With the closing of 2012 and the launch into 2013, we are granted the chance of a clean slate, alongside endless opportunities for the New Year. Many of us are refilled with hope and joy for what may come of life next and we find ourselves reminiscing on the good and bad, hopefully the good has majority. While you style savvy’s are feeling nostalgic, take a look back with us at the biggest headlines in fashion news, from design house takeovers to shockingly desirable collaborations.
1. Androgynous Looks Breaking Society’s Boundaries
2012 blurred the masculine-feminine boundary, seeing more androgynous models grace crazy magazine covers and strut down runways then ever. That’s not the only gender-crossing change in our world of fashion; we are seeing more designer collections, which feature more masculine designs that please both sexes. Think Andrej Pejic, Karlie Kloss and Agyness Deyn. As for designers, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rick Owens, Helmut Lang and Derek Lam are primary influencers for this movement.
2. Raf Simons Move To Dior
Formerly the creative director of Jil Sander for 6 years, Raf Simons developed himself into a distinguished designer known for his experiment with shape and minimalist style. It broke news that the designer had bigger plans in store, moving to creative director at Dior, beating Marc Jacobs out of the running. Back in September, Simons was under intense pressure debuting his first ready-to-wear line for the label, in which he exceeded expectations.
3. Hedi Slimane Makes Changes to YSL
YSL. Three letters which flow so effortlessly off the tip of your tongue. Suddenly, we’re forced to reconstruct this combination to SLP and you’re stumped. Hedi Silmane, who was appointed creative director in March, not only renamed the company Saint Laurent Paris, but also the iconic logo that goes alongside. Saint Laurent Paris is now more muted and visually less appealing, but is reportedly just step one of the YSL makeover, leading into big changes to the collections.
4. The Wang Takeover: Nicolas Ghesquiere Leaves Balenciaga
It was first rumored to be Christopher Kane taking over the reins at Balenciaga, but the designer himself soon shot this down. It sparked controversy and much discussion over who would lead the design powerhouse and take over after Nicolas Ghesquiere announced his leave. In early December, we were notified that the young Alexander Wang, 28, would lead the label to new grounds. His modern touch and unlimited creativity leave us with high hopes for the new team. After all, he does have Karl’s approval, what else is needed?
5. H&M and the Big Leagues: Marni, Margiela & Russo
It’s no surprise that H&M loves a good collaboration, often combining fashion business concepts with the innovative creations from the best of the best in design. 2012 was the most successful collaborating year yet for the company with partnerships with Anna Dello Russo, Marni and Maison Martin Margiela. Russo’s exotic style remained prominent in the accessories line, incorporating high fashion taste on costume jewelry. Marni pleased us with bold graphic prints, while Margiela ended the year on an exaggerated note with oversized parkas and dresses.
6. The Legend of Anna Piaggi
Legendary Italian writer and style icon was pronounced dead in August at the age of 81. Despite her age, Anna was eccentric and full of life. Her surrealist outlook and high fashion meets punk glamour made her a favourite to many. Although she is no longer with us, her energy and passion can be felt at the front row.
7. The First Lady Sets A Fashion Example – With Obamas re-election, Michelle promotes affordable fashions
First lady, Michelle Obama, sure has become the focus of much media attention for her wardrobe selections and designer picks. However, despite living in the White House and having enough money to hold a closet full of Chanel, Michelle prefers to set an example. On re-election day in 2012, she sported a dress already worn twice before, proving to Americans that you can remain stylish during an economic struggle.
8. Grace Coddington Releases Memoir
Vogue’s creative director, Grace Coddington, released her memoir “Grace” just in time for the holiday season. Being second in command at the most prestigious fashion magazine, Grace takes us on a trip down memory lane and unleashes us into her life behind the scenes. Crediting The September Issue for being “the only reason anyone has ever heard of me,” Grace writes a compelling and insightful memoir, proving her longtime passion and commitment to her career.
1. Andrej Pejic Covering Fashion Magazine Feb 2012, Image Courtesy of Models.com.
2. Raf Simons Closing Dior Runway Debut, Image Courtesy of ftape.com.
3. Hedi Slimane’s First Campaign for Saint Laurent Paris, Image Courtesy of Liganova.com.
4. Digital Alexander Wang Portrait, Image Courtesy of hypemeanseverything.com.
5. Latest H&M Collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela, Image Courtesy of fashionartisan.com.
6. Anna Piaggi in Another Magazine S/S 03, Image Courtesy of Anothermag.com.
7. Michelle Obama On Election Day 2012, Image Courtesy of Zap2it.com.
8. Cover of Grace’s Memoir, “Grace”, Image Courtesy of Glamour.com.
By: Jenn McNaughton, Toronto
You should follow me on Twitter @jennmcnaughton.
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