By THÉRÈSE MARGOLIS

Walking, strolling, parading, strutting, dancing, gyrating, turning somersaults and rotating past in wheelchairs, a whirlwind display of humanity, in all shapes, ages, ethnicities and gender diversities created a dynamic flow of fashion fury at Liverpool’s star-studded 40th Fashion Fest at Mexico’s Natural History Museum on the night of Thursday, March 23.

With a mishmash array of different casual, formal, sportswear and be-yourself-whoever-you-are designs from a range of Mexican and international designers, the 40-minute couture extravaganza was a nonstop celebration of chic vestal expression at a deliriously brisk pace, with booming electric music and dizzying alternating lighting as a backdrop.

The interchangeability of the clothing’s color, cuts and styles was accentuated by the fact that many of the models actually switched out pieces of their wardrobe on stage, while others kicked off their shoes mid-runway, and still others mixed sports apparel with formal wear to proof that, when it comes fashion today, anything goes.

Because the catwalk was intended to showcase Liverpool’s new spring collection, the event had a definitive aquatic theme, with dazzling projections of both above-water and below-water ocean settings on every available wall, interspersed with psychedelic videos of lava lamp swirls.

From a fashion point of view, it was a bit hard to distinguish the garments being presented in Fashion Fest 2023, Liverpool’s most-important style event of the year and the most-anticipated style show nationwide, but the bombardment of so many different styles, presentations, models and sensory blitzes made for a glorious experience that captured the show’s key message: Fashion is whatever whoever wears it wants it to be.

Among the trends that could be differentiated in the flurry of fashion flows were strong preference for light, gauzy fabrics (primarily in off-whites, ivory and soft beiges) and a recurring flirtation with denim-on-denim ensembles, in retro flared and wide-legged styles.

Pastels — particularly ultra-light pastels such as whispering mint greens, pastural floral lavenders and baby pinks — gave the collection a touch of romance and sophistication, even when these Easter egg hues were juxtaposed against bright primary tones.

There were also bold floral and forest-y prints and resplendent crimsons and neon lime greens to light up the night.

Sequences were everywhere, from head-to-toe glittering gowns to radiant appliques on biker-chic jackets to glued on the models’ faces to show that wearing style doesn’t have to be limited to clothing.

Tiny, sculptured handbags worked as statement pieces and footwear was all over the map, from slip-on platforms to sparkling runners.

Textures were layered and diverse, especially with hints of mesh and military camouflage, and skirt lengths ran the gamut from understated maxis and midis to barely-there tutus.

Most of the collection of Liverpool’s new spring lines is now available at the department store’s chain nationwide, although some items will be added as the spring/summer season heats us.

Founded in 1847, Liverpool is Mexico’s largest department store chain, with more than 125 stores nationwide.