minaj.

1. “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen

With his third album, One Thing At A Time, Morgan Wallen had plenty of country hits up his sleeve. With five tracks from the album making the Billboard Top 10, “Last Night” is undoubtedly the most memorable.

5. “Kill Bill” by SZA

“I might kill my ex, not the best idea,” SZA riddles off the third single from her Grammy-nominated sophomore album SOS, and was the sound bite heard around TikTok.

1. “Boys A Liar Pt. 2” by PinkPantheress ft. Ice Spice

Ask a PinkPantheress fan, and they’d argue the London artist deserved a Grammy nomination solely for ”Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2” — The singer’s hit collaboration with Ice Spice. The bubbly single tackled a niche spectrum of pop, cementing both emerging talents as formidable pop forces.

1. “I’m Good (Blue)” by David Guetta ft. Bebe Rexha

Anything Davis Guetta touches turns to gold — Or, in the instance of the French DJ’s hit with Bebe Rexha, blue. In this iconic Eiffel 65-sampled single, Guetta enlists the Brooklyn-born artist to deliver high-energy vocals for a rejuvenated summer hit. With a Billboard longevity of 48 weeks and over a million TikTok videos (across all audio versions), Guetta and Rexha made EDM palatable for every season.

8.“What Was I made For?” by Billie Eilish

You would think the “Bad Guy” singer would take a break after her sold-out Happier Than Ever tour and a stint of headlining international festivals. Instead, Billie Eilish surprised fans by joining the rosters of A-listers that was the Barbie The Album artist lineup with a song that emphasized the film’s existential crisis-centered storyline and popularized a neutral social media space for vulnerable, yet universal girlhood experiences.

1. “Greedy” by Tate McRae

Tate McRae may have already been inching toward widespread popularity, but “Greedy” became the track to catapult the musician into pop stardom, landing McRae a number of late-night TV performances and a spot on the 2023 Billboard Music Awards stage. It was TikTok’s “tube girl” trend that was, in part, responsible for the number of times “Greedy” made an appearance on the app, skyrocketing the earworm single beyond to 500-million streams and beyond.
10. “Water” by Tyla

When the young South African singer went international with her bodacious single, no one knew how quickly it would result in a Grammy nomination or a Travis Scott remix. The pop-amapiano track boasts hearty rhythmic movements, and made a splash on TikTok with a viral dance trend averaging 65 million views per post on the artist’s page during its peak.

1. “Super Shy” by NewJeans

Everyone’s favorite rookie K-Pop group built upon its success with “Ditto” with a UK Garage-influenced EP, which they released in July. With show debuts for each of its singles, it was the sugary-sweet synths of “Super Shy” that stood the test of time, playing a large role in pushing the self-titled EP past “Barbie The Album” on the Billboard 200, to the No. 1 spot.
12. “Bad Idea Right?” by Olivia Rodrigo

Rodrigo’s sophomore album, GUTS, is nothing short of 12 inquisitively angsty tracks, sandwiched into pop-rock exclamations and bittersweet ballads. While the piano-driven “Vampire” explored a torrid, energy-sucking love affair, “bad idea right?” embraces temptation with an equally feverish and humorous inner monologue and chaotic guitar riffs.

1. “Rush” by Troye Sivan

Twink death does not know Troye Sivan. If anything, the 28-year-old Australian reached new heights nearly a decade into his music career with his third album, Something To Give Each Other. The album’s prized centerpiece, “Rush,” is a house-influenced, queer-positive anthem that came with steamy visuals and dance challenges, influencing the success of the singles to follow, including “One Of Your Girls.”

1. “Calm Down” by Rema ft. Selena Gomez

What Variety coined as the ‘Song of Two Summers’ was actually a plan for global domination that saw an unpredictable pair, Selena Gomez and Rema come together for a pop twist to the young Afrobeat singer’s then latest hit. Despite the remix not being an instant hit in August 2022, it cooked for another year around the Billboard sun until it cracked the Top 10.

15.“Escapism” by RAYE ft. 070 Shake

“Escapism” symbolizes more than a demur, anthemic break-up hit for English singer-songwriter RAYE. Whether teary-eyed while holding her first Official Singles Chart Number 1 award or receiving a standing ovation for a soul-crushing performance, RAYE and 070 Shake brought a dizzying chemistry to “Escapism” that left its mark on the world and social media.

1. “Cupid” by Fifty Fifty

Put simply: ”Cupid” was the TikTok tune heard around the world. 20 million videos later, it’s been officially crowned by TikTok as the platform’s top song in 2023.

1. “Dance The Night” by Dua Lipa

Along with a brief cameo as Mermaid Barbie, Dua brought her disco “Future Nostalgia” chops to the lead single of “Barbie The Album.” Before any hint of “Houdini,” this upbeat track had a hard time pulling a disappearing act while staying on the Billboard Hot 100 for 26 weeks (with a peak at No. 6), and inspired an onslaught of freestyle dance challenges.

1. “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” by Bizarrap & Shakira

In Shakira’s world, the best way to kick off the new year is with a proper diss track. Within 24 hours, the surprise release accumulated over 15 million streams on Spotify, topping the service’s Top 50 global playlist. It then broke the record for most video views for a Spanish-language song on YouTube, at over 55 million. The song all at once spotlighted 24-year-old Argentine producer Bizarrap and the feat that is his 53rd volume, while becoming a knockout hit for Shakira against her ex-husband.

1. “Paint The Town Red” by Doja Cat

Even if no one understood Scarlet as an alter-ego, Doja Cat this year employed a nuance missing from today’s popstars. Call it a palatable “hate train” or character versatility, it was of no concern to the rapper who continued to “Paint The Town Red.” The Dionne Warwick-sampled single may have unsuccessfully harped on Doja’s poor public perception; however, social media fed off its inventive and reckless debauch production, which secured her a No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and iconic VMA performance.

1. “What It Is (Solo Version)” by Doechii

Nostalgic pop isn’t lost on Doechii. The 2023 Billboard Woman in Music award recipient uncovers a multi-generational palette with her music, especially in the instance of “What It Is (Solo Version),” a pop-R&B masterclass in sampling that borrows from TLC’s “No Scrubs” and Trillville’s “Some Cut.” Besides being a top trending social media track, the single earned Doechii’s first career entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

1. “Seven” by Jung Kook ft. Latto

With his first hit away from his place in the K-Pop band BTS, Jung Kook shedded his “boy crush” image. “Seven” is a re-introduction to the beloved singer, who embraces a more mature concept with the song, complete with explicit lyrics, sexual tension and an unexpected rap verse from Latto.

1. “Unholy” by Sam Smith ft. Kim Petras

Pop music didn’t know it needed Kim Petras until the Grammy-winning single “Unholy.” The transgender pop sensation has a discography soaked in bubbalicious nostalgia, and although the single wasn’t a hit at first listen, TikTok eventually had a ball with the duo’s unforgiving and sexual lyrics.

1. “Chemical” by Post Malone

Equipped with enough RIAA diamond-certified hits to release a compilation album titled “The Diamond Collection,” Post Malone told Billboard he feels less pressure to make No. 1 records now. Although “Chemical” doesn’t allude to this fact, fans can undoubtedly hear a fresh authenticity through its guitar-driven, gritty proclamations and pop-rock production.

1. “Die For You (Remix)” by The Weeknd ft. Ariana Grande

Only the “Starboy” singer could summon Ariana Grande out of a music hiatus amid filming the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked.” The frequent collaborators always strike a hit together, and most recently, a soft-disco deep cut from The Weeknd’s 2016 album, “Die For You,” received a facelift with a special verse from Grande. The shimmery entry relived the multi-billion-stream success of the duo’s “Save Your Tears” and other timeless collaborations.

1. “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan

Even this Vermont-born country artist was surprised at his own success following “Stick Season.” With a unique blend of folk and Americana, Kahan never figured mainstream radio would love his hometown homage enough to place No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite a lackluster social media presence compared to other entries, Kahan is wrapping the year with promising commercial success: a platinum record, a 2024 stadium tour, and a Grammy nomination.

Each year, Miami becomes a chaotic mix (the good kind) of art exhibitions, installations, glamorous parties and more during the highly anticipated art fair, Art Basel, and Miami Art Week. The 2023 edition of the fair featured 277 renowned galleries from 33 countries and regions, showcasing their notable artists. The Art Basel Miami Beach festival features a variety of genres and media of contemporary and modern art spread across six sectors.

This year, the event witnessed many notable moments, including the inaugural Tribeca’s Talks for Tribeca Festival at Art Basel. In addition to the traditional Art Basel exhibitions, the festival featured numerous installations from creatives, designers, and brands such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Nike.

If you didn’t get the chance to fly to Miami or visit any exhibitions this year, here is a roundup of our favorite highlights at Art Basel Miami 2023.

Virgil Abloh Skate Invitational

Nike collaborated with Virgil Abloh Securities and his Architecture studio for the second annual Virgil Abloh Skate Invitational. The event offered two days of community programming at Miami’s Lot 11 Skatepark, including freeriding sessions, a best trick competition, public skate sessions, workshops, training sessions, and moderated panels with global design, art, and skateboarding leaders.

PATRON’s Beach Presentations

The gallery showcased contemporary artists who adapt historical archives and historiographies to express modern issues. The artists present critical responses that draw on historical representations of national, gendered, and artistic identities through ethnographic presentation, literary techniques, iconography, and visual culture. The presentation includes new work by various artists, including Charisse Pearlina Weston, Samuel Levi Jones, Lucas Simões, Jamal Cyrus, and more.

IKEA’s Art Basel Debut

IKEA debuted its first-ever activation at Art Basel Miami. The Swedish design giant entirely transformed an old nightclub on Lincoln Road to showcase a new furniture collection, unique sound designs, and the first-ever IKEA sports collection, DAJLIEN. During the immersive experience, 19 versatile products from the limited home training collection were highlighted; the collection addresses challenges and frustrations associated with exercising at home.

SCOPE Art Show

SCOPE Art Show returned to Miami Art Week this year with 110 participants from 23 countries. A highlight of this year’s programming was a variety of large-scale exhibitions within the New Contemporary, such as Lucy Sparrow’s Feltz Bagels pop-up shop, an homage to the bagel culture of New York. Among the distinguished participants was Jeremy Pope in conversation with Tarell Alvin McCraney.

Louis Vuitton x Frank Gehry

Architect Frank Gehry collaborated with Louis Vuitton to create a collection of handbags, trunks, perfume bottles, and more. The collection featured Gehry’s signature wooden and cardboard trademark and 3-D designs, such as bold, red-crafted fish on a handbag. Gehry was the first artist ever to be allowed to tweak the original Louis Vuitton logo in his work.

Vans: Atiba Jefferson’s Skate Photography Exhibition

Atiba Jefferson, Architecture c/o Virgil Abloh, and OTW by Vans partnered for a solo exhibition that was a chronological retrospective of Jefferson’s 25-year journey to becoming one of the most recognized skateboard photographers ever. The exhibition showcased his photography techniques, including dramatic lighting and being one of the first people popularizing the fisheye lens in skate photography.