From new creative directors to iconic press tours and viral trends taking the internet by storm, 2024 was a year of eventful fashion moments.
As the holidays approach and the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to revisit some of this year’s best and most notable fashion highlights. From daring runway debuts to viral pop culture trends, 2024 has been nothing short of stylish, diverse, and bold. Let’s jump straight into the moments that shaped 2024
Alessandro Michele’s debut at Valentino
After Pierpaolo Piccioli announced his departure as creative director for Valentino in March, rumours quickly began to spread, hinting as to who his new successor would be. The rumours were soon confirmed: Alessandro Michele, former creative director of Gucci, would take on the role. To no one’s surprise, Michele’s debut collection for Valentino showcased that he didn’t come to play. The collection Avant les Débuts featured Michele’s signature patterns, think plaid, leopard, polka dots and ruffles. Delving into Valentino’s archives, he subtly referenced iconic styles out of past decades the fashion house is known for. Michele masterly merged the brands’ rooted history with his eclectic vision.
Challengers press tour
If you’ve been even remotely tuned in this year, you couldn’t miss the noise surrounding Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, starring Zendaya. The film’s popularity extended far beyond the screen, setting the stage for tennis court core in early 2024. Preppy tennis skirts, white tube socks, and sweater vests seemed to be the talk of the fashion world. When it comes to preppy fashion, there’s a fine line between kitschy and stylish, however Zendaya, with the help of her stylist Law Roach, succeeded in finding this balance, resulting in effortlessly chic red carpet- and press tour looks by high-end designers, such as Thom Browne, Loewe and Louis Vuitton.
The passing of Roberto Cavalli and fashion tastemaker Iris Apfel
A rundown of the best fashion moments of 2024 wouldn’t be complete without honouring the notable losses we experienced this year. On March 1st, American designer and style icon Iris Apfel passed away. Renowned for her eccentric style, oversized round glasses, and bold bead necklaces, Apfel reached her peak of fame in the ‘80s and ‘90s but remained a great fashion influence until her death at age 102. Later this year, on April 12th, the industry mourned the loss of beloved designer Roberto Cavalli, who passed away due to health-related complications at age 83. Known for his bold and colourful designs, Cavalli’s legacy will continue to inspire fashion for decades to come.
Beyonce goes Western
Beyonce is undoubtedly a fashion icon, but she’s also no stranger to sparking viral trends. It was only a matter of time before western wear would take us by storm after the release of her album ‘Cowboy Carter’ on March 29th. Apart from her chart-topping songs, her sparkly western-inspired outfits captured the attention of fashion lovers everywhere, bringing back a love for denim, boots, and fringed jackets. Rundown cowboy boots and a pair of denim shorts were the summer uniform for many, and will no doubt still be a festival favourite, come summer 2025.
Met Gala An array of celebrities in extravagant, sparkly gowns designed by the industry’s most renowned designers, all celebrating a night of fashion. Yes, of course, we’re talking about the Met Gala. Every year the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts one of the most highly anticipated events on the fashion calendar, and this year was certainly no exception. This year’s theme Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion explores how technology can breathe new life into old garments that are too fragile to be worn again. The best-dressed guests put their own spin on the theme and the Garden of Time dress code.
John Galliano seemed to be the designer of choice for this year’s Met Gala, and it’s no surprise, seeing that Galliano’s bold and extravagant designs align perfectly with the Met’s iconic reputation. Among the most talked about looks were Zendaya’s ethereal Maison Margiela look, Tayla’s Balmain sand gown, Jennifer Lopez in a sparkly, sheer Schiaparelli Haute Couture or Bad Bunny in a Maison Margiela suit.
Dries Van Noten retires
Dries Van Noten, a renowned member of the Antwerp Six, announced his retirement as creative director of his namesake brand. The Belgian designer revealed in March that he would take his final bow in Paris with the Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Roughly 800 people attended his grand finale. This collection marked Van Noten’s 129th show and 150th collection in a remarkable 38-year career. It’s no surprise he had to blink back some tears before the first model even hit the runway. In true Van Noten fashion, the collection showcased plenty of bold patterns and shimmering embellishments. However, these were balanced with elegantly tailored pieces, crafted from understated fabrics, such as cotton or linen.
The Antwerp designer won’t disappear from the scenes completely, he will take on a more advisory role. As of recently, a new creative director has been appointed: Julian Klausner, who has worked at the fashion house since 2018, will debut his first collection this January, ushering in a new chapter for the brand.
Brat girl summer
Charli XCX ruled the charts and dominated the summer with her album Brat. It seemed that everyone traded in their clean girl aesthetic and slicked-back buns for messy hair and slept-in mascara. Charli single-handedly revived indie sleaze and party wear, setting the tone for a brat girl summer and the bold wardrobe to match. Hot pants, graphic baby tees, sheer black tights, and anything Von Dutch became the go-to staples for channelling your inner ‘365 party girl’.
Coperni’s Disneyland Paris Show
Coperni never fails to stun an audience. Who could forget the white spray-on dress Bella Hadid wore during Paris Fashion Week in 2022, leaving everyone in awe? This time, the brand outdid itself by hosting its Spring/Summer 2025 show at none other than Disneyland Paris. All of our favourite celebs, editors, and industry insiders gathered outside Sleeping Beauty’s Castle to see the collection. And who could blame them? Given the chance to heal our inner child in such a magical setting, we’d be there too.
Return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
The VS Angels took to the runway once again after a six-year hiatus. Love it or hate it, the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion show has remained a favourite for decades. After the long wait, some of our most beloved angels, like Irina Shayk and Kate Moss, stunned alongside the industry’s next big things, such as Alex Consani and Devyn Garcia.
While reactions were mixed, largely due to the lack of those iconic bombshell blowouts, the show delivered plenty of entertainment, with performances by artists like Lisa, Tyla, and Cher.
Wicked Press Tour
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have certainly succeeded in bringing Emerald City to life on the red carpet during their Wicked press tour. From the 2024 Academy Awards in March to the premiere in November, Grande and Erivo have perfectly embodied their characters. Grande, who plays Glinda, has embraced blush pink gowns, tulle, princess-like corsets, and flared skirts, wearing designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Versace. Erivo, playing Elphaba, doesn’t fall short either. Often seen, dressed in various shades of green and black, extravagant jewellery, and eye-catching nail art. Although method dressing is nothing new, think Zendaya in Challengers or Margot Robbie in Barbie, we can’t get enough of it.
Alex Consani model of the year at the BFA
On December 2nd, Alex Consani made history at the Fashion Awards, hosted by the British Fashion Council, by becoming the first transgender model to become model of the year.
Alex Consani wore a corseted Dilara Findikoglu mini dress with a faded Union Jack design, as she gratefully received her award, taking a moment to thank the trans community who came before her. This is not the first time Alex Consani has broken barriers, she was also the first trans woman to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
