Cover Dior Cruise 2021 was one of the top 5 iconic moments in fashion this year (Photo: Courtesy of Dior)

From the cancellation of numerous fashion events, to the loss of world-renowned fashion legends, we're listing the biggest fashion moments of 2020

While most pre-planned red carpet events were put on hold this year due to Covid-19, 2020 has brought on several iconic fashion moments that changed the fashion industry forever.

From the passing of Japanese fashion designer, Kenzo Takada, to major internal changes at fashion houses, where are the top five biggest fashion moments of the year. 

See also: How Covid-19 Changed The Beauty Industry

1. Cancelled Physical Events

Covid brought the world to a standstill at the beginning of the year when none of us was sure whether the pandemic was merely temporary. For those of us who were holding out hope that the world would return to normal by summer were met with heavy disappointment when French fashion’s governing body, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode officially cancelled the men’s and couture fashion weeks in March. Other big fashion events such as the Met Gala and London Fashion Week were also moved to digital formats entirely, showcasing a new way of exhibiting fashion. 

2020 has surely been a year that inspired quick experimentation, and while digital events may not be able to provide the same atmosphere and experience as in-person ones, they have quickly become more than just streaming a fashion show on Zoom but instead opened up possibilities for what digital events could be. 

From 360-degree immersive exhibitions such as Fabric of Reality VR fashion show, to Net-a-Porter’s Animal Crossing event back in September, and even Balenciaga unveiling their new collection via video game, we’re excited to see what the future of digital fashion events may look like.

2. Changes at Fashion Houses

As if Raf Simons joining Prada in April wasn’t enough, other fashion houses also made their own changes, bringing significant, innovative impact on the fashion industry. Shortly after, Kim Jones also made headlines when he was named the new artistic director of haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur collections at Fendi, while still remaining as the artistic director of Dior Men.

But the changes didn’t end there. Two months after Clare Waight Keller left Givenchy, 34-year-old American designer, Matthew Williams, took the helm of Givenchy in June as creative director. As the founder of luxury streetwear label Alyx, and former Lady Gaga and Kanye West collaborator, Williams’ impressive track record keeps us at the edge of the seat, wondering what we’ll see next from Givenchy.

See also: Kim Jones Named Artistic Director at Fendi, But He's Not Leaving Dior

3. Media Shifts

George Floyd’s death sparked a series of protests and highlighted the injustices faced by people of colour back in May. This forced publishing companies to reflect on their hiring methods, leading to resignations and public apologies from company executives.

While change can’t be made overnight, some were made fairly quickly. In June, Samira Nasr was announced as the new editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, becoming the first black editor-in-chief of the publication since being founded 153 years ago.

See also: Peter Cheung Hosts A Panel Discussion Featuring Fashion Industry Experts For Tatler's House Stories Session

4. Lost Legends

The fashion industry was devastated to learn about the deaths of legendary designers and industry leaders this year. 

Footwear legend, Sergio Rossi passed away in Italy at age 84 due to the coronavirus in April. In October, Japanese designer and founder of Kenzo, Kenzo Takada died at 81 from complications of Covid-19 as well. Although these icons aren’t with us physically any longer, their influence on fashion and saga will continue for decades to come. 

5. Memorable Moments

The fashion industry faced major hardships this year. Aside from losing renowned legends, we also bid farewell to Barneys, New York’s iconic department store retailer—but there were still plenty of jaw-dropping moments that caught the world's attention in the past year. 

From Jacquemus’s viral SS21 wheat field catwalk show that was held on a 600 metre-long wooden runway near Paris, to Dior and Valentino’s bewitching couture videos, and not to mention Harry Styles making waves for wearing a dress for US Vogue’s December issue, becoming the magazine’s first-ever male cover star, we’re looking forward to more of these uplifting, mesmerising moments in 2021.

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