Fall 2013’s top fashion week moments: The 20 shows, models, parties and trends we’ll never forget

Best in show (left to right)

New York: Narciso Rodriguez’s ultra-clean collection combined angular tailoring with colour-blocked trapeze dresses in tangerine and magenta.

London: Burberry Prorsum’s heart-print silks and suggestively sheer latex put a sassy spin on classic British dressing.

Milan: Roberto Cavalli blew us away with his intricate leather and metalwork handcrafted in centuries-old Florentine ateliers.

Paris: Hermès’s chic sobriety was quintessential Parisian elegance with a twist of Hitchcockian dark romance.

Global Domination

Karl Lagerfeld made the world his oyster with a giant rotating globe boasting hundreds of tiny Chanel flags (each representing a shop location) that sparkled in the vaulted atrium of Le Grand Palais.

Hottest Ticket

Following the Inaugural Ball, where FLOTUS dazzled in a red chiffon and velvet gown by Jason Wu, the designer’s fall show was at the top of everyone’s must-see list.

Domino Effect

At Anya Hindmarch, 66,000 candy-coloured dominos tumbled down stairs and across complex tracks to unveil the designer’s delightfully tasselled handbags.

True Religion

Dolce & Gabbana struck gold with bejewelled Byzantine icon dresses inspired by the gilded mosaics covering the interior of Sicily’s famous Cathedral of Monreale.

True Religion

At Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton’s tightly edited collection captured the extravagance of Catholic excess in just 10 inspired looks, proving that less is not only more, it’s divine.

Cutest swag

Marni’s mini Eau de Parfum spray and doll with adorable plastic polka-dot circle skirt.

Model behaviour

New York: Chloë Sevigny stood in as model at her own ’60s protest-inspired presentation for Opening Ceremony.

Paris: Kate Moss proved she’s still got it at Louis Vuitton, strutting in a sheer floral-embellished nightie and a black pixie wig.

London: Cara Delevingne was up to her usual antics all week, including doing the Harlem Shake backstage at Topshop Unique.

Coolest Set

Bally showed its latest shoes and bags in an “ice hotel” complete with igloo walls and husky pups.

Grace Under Pressure

Alberta native Grace Mahary walked in over 50 shows during fashion month, including Alexander Wang, Fendi, Balmain and Givenchy.

Best after-party

H&M’s makeshift mansion—erected in the gardens of Le Musée Rodin—was set up as a luxury home complete with gourmet kitchen, vintage game room and plush boudoir, making it the most stylish house party of the season.

Most Controversial

Hedi Slimane’s smells-like-teen-spirit collection for Saint Laurent got naysayers and yay-sayers.

Most Outrageous embellishment (clockwise from top left)

New York: The furry boxing-style gloves at Altuzarra

London: Louise Gray’s toilet-paper brooches.

Paris: Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s foxy chest plate.

Milan: The mink-trimmed eyewear at Fendi.

Cool Girl

Even in the worst weather, Carine Roitfeld braved it with bare legs and pumps.

Front-row fever

Designer Christopher Kane, Lana Del Rey and stylist Johnny Blueeyes at Versace.

Don’t call it a comeback

After shunning the catwalk for seven years, Tom Ford returned to London’s fashion week frenzy with a bang, thanks to his over-the-top glam-meets-pop-art collection.

Everyone was tweeting about…

#NYFW: Nemo, as in the blizzard that wreaked havoc on show schedules, flights and peep-toes all week.

#LFW: Rihanna’s collaboration with high street chain River Island, which one reviewer described as “a horror show.”

#MFW: Janet Jackson, who sat in the front row at Versace and Roberto Cavalli and sent Instagram feeds into a frenzy.

#PFW: Alexander Wang’s highly anticipated debut at Balenciaga after Nicolas Ghesquière’s
abrupt departure.

Most magical mind trip

A psychedelic forest of pastel trees and sparkly snow made the perfect backdrop for Sophia Webster’s holographic princess pumps and unicorn handbags.

Editor’s pick (left to right)

1. Ralph Lauren’s Russian-inspired poet blouses, velvet dresses and naval-inspired coats.

2. Céline’s oversized drop-shoulder coats—perfect for layering
in winter.

3. Mulberry’s structured floral tunic worn over flower-print crop pants.

55 shades of grey

Marc Jacobs’s glowing amber sun initially cast a sepia-toned shadow
over his dimly lit presentation, after which the lights came on and all 55 models were sent out once more, this time seen in full colour.