Runway to Retail: ‘Tomato Girl Summer’

Since Megan Thee Stallion sang about ‘Hot Girl Summer’ in 2019, we
have been deluged with niche trends inspired by the phrase. According
to current TikTok videos and reels, summer 2023 is the season of the
‘Tomato Girl.’

What is the ‘Tomato Girl Summer’ trend?

Unlike ‘Coastal Cowgirl’ or ‘Barbiecore’ , ‘Tomato Girl’ has more of a
vibe than specific outfits. It has been described as “aspirational
Italian leisure chic.”
A ‘Tomato Girl’ might wear lots of linen, carry straw bags full of
fresh fruit and vegetables, drink Aperol spritzes and dream of
vacationing on the Amalfi Coast.
Popular TikTok videos about the aesthetic feature images of lush
vineyards, breezy clothing, cobblestone streets and coastal views.

Tracing a trend

Dolce & Gabbana

Many seasons before it had a name, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana
presented the quintessential ‘Tomato Girl’ trend. Several iconic
Italian women walked the runway for ss19 including Monica Bellucci,
Carla Bruni and Isabella Rossellini. Other models in the show wore
designs with prints that played on elements of Italian life.

Look 1

Model and actress Monica Bellucci opened the show wearing a draped
body-con dress in black with white oversized polka dots.

Look 87

A crisp puff-sleeved white dress with an eyelet hemline and red poppy
placements under a white lace-up corset with a matching print.

Look 89

A mid-length body-con dress with a large print of cans of tomatoes
with a ‘D&G’ brand label.

Carolina Herrera

Since Wes Gordon took over the reins at Carolina Herrera, he has
delivered many resort looks with a European flair. Here are some
highlights:

Resort 23

Look 1

A mid-length split front, off-the-shoulder dress with a large cherry
print in cream and red.

Resort 24

Look 23

A red, pink and yellow floral print chiffon dress with a deep vee-neck
and ruffled layers.

Look 54

A black and white polka dot body-con dress with skinny straps and
matching pumps.

Christian Dior Resort 2024

For the finale of the show, designer Maria Grazia Chiuri dressed 19
models in white fit-and-flare dresses embroidered with red motifs.

At Retail

Dolce & Gabbana x My Theresa

As seen on the street during Milan fashion week, the ‘Portofino’ bra
top and matching skirt.

Reformation

The ‘Tagliatelle’ linen dress with a tight bodice and full skirt is
available in red, white and a variety of prints.

Mirror Palais

The ‘Maria’ dress in white linen with stenciled floral cut-outs.

Monikh x Faithfull the Brand

The ‘Oliveira’ skirt and matching ‘Pereira’ blouse in ‘Tobago Floral’
brown and orange linen.

Clare V.

The ‘Pot de Miel’ basket bag in woven straw and leather.

Loewe

The ‘Tomato leaves’ candle with tomato scent.