What an exciting time to be alive! I say that despite all the lows we’ve had in the year that was. 2016 may not have been the perfect year, but it definitely had all the makings of a thrilling one.
In fashion, moments have happened that would be impossible to leave and forget. I’ve noted five of them here but given all the unpredictable things the industry keeps on churning, there are more than a handful to remember and keep.
Vogue Versus Bloggers
Photo courtesy of Vogue Australia
Vogue usually comes to mind as a fashionable authority but for some of us snooping around the news, they’re remembered for their slip-ups this year.
A label that’s supposed to support people keeping the fashion industry kicking, Vogue pandered to elitism as it unapologetically talked down on fashion bloggers and labeling them “sad” and “pathetic” for wearing sponsored clothes. Of course, bloggers weren’t without recourse. BryanBoy and SusieBubble were among those who called out the hypocrisy and rightfully so.
Zara Rips Off
Zara vs Tuesday Bassen
Fast-fashion behemoth Zara is usually preferred by the casual-loving folk but since they allegedly ripped off LA-based artist Tuesday Bassen, there have been doubts.
The Spanish retailer was hit with a lawsuit after claims of stealing Bassen’s designs, to which they responded by saying it isn’t so simply because she was unpopular (only 90,000 Instagram followers-famous) on their book. Another artist, Adam J. Kurtz, supported Bassen’s claims and since the massive media uproar, ZARA has suspended the relevant items for sale.
Gender-Neutral Louis Vuitton
Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton
The future is all about embracing change and for Louis Vuitton, a fashion house looming with tradition, to take a step forward by adopting gender neutrality in its campaigns is impressive.
This year, all heads turned when they released their Series 4 Womenswear Campaign and spotted a familiar male: Jaden Smith. The 18-year-old celebrity son of Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith was seen sporting a skirt and posing inconspicuously with female models. It’s a great message for boys—even girls, too.
Chanel Lands in Cuba
It seems as if there’s no limit—or sanction—to Karl Lagerfeld’s imagination. The designer recently staged a show in Cuba, along Havana’s Paseo del Prado, and presented Chanel’s Cruise 2017 collection.
As with his previous shows, the event was a colorful, cultural spectacle. From the printed vintage dresses to the sequin berets, the show showcased Cuba. Only this time, the place was populated by Lagerfeld’s topnotch models like Gisele Bundchen, Kendall Jenner, Tilda Swinton, and more.
Celebrity Collaborations
While not a moment but a series of events, celebrity collaborations have become all the rage this 2016. Forget yesteryears’ cheesy celebrity-related outfits; I’m talking about dynamic styles brought by partnerships between stars and labels like Rihanna and Puma, Gigi Hadid and Tommy Hilfiger, and Rihanna and Manolo Blahnik (yes, she’s had more than one!).
Just like makeup collaborations, fashions born from two, known minds—and a hardworking team behind them—usually are the start of something revolutionary.
