Another day, another year. When it comes to fashion, 2016 had its fair shares of ups and downs, but a few highlights surpassed others in the arbitrary territories that define fashion.

Woman Power

The year saw a surge in woman power: both the old and the new made a powerful impact in the fashion business. Maria Grazia Chuiri started her term at Dior, becoming creative director and the first woman at the helm of the design house. As firsts go, Anniesa Hasibuan showcased women clad beautifully in hijabs, marking the advent of something novel and refreshing on the runway. It was a good year for the models too, as fresh faces walked the runways.

The Dior Collection
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The Anniesa Hasibuan Show
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Old is New

It was not only Dior that found a new creative head; after months of anticipation, Raf Simons took over the reins at Calvin Klein, while Anthony Vaccarello made his way to Yves Saint Laurent. Left solo at Valentino after over two decades of partnership with Maria Grazia, Pierpaolo Piccioli will continue to oversee operations at Valentino.

Raf Simons
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Maria Grazia Chuiri and Pierpaolo Piccioli
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See-now-buy-now

This exciting concept allowed viewers to buy their favourite merchandise fresh off the runways. Offered by Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Thakoon amongst others, the notion of instant gratification was certainly a highlight this year. Various shows were streamed live on social media platforms, allowing people to view from far off locations.

Tom Ford SS 2017
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Remembering the legends

Triumphs aside, this year had its share of great losses too. Sonia Rykiel, often heralded as the ‘Queen of Knitwear’ passed away in August just days after iconic photographer Bill Cunningham, who was famous for his street style photography. While Rykiel was paid a tribute before her label’s showcase at Paris Fashion Week, an array of photographers posed in Bill Cunningham’s signature blue jacket to pay homage to the legend. Another recent demise was that of Franca Sozzani, the editor in chief of Vogue Italia who was battling cancer.

Sonia Rykiel
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Tribute to Bill Cunningham
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Franca Sozzani
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Leading ladies

Political turbulence grabbed a lot of eyeballs, be it Brexit or the American elections. While Theresa May was noticed immediately for her sophisticated style, Hillary Clinton’s penchant for pantsuits didn’t go unnoticed either. On the royalty front, Kate Middleton gave us a few occasions to obsess over her impeccable sartorial style during her tours abroad.

Theresa May
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Hillary Clinton
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Kate Middleton
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Fashion Forward

Even if you were living under a rock, you would have noticed the trend that has been everywhere this year. Velvet made its way to the runway and into our wardrobes quite stylishly. Speaking of trends, Gucci loafers and bare shoulders were a favourite amongst street style stars and celebrities alike.

Velvet
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Gucci Loafers
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Bare Shoulders Street Style
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All that buzz

Locations were of major importance this year. Karl Lagerfeld led Chanel to Cuba as the brand showcased its resort collection in a truly fashionable style. Fendi marked its 90th anniversary by taking over the Trevi Fountain in Rome, and Louis Vuitton ushered its guests, for a cruise, to Rio.

The Chanel Resort Show
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The Louis Vuitton Show
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