Wearing the sort of catsuits that were a feature of the spring/summer 2022 runways requires confidence. Hailey Bieber, Sienna Miller and Kim Kardashian all have it in spades.
Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello made a strong case for ’70s and ’80s-inspired catsuits at his spring/summer 2022 show – “She projected a glamorous toughness,” Vaccarello said of his muse for the attitude-packed collection, Paloma Picasso. Miller was among the fans paying attention – the actor wore a plunging floral jumpsuit from the collection for an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Bieber had already worn a halterneck Saint Laurent jumpsuit and heels months before.
Bringing the party with a capital P to the world of form-fitting one-pieces is David Koma. Even the glitziest party dress is outshone by the London-based, Georgian-born designer’s single-leg spring/summer 2022 catsuit, which was paired with a bejewelled boot on the runway for extra oomph. Made with his loyal gang of Koma Girls in mind, he described the collection as “marrying swimwear with Old Hollywood glamour”, themes that manifested in sporty cuts with crystallised embellishments.
Meanwhile, Stella McCartney wants us to dress like disco balls this spring. Less sporty, more Studio 54, Sandra Bullock showcased one of McCartney’s catsuits in all its glory at the LA premiere for The Unforgivable, worn with a trim blazer over the top.
It’s impossible to talk about catsuits right now without mentioning Balenciaga. Demna is behind some of the most headline-making – and divisive – all-in-ones in celeb land. Dua Lipa has incorporated custom versions of his neon catsuits into her Future Nostalgia tour wardrobe, and Kim Kardashian braved his caution tape look to sit front row at his autumn/winter 2022 show.
Wearing any catsuit is a daunting prospect, let alone one emblazoned with bold prints or embellishments, so why not dip a toe into the trend with a simple black number first? Mugler and Alaïa specialise in sculpting styles.