In 2024, fashion kept us busy–and we’re not just talking about the constant change in Creative Director positions (although that was a major part of it). From celebrities stepping out in gag-worthy, pap-ready fits, to the supers of the 2020s fiercely battling it out runway after runway, here are our top moments in fashion this year, recapped just for you.
fashion 2024
Maison Margiela Artisanal 2024
John Galliano’s final collection (unbeknownst to us at the time) for Maison Margiela was, without a shroud of doubt, fashion’s most talked about collection of the year (and might as well be for the decade to come). The 2024 Artisanal collection was a mesmerising testament to Galliano’s theatrical prowess as a designer, from the cinched corsetry that became the foundation for every creation to the detailed merkin that graced a few looks and gagged more than a few faces. If this was a dream collection, it certainly had a dream team behind it, serving hypnotically enticing movement choreographed by Pat Boguslawski, appearances from the House-favourite Leon Dame and the personified latex doll Gwendoline Christie, as well as long-time collaborator Pat McGrath with her jaw-dropping “glass skin” makeup which became a viral sensation in its own right. This collection was Galliano’s swan song that none of us have yet managed – or even tried – to get out of our heads and hearts.
The Ongoing Musical Chair Creative Director Saga
If wrapped was published for the fashion industry, it would tell us that there have been 11 designers out, one of which was a retirement (Dries Van Noten), and 10 designers in, one of which was an in-House promotion (Julian Klausner for Dries Van Noten; although Michael Rider of CELINE had previously worked at the House under Phoebe Philo). Some of the highlights of this year’s Creative Director position introductions includes Alessandro Michele at Maison Valentino (who, let’s not forget, dropped his debut collection via lookbook on the day of Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2025 menswear runway), Sarah Burton at Givenchy (which the industry collectively agreed was the most sensible move we’ve seen a long time), and of course, Matthieu Blazy taking the highly coveted spot at Chanel. While we’ve heard no news so far this year, maybe 2025 will re-introduce John Galliano, Hedi Slimane and Pierpaolo Piccioli to new Houses. Stay tuned.
Zendaya’s Press Tour Looks – Times Two
What’s better than a Zendaya-fronted, Law Roach-styled press tour? How about two Zendaya-fronted, Law Roach-styled press tours? On one hand we had the tennis-chic Thom Browne-coded and archival Louis Vuitton-donning Challengers press tour, and on the other hand, perhaps the red carpet moment of the year with the archival Mugler “Gynoid” from the Autumn/Winter 1995 Couture collection. Choose your fighter.
Alex Consani’s Model of the Year Win
Alex Consani, supermodel and TikTok’s very own people’s princess, made fashion history (or even better, herstory) this year, by being the first openly Trans women nominated for the Model of the Year category at the Fashion Awards, and the first openly Trans women to win said award. Finger snaps for Alex Consani everyone.
Rick Owens’ Return to the Palais de Tokyo
After a couple of seasons of an intimate showing in his Parisian home, the Lord of Darkness aka Rick Owens returned to his signature Fashion Week location, the Palais de Tokyo. The show was a celebration of unity, featuring some 200-or-so students and otherwise Rick stans who participated in the grandiose showing that felt both like an extension and a recentering of the Rick-verse.
Jonathan Anderson’s I TOLD YA T-shirt
Every once in a while, there’s an item of fashion that enters the wider cultural zeitgeist to the point that even your hometown friend who’s never heard of anything on this list will know what you’re on about–that was the “I TOLD YA” tee. Designed by fashion’s sweetheart Jonathan Anderson for LOEWE, the Challengers iconic t-shirt was originally inspired by John F. Kennedy Jr., who donned the graphic back in the 90s. As recognisable as the piece of fashion is, don’t tell your hometown friend how much the LOEWE item costs.
Anok Yai’s Bride Walk
It wouldn’t be a recap of this year’s best moments in fashion if Anok Yai wasn’t mentioned, specifically her viral (and improvised) runaway bride walk, closing the VETEMENTS Spring/Summer 2025 show. Now, let’s give Anok her flowers (and a Model of the Year award…).
Bella Hadid’s Surprise Runway Appearance for Saint Laurent
Is that.. Is that the Bella Hadid walking the SS25 Saint Laurent show after a two-year runway hiatus? Yes, yes it was. The supermodel put her chaps and cowboy hat aside to step back into Parisian royalty for one night, donning an Anthony Vaccarello-designed 90s slouchy power suit, slick-back bun and tinted glasses. And guess what? We all ate it up.
Chappell Roan, That’s It
Must we say more? Okay, fine. Chappell Roan as the Statue of Liberty at the Governors Ball. Chappell Roan carrying a sword at the MTV VMAs red carpet and subsequently changing into Joan of Arc for her on-stage performance. Chappell Roan at Coachella dressed as a butterfly. Chappell Roan’s NPR Tiny Desk performance bubblegum princess look. Chappell Roan at the Universal Music Group’s Grammy After Party. I ask again, must we say more?
