Runway

This Is What Fashion Week Looked Like 20 Years Ago—All the Highlights From the Fall 2003 Season

From left Looks from Viktor amp Rolf Balenciaga Saint Laurent Junya Watanabe and Helmut Lang.

From left: Looks from Viktor Rolf, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Junya Watanabe, and Helmut Lang.

Photo: Marcio Madeira

They say fashion runs in 20 year cycles. If that’s the case, the upcoming fall 2023 season might be animated by some of the same themes we saw in fall 2003. Back then, many collections had a Space Age theme, with lots of references to André Courrèges’s cookie-cutter minis. In contrast to this more girly look, was a sultrier, sexy vibe, often featuring corsetry and bondage elements. Elsewhere ,streamlined sportiness segued into Mad Max references, as well as nods to Medieval armor. The message? Women can be strong and sexy; flirty and fierce.

NEW YORK

Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière

Balenciaga fall 2003 readytowear

Balenciaga, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Balenciaga fall 2003 readytowear

Balenciaga, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Balenciaga fall 2003 readytowear

Balenciaga, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Balenciaga fall 2003 readytowear

Balenciaga, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Calvin Klein Collection

Calvin Klein Collection fall 2003 readytowear

Calvin Klein Collection, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Calvin Klein Collection fall 2003 readytowear

Calvin Klein Collection, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Calvin Klein Collection fall 2003 readytowear

Calvin Klein Collection, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Calvin Klein Collection fall 2003 readytowear

Calvin Klein Collection, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Luella

Luella fall 2003 readytowear

Luella, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Luella fall 2003 readytowear

Luella, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Luella fall 2003 readytowear

Luella, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Luella fall 2003 readytowear

Luella, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs fall 2003 readytowear

Marc Jacobs, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Marc Jacobs fall 2003 readytowear

Marc Jacobs, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Marc Jacobs fall 2003 readytowear

Marc Jacobs, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Marc Jacobs fall 2003 readytowear

Marc Jacobs, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez fall 2003 readytowear

Narciso Rodriguez, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Narciso Rodriguez fall 2003 readytowear

Narciso Rodriguez, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Narciso Rodriguez fall 2003 readytowear

Narciso Rodriguez, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Narciso Rodriguez fall 2003 readytowear

Narciso Rodriguez, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler fall 2003 readytowear

Proenza Schouler, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Proenza Schouler fall 2003 readytowear

Proenza Schouler, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Proenza Schouler fall 2003 readytowear

Proenza Schouler, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Proenza Schouler fall 2003 readytowear

Proenza Schouler, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren fall 2003 readytowear

Ralph Lauren, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Ralph Lauren fall 2003 readytowear

Ralph Lauren, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Ralph Lauren fall 2003 readytowear

Ralph Lauren, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Ralph Lauren fall 2003 readytowear

Ralph Lauren, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Wink

Wink fall 2003 readytowear

Wink, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Wink fall 2003 readytowear

Wink, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Wink fall 2003 readytowear

Wink, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Wink fall 2003 readytowear

Wink, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

LONDON

Blaak

Blaak fall 2003 readytowear

Blaak, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Blaak fall 2003 readytowear

Blaak, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Blaak fall 2003 readytowear

Blaak, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Blaak fall 2003 readytowear

Blaak, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Boudicca

Boudicca fall 2003 readytowear

Boudicca, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Boudicca fall 2003 readytowear

Boudicca, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Boudicca fall 2003 readytowear

Boudicca, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Boudicca fall 2003 readytowear

Boudicca, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi fall 2003 readytowear

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi fall 2003 readytowear

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi fall 2003 readytowear

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi fall 2003 readytowear

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Roland Mouret

Roland Mouret fall 2003 readytowear

Roland Mouret, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Roland Mouret fall 2003 readytowear

Roland Mouret, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Roland Mouret fall 2003 readytowear

Roland Mouret, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Roland Mouret fall 2003 readytowear

Roland Mouret, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Sophia Kokosalaki

Sophia Kokosalaki fall 2003 readytowear

Sophia Kokosalaki, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Sophia Kokosalaki fall 2003 readytowear

Sophia Kokosalaki, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Sophia Kokosalaki fall 2003 readytowear

Sophia Kokosalaki, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Sophia Kokosalaki fall 2003 readytowear

Sophia Kokosalaki, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

MILAN

Burberry by Christopher Bailey

Burberry fall 2003 readytowear

Burberry, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Burberry fall 2003 readytowear

Burberry, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Burberry fall 2003 readytowear

Burberry, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Burberry fall 2003 readytowear

Burberry, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Fendi

Fendi fall 2003 readytowear

Fendi, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Fendi fall 2003 readytowear

Fendi, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Fendi fall 2003 readytowear

Fendi, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Fendi fall 2003 readytowear

Fendi, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Gucci by Tom Ford

Gucci fall 2003 readytowear

Gucci, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Gucci fall 2003 readytowear

Gucci, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Gucci fall 2003 readytowear

Gucci, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Gucci fall 2003 readytowear

Gucci, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Marni by Consuelo Castiglioni

Marni fall 2003 readytowear

Marni, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Marni fall 2003 readytowear

Marni, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Marni fall 2003 readytowear

Marni, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Marni fall 2003 readytowear

Marni, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Miu Miu

Miu Miu fall 2003 readytowear

Miu Miu, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Miu Miu fall 2003 readytowear

Miu Miu, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Miu Miu fall 2003 readytowear

Miu Miu, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Miu Miu fall 2003 readytowear

Miu Miu, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Prada

Prada fall 2003 readytowear

Prada, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Prada fall 2003 readytowear

Prada, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Prada fall 2003 readytowear

Prada, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Prada fall 2003 readytowear

Prada, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Versace

Versace fall 2003 readytowear

Versace, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Versace fall 2003 readytowear

Versace, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Versace fall 2003 readytowear

Versace, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Versace fall 2003 readytowear

Versace, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

PARIS

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen fall 2003 readytowear

Alexander McQueen, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Alexander McQueen fall 2003 readytowear

Alexander McQueen, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
This image may contain Fur Human Person Bird Animal Eugenia Volodina Clothing Apparel and Coat

Alexander McQueen, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
This image may contain Fashion Clothing Evening Dress Gown Apparel Robe Human Person Female and Eugenia Volodina

Alexander McQueen, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Ann Demeulemeester

Ann Demeulemeester fall 2003 readytowear

Ann Demeulemeester, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Ann Demeulemeester fall 2003 readytowear

Ann Demeulemeester, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Ann Demeulemeester fall 2003 readytowear

Ann Demeulemeester, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Ann Demeulemeester fall 2003 readytowear

Ann Demeulemeester, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Chalayan

Chalayan fall 2003 readytowear

Chalayan, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Chalayan fall 2003 readytowear

Chalayan, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Chalayan fall 2003 readytowear

Chalayan, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Chalayan fall 2003 readytowear

Chalayan, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld

Chanel fall 2003 readytowear

Chanel, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Chanel fall 2003 readytowear

Chanel, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Chanel fall 2003 readytowear

Chanel, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Chanel fall 2003 readytowear

Chanel, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Chloé by Phoebe Philo

Chlo fall 2003 readytowear

Chloé, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Chlo fall 2003 readytowear

Chloé, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Chlo fall 2003 readytowear

Chloé, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Chlo fall 2003 readytowear

Chloé, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Givenchy by Julien Macdonald

Givenchy fall 2003 readytowear

Givenchy, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Givenchy fall 2003 readytowear

Givenchy, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Givenchy fall 2003 readytowear

Givenchy, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Givenchy fall 2003 readytowear

Givenchy, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Helmut Lang

Helmut Lang fall 2003 readytowear

Helmut Lang, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Helmut Lang fall 2003 readytowear

Helmut Lang, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Helmut Lang fall 2003 readytowear

Helmut Lang, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Helmut Lang fall 2003 readytowear

Helmut Lang, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Junya Watanabe

Junya Watanabe fall 2003 readytowear

Junya Watanabe, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Junya Watanabe fall 2003 readytowear

Junya Watanabe, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Junya Watanabe fall 2003 readytowear

Junya Watanabe, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Junya Watanabe fall 2003 readytowear

Junya Watanabe, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Lagerfeld Gallery

Lagerfeld Gallery fall 2003 readytowear

Lagerfeld Gallery, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Lagerfeld Gallery fall 2003 readytowear

Lagerfeld Gallery, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Lagerfeld Gallery fall 2003 readytowear

Lagerfeld Gallery, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Lagerfeld Gallery fall 2003 readytowear

Lagerfeld Gallery, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz

Lanvin fall 2003 readytowear

Lanvin, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Lanvin fall 2003 readytowear

Lanvin, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Lanvin fall 2003 readytowear

Lanvin, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Lanvin fall 2003 readytowear

Lanvin, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Louis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs

Louis Vuitton fall 2003 readytowear

Louis Vuitton, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Louis Vuitton fall 2003 readytowear

Louis Vuitton, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Louis Vuitton fall 2003 readytowear

Louis Vuitton, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Louis Vuitton fall 2003 readytowear

Louis Vuitton, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Saint Laurent by Tom Ford

Saint Laurent fall 2003 readytowear

Saint Laurent, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Saint Laurent fall 2003 readytowear

Saint Laurent, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Saint Laurent fall 2003 readytowear

Saint Laurent, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Saint Laurent fall 2003 readytowear

Saint Laurent, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Stella McCartney

Saint Laurent fall 2003 readytowear

Saint Laurent, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Saint Laurent fall 2003 readytowear

Saint Laurent, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Saint Laurent fall 2003 readytowear

Saint Laurent, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Saint Laurent fall 2003 readytowear

Saint Laurent, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Veronique Branquinho

Veronique Branquinho fall 2003 readytowear

Veronique Branquinho, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Veronique Branquinho fall 2003 readytowear

Veronique Branquinho, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Veronique Branquinho fall 2003 readytowear

Veronique Branquinho, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Veronique Branquinho fall 2003 readytowear

Veronique Branquinho, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Viktor Rolf

Viktor amp Rolf fall 2003 readytowear

Viktor Rolf, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Viktor amp Rolf fall 2003 readytowear

Viktor Rolf, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Viktor amp Rolf fall 2003 readytowear

Viktor Rolf, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Viktor amp Rolf fall 2003 readytowear

Viktor Rolf, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Yohji Yamamoto

Yohji Yamamoto fall 2003 readytowear

Yohji Yamamoto, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Yohji Yamamoto fall 2003 readytowear

Yohji Yamamoto, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Yohji Yamamoto fall 2003 readytowear

Yohji Yamamoto, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira
Yohji Yamamoto fall 2003 readytowear

Yohji Yamamoto, fall 2003 ready-to-wear

Photo: Marcio Madeira