She may be one of the fashion world’s most famous designers, but back in 2003, Victoria Beckham was “just” a former Spice Girl turned short-lived solo singer, and a budding socialite trying to crack the fashion scene. To say she’s worked her way up the ladder would certainly be an understatement. April 28 marked the 20th anniversary of Beckham’s first outing to New York’s prestigious Met Gala, where she mingled with designers Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, and clung fiercely to Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista. While the noughties were a confusing time for fashion, we doubt the Beckham we know and love today would approve of the Dolce & Gabbana number she wore to the goddess-themed event.

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2. Michelle Yeoh and Donatella Versace teamed up for Amfar at Cannes

3. Anita Mui made her final appearance at Paris Fashion Week

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4. Jean Paul Gaultier dressed Leslie Cheung

It’s hard to believe this year marked the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong losing one of its brightest stars – actor and singer Leslie Cheung. Before his tragic death in 2003, Cheung was not only a Cantopop star and Hong Kong movie icon, but a trailblazer of Asian representation, loved and celebrated internationally. For his 2000 Passion Tour, sought-after French fashion guru Jean Paul Gaultier even agreed to design his concert costumes – the first time the mastermind behind Madonna’s cone bra agreed to design for an Asian artist. Through a variety of gender-bending and flamboyant stage costumes, Gaultier challenged Asia’s social norms and allowed Cheung to explore his sexuality more publicly than never before.

5. Versace owned the 90s

If the internet had been a thing back in September 1991, Gianni Versace would have undoubtedly broken it with his autumn/winter collection at Milan Fashion Week. Crucially, it saw Versace break away from the classic formula of sending a single model down the runway, and instead he presented his glamour girls in groups. This led to one of the most iconic moments in runway history, when 90s supermodels Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista strutted out lip-synching to George Michael’s “Freedom! ‘90”. And just like that, an era-defining moment was born. In September, Apple TV debuted a new four-part documentary, The Super Models, spotlighting the remarkable careers of Campbell, Crawford, Evangelista and Turlington, and the moment that turned the fashion world on its head.

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6. Diane Keaton cemented her status as a style icon in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall

By starring in romcom/drama mash-up Annie Hall, Diane Keaton managed to single-handedly influence a generation of women. The Hollywood icon famously stated in her 2011 memoir Then Again that her quirky character’s inimitable fashion sense was inspired by the “cool-looking women on the streets of New York ”. Director and co-star Woody Allen gave Keaton creative freedom to wear whatever she wanted for the award-winning role, and as a result, the titular character’s wardrobe overflowed with timeless tailored separates (think slouchy suits and wide-brim hats) that Keaton herself wears to this day. Although we’ve seen our fair share of menswear-inspired styles on the red carpet, one thing is for sure, no one can quite pull it off the way that Annie does.

7. The Olsen twins went from adorable child stars to masters of quiet luxury

Actresses-turned-fashion designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were pioneers of quiet luxury before it was even a thing. The logo-free aesthetic, which turned out to be one of this year’s hottest trends, refers to wearing expensive pieces that are understatedly elegant – to those in the know. Since founding their successful label The Row – a New York-based brand that is a go-to for wardrobe staples and minimalist dressing – in 2006, the sisters have carved out their own chic style, all the while evading the paparazzi and tabloids. Their outfit of choice? Not-so-basic basics (the classics they rocked back then are comparable to their designs for The Row) accompanied by oversized black shades and designer handbags. If that doesn’t scream stealth wealth, then we don’t know what does.

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8. Michelle Yeoh made her Hollywood debut as a Bond girl

Over in Tinseltown, it’s been a banner year for Michelle Yeoh. The 61-year-old Malaysian superstar grabbed headlines around the world (and scored some major luxury collabs) when she became the first Asian to win best actress at the Oscars. But that was just one of many firsts she has accomplished throughout her stellar career.

Back in 1997, Yeoh earned movie star status and widespread praise for her portrayal of a fiery secret agent, opposite Pierce Brosnan’s 007 in Tomorrow Never Dies. Her character, Wai Lin, was the first “Bond girl” of Chinese descent to appear in the spy franchise. Only time will tell what this inspiring female trailblazer will achieve next.