Clowncore Is the Trend of the Season

This year is shaping up to be all about clownery in fashion, and it’s every bit theatrical. Christopher John Rogers kicked things off with his pre-fall 2023 collection, where the designer unveiled a magical ivory white clown suit, replete with silk flowers for added drama. Now, the theme of the clown has seemingly reached its sartorial peak: it was literally everywhere at the spring 2023 couture shows in Paris. Dior presented a fancy clown collar inspired by the wardrobe of Josephine Baker, while Armani Privé fully devoted itself to sparkling harlequin prints and patterns. Chanel’s decorative top hats and bows spoke to the fantasy of a ringleader. Even Marni’s fall 2023 show, which took place in Japan, alluded to the high-volume, absurd shapes and silhouettes of the classic character’s outfit.