Harrolds’ SS23 Womenswear Arrivals Revealed: A Debrief with Junior Buyer Amber Malatt
The latest emerging, returning and longstanding fashion labels for ‘her’.
4 Minute Read
Harrolds’ experienced buying team has secured its new wave of Spring-Summer ‘23 arrivals for the fashion-forward woman. Carefully chosen to amplify our premium wardrobe of local and international luxury labels, these newcomer brands will be landing at Harrolds stores (and online) over a series of staggered releases in the coming months.
Debut brands to dote over include edgy-cool Area, lauded Maticevski and iconic Vivienne Westwood, just to name a few sure-favourites for the season’s turn. From the sophisticated charm of legacy fashion house Lanvin to the modern experimentation of Melbourne-born Strateas Carlucci, the future of womenswear is an ever-evolving fusion of masculinity and femininity made for everyone.
Here, Junior Buyer Amber Malatt retells the ‘natural selection’ process of discovering Harrolds’ incoming SS23 designers, as well as touching on those who make a continuous comeback. From her bespoke wish list to trends you’ll want to mirror off the runways, this is Amber’s guide to the latest and greatest in ‘It Girl’ dressing.
Versatility is key for 2023, so I was looking for pieces that are interchangeable in our wardrobes for many seasons to come.
Tell us a bit about the buying process for SS23. What kind of trends, aesthetic sensibilities or brand initiatives were on your radar when selecting new arrivals?
With a return to travel, we shifted from sitting in front of our laptops to sitting front row and immersing ourselves in the full showroom experience in Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks this season. There was palpable joy in the air — everyone was excited to be able to connect with each other again and this was reflected in all the collections we saw. Versatility is key for 2023, so I was looking for pieces that are interchangeable in our wardrobes for many seasons to come.
How is genderless design important in your selection?
Inclusivity is so important, and genderless design is an integral part of this. We have been seeing the rise of cross-shopping across both men’s and women’s departments, and this is an evolution of just that. It’s illustrated so well through a new brand we’re welcoming to the Harrolds family, Y/Project. Helmed by Glenn Martens, the brand has been pushing the boundaries of the fashion world with its gender-bending designs. We’re are all on the edge of our seats to see what this bold brand explores next.
What are some debut brands arriving to the Harrolds womenswear trove?
I’m very excited to welcome Area to the Harrolds portfolio. Named after the renowned New York City nightclub, their mission is to dress women so they never have to wait in line! The brand is sexy and ultra-glamourous, so you can expect to see a reimagining of denim, lashings of crystals, tweed and copious party dresses.
And how about returning brands? Whose latest collections have enthralled you from ongoing brands?
We’re welcoming back some OG Harrolds brands this season, notably Vivienne Westwood. For SS23, we see strong tailoring, heritage prints, accessories for days and a beautiful green corseted mini dress. When it comes to ongoing brands, Thom Browne was a standout this season. He has a talent for storytelling and playfulness, and for this collection he captured something of a grandeur fairytale. Think classic Thom Browne pieces, but with a modernised update.
Who is a legacy brand reimagining their offering this year?
Tom Ford and Bottega Veneta immediately come to mind. Since Matthieu Blazy debuted at Bottega Veneta last year, he’s been capturing everyday dressing with a trompe-l’œil twist. This continues to permeate through SS23, as well as the beloved Intrecciato bags taking on new forms. Tom Ford, on the other hand, demonstrated the polar opposite of understated luxury. For this season, we saw big hair, loud music, sequins and metallic tailoring — it was fabulous!
What notable trends are you most excited about for SS23?
There’s a fluid continuation of what has been emerging over the last few seasons. We’re seeing oversized tailoring silhouettes, tonal dressing, baggy (and baggier) jeans and all that glitters.
What accessories are at the very top of your wish list this summer?
I cannot wait to get my hands on the Bottega Veneta Sardine Bag, the Black Patent Ursina Heels from Amina Muaddi, all the sparkly jewellery from Magda Butrym and the Bridge Boots from Coperni.
What do you think are some of the most-hyped arrivals in this buy, and what particular pieces are of cult-status?
It would have to be the Tom Ford crystal encrusted padlock sandals — barely-there heels are a must for the party season. And everything Amina Muaddi! There are many exciting new colourways and styles launching lately, as well as the hyped return of the Begum and Rosie. Watch this space!
And how about eveningwear? What’s your hypothetical high-dressing look?
With event season back in full swing after such a long hiatus, high-dressing feels so exciting. My dream look would be the Ula Tulle Top from Khaite, paired with the Leather Side Zip Legging from the R11 Wardrobe NYC Release, the Black Adrianna Slipper from Amina Muaddi and a Vitty Mignon bag from Benedetta Bruzziches. Officially impatient, intrigued and in a hurry to secure your favourite SS23 featured labels? Stay up to date with all new arrival womenswear brands as they unfold online at https://www.harrolds.com.au/
