Everything can evolve, change, revolutionize. During 2020, every sector, including fashion, had to make sudden decisions and implement radical changes. A shock, the one generated by Covid-19, which for better or for worse, will make the beginning of the new unforgettable decade. From the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, to the inclusiveness of genderless fashion weeks, we have decided to revisit the most important fashion moments that have defined 2020, and changing the course of fashion as we knew it.
1.FASHION AFTER BLACK LIVES MATTER
The most important revolution in fashion this year was triggered by the protests of the Black Lives Matter movement. We finally talked about diversity in the fashion industry with seriousness and frankness, facing uncomfortable but necessary conversations. The Black in Fashion Council was the answer. The initiative of Teen Vogue editor chief Lindsay Peoples Wagner and Sandrine Charlesper, to ensure the presence of people of color within fashion and beauty companies. The organization is also collaborating with the Human Rights Campaign. Companies Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue and IMG have increased the percentage of black employees in both junior and senior positions.
2.RAF SIMONS CO-DIRECTOR OF PRADA
The rumors became reality when Raf Simons officially joined the Prada group in February to work alongside Miuccia Prada as co-creative director. The first collection of the two designers was seen with a digital show at Milan Fashion Week in September. The looks followed one another in an aseptic space with robotic screens and cameras ready to capture details from every angle.
3.FASHION WEEK DIGITAL
For the first time in the history of the fashion system we have seen the digital fashion shows. The fashion houses made available a series of virtual showrooms, which helped to connect brands with retailers. If once fashion was considered an exclusive sector, today in the Post Covid era, digital communication has brought each of us in the front row.
4. THE LAST JEAN PAUL GAULTIER SHOW
The last fashion show / show of the American designer Jean Paul Gaultier was staged on January 22, 2020. In homage to her 50-year career in fashion, the show presented more than 200 looks; The most iconic of her career like the cone bra created for singer Madonna. The cast was spectacular. Models and muses close to Gaultier walked the show such as Gigi and Bella Hadid, Karen Elson, Coco Rocha, Farida Khelfa, Dita Von Teese and Winnie Harlow.
5.MATTHEW M. WILLIAMS IS THE NEW DESIGNER OF GIVENCHY
In June 2020 Matthew Williams was nominated Creative Director of Audrey Hepburn’s favorite fashion house, Givenchy. His debut collection, Spring / Summer 2021 included open back dresses with exposed thong, three-fingered socks and lots of hardware elements. The 34-year-old designer behind the cult 1017 ALYX 9SM label brought a decidedly streetwear twist to the brand.
6. HARRY STYLE’S UNEXPECTED CELEBRITY
Harry Styles was the name par excellence in 2020. All thanks to a JW Anderson knitted patchwork cardigan that went viral on social media, so much so that TikTok users were inspired to create their own versions. The trend has been a success never seen before, so much so that Styles’ sweater became part of the vast fashion collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London along with some of the most important pieces in history.
7. THE LONGEST LIVE STREAMING IN HISTORY
On Friday 17 July 2020, the last day of the first edition of Milan Digital Fashion Week, the longest live streaming ever took place. The Epilogue collection by Gucci, signed by Alessandro Michele, started at 8 in the morning and finished at 20 in the evening.
8.TELFAR BAG IS THE NEW IT BAG
The it-bag of 2020 is undoubtedly the Telfar shopping bag, aka “Bushwick Birkin”. The vegan leather bag, which is constantly out of stock, has been seen on everyone’s arm, from celebrities like Dua Lipa and Solange to cool Brooklyn guys. The stock exchange was so desired that several times during the year, consumers have sent the online shop into a tailspin forcing it to close.
9.MONCLER BUYS STONE ISLAND
At the beginning of December, Moncler bought Stone Island, starting a colossal project, with the aim of “jointly developing a new vision of luxury, united by the philosophy beyond fashion, beyond luxury.” The operation costed 1.15 billion euros. We can’t wait to see the results next year.
10.SUPREME NYC WON THE LEGAL BATTLE IN EUROPE
Unlike the United States, the New York brand Supreme was unfortunately not registered as a brand on the European continent. Until November. In fact, it seems that after two years, Supreme has finally obtained the registration of its trademark in Europe, at the European Union Intellectual Property Office. The trademark registration thus discouraged the various attempts by counterfeiters to claim ownership of Supreme’s trademarks in Europe.
