Anna Sui Pairs Under the Sea Fairytale with Modern Trends

Images Courtesy: Raoul Gatchalian / Anna Sui

For the past 31 years, Anna Sui’s designs have been strutting down the runways at Fashion Week, and 2023 is no different. Setting the scene with playing Down By The Water by PJ Harvey, models glide down the runway in radiant clothing. The atmosphere was vibrant with a multitude of celebrity guests, such as Haley Williams from Paramore, Marc Jacobs, and Char Defrancesco. The show took place in New York, the same as where her first runway show was held, where Sui stayed true to the theme of her collection. A large screen played behind the stage, showing images of the deep sea and the beauty that lies within it in a scratchy film that is reminiscent of the film The Kingdom Of The Fairies.

Keeping the room dimly lit with a spotlight on the runway, the focus remains on the designs as the show begins. Taking inspiration from movies such as The Kingdom Of The Fairies and Under The Sea, Sui created a collection that speaks to your inner child, in awe of fairytales and the great big ocean. Sui pays homage to several films that inspired this collection. This includes My Octopus Teacher, a cinema piece that was filmed underwater. A blend of classic fairytales and undersea fantasy, Sui’s latest collections create an underwater world full of shimmering colors, vibrant patterns, and rich imagery. Sui names her collection “the Octopus Garden,” which certainly fits the patterns and styles of the collection.

This collection speaks to everyone: our desires for a more magical world, our curiosity about the beauty that lies below glistening waters, and our childhood dreams of being an underwater princess. With a screen behind the stage showing images of the deep sea as models float past wearing colorful and glimmering designs, this newest collection tells the story of a mystical underwater world. “It’s very, very dreamy and feminine,” Sui told Bustle magazine, “There’s something very fairytale about it, but today’s fairytale.” Remaining true to her words, Sui’s collection is something out of a fairytale indeed.

With over three decades in the fashion industry, Sui’s evolution in her designs is shown in her newest collection. Full of her custom prints and her usual bohemian designs, this newest collection takes her trademark styles in a new direction by speaking in a more mystical voice to emphasize her underwater fantasy theme. Remaining close to her boho roots that have been inspiring her designs since her first runway show, Sui embraces that alongside her whimsical themes.

Bright colors that vary from shades of sea green to sunny yellows are showcased in each design, with smooth metallic colors that shine similar to a mermaid’s tail. Floral prints and boho patterns were not uncommon to see, imprinted on the flowy skirts and silky dresses. Emphasizing a sheath and A-line silhouettes and a straight hemline in most of her designs, the fabric remained in a flowy state, almost like water. Paired with chunky kitten heels or boots that were bright, solid colors, printed bandanas wrapped around the models’ hair similar to the French, and large handbags, the designs swirl effortlessly in their light fabrics and fitting accessories. While not fairytale-like in the Bridgerton sense of tight-fitted ball gowns and muted colors, there is a whimsy feel that is more accurate to modern trends of looser and flowy clothing and a bright, pastel color palette. 

The design that stood out the most was a shimmering light blue piece that glittered due to its sequences and metallic style. Styled in flowy pants and a babydoll top that held a V-neckline and paired with kitten heels, this design demonstrated the very essence of an aquatic kingdom. Anna Sui created the ultimate dream of an undersea fantasy and something straight out of a modern fairytale. This collection is a pleasing swirl of eye-catching colors, shimmering prints, and effortless elegance.

Strike Out,

Rameen Naviwala

Boca Raton

Rameen Naviwala is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. A water sign that enjoys rom-coms and reading melodramatic novels, she spends most of her time with headphones on and scribbling down whatever thought comes to mind. You can reach her at rameen.naviwala@outlook.com.