Undercover’s AW23 Collection Shows Us That Dressing Mature And Reserved Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
Once again, designer Jun Takahashi has created mature pieces elevated with out-of-the-box detailing. Simple designs with unique touches flooded the runway this morning in the AW23-24 collection entitled “Enjoy Yourself.” Inspiration came from Takahashi’s passion for music, as songs by The Specials and Manuel Göttsching played in the background. As Göttsching and The Special’s lead singer Terry Hall recently passed, Takahashi claimed that he “Wanted this collection to pay homage to these incredible two artists.” Looks were reserved and mature and combined street style with a business feel. If you want to feel like you can get anything done while also looking cool, calm, and collected, Takahashi has got you. It’s time to get into your boss era.
Takahashi stuck to neutrals. Whites, tans, browns, blacks, dark greens, and reds were showcased, making us feel like we were at a business meeting in a forest on a rainy day. Just about every kind of fabric you can think of could be seen, as a variety of textures like satin, leather, tulle, sequins, knits, and fur were displayed. The models also wore red eyelashes, adding a subtle yet distinct highlight to their looks. Takahashi kept to more reserved and modest looks, as the models showed little skin. Models were bundled up, ready to take on the cold weather that autumn and winter has in store.
Some notable statements were seen on the runway. Takahashi declared that platforms and chokers are here to stay. The show began with black platform loafers, then transitioned to boots and pointed-toe heels. Some models sported chokers, allowing the looks to keep their maturity while giving them a bold, elevated touch. The checkered fabric was an important theme throughout the show. Takahashi incorporated checkers that covered entire coats to small detailing on the thighs. He also managed to sneak in the new trend of combining pants with shoes. Jeans with subtle rhinestone detailing were attached to denim boots with rubber soles. My favorite part of the show was when the tulle jackets came out. Models rocked oversized pullovers and jackets with tulle carefully folded into enticing textures and patterns. I know what I’m wearing to my next dinner party!
Toward the end of the show, the models displayed Undercover’s signature horns. Takahashi never fails to incorporate this unique statement differently each season. This collection took the balaclava route, as models wore simple, unicolored balaclavas with horns poking out of the top. They looked so cool I added this piece to my shopping list while watching them strut down the runway. Can you blame me?
The Paris show took place in a well-lit, light-colored room, allowing the darker colors of the pieces to be highlighted. Large columns lined both sides of the wall, and a beautiful relief sculpture hung over the runway. Overall, it felt as if we were inside a museum. This was fitting, as all attention was on the unique and picturesque looks coming down the runway. Stars like Tyga and Noah Cyrus could be seen in the front row in anticipation for the show to begin.
For the last look of the show, all models came out wearing identical outfits. Models wore a high/low checkered poncho, choker, thin leather belt, and leather pants connected to shoes in either an all-black or all-brown variation. This pulled together the collection's highlights, reinforcing the clothing's mature yet eccentric nature. This inspiration was exactly what we needed to get back to the “grind,” as seriousness and playfulness bounced off of each other. All in all, Takahashi reminded us that dressing “mature” doesn’t have to be boring.
Strike out,
Ally Nelson
Boca Raton
Ally Nelson is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. Her passions include studying psychology, creating art and fashion, and drinking margaritas. You can reach her on Instagram @a.l.l.y_n or email @ nelsonalyssa.h@gmail.com.