The 10 fashion game changers of 2015, from Alber via Kanye to Zoolander
Fashion editor Jing Zhang looks back at the biggest news of the year, from some shock exits at Christian Dior, Lanvin and Net-a-Porter to a Rihanna’s stunning Met Gala entrance in that Guo Pei gown
Fashion is moving faster than ever, with digitisation so rapid even social media platform Snapchat has become a big thing. But there’s been a backlash, too, with the fashion world attaching more weight to sustainability, longevity and responsibility.
Picking the year’s 10 defining moments isn’t easy, but we’ve tried. In the end, that meant passing over Dolce & Gabbana’s controversial comments about IVF babies, supermodel Cara Delevingne’s move into film, and the frightening Kardashian-Jenner takeover of all things fashion – now that even Caitlyn (formerly Bruce) has got in on the action with a glamorous Vanity Fair cover. So here goes:
1. The luxury retail slowdown in China
Some of the biggest brands such as LV and Prada are shrinking their physical presence in China after almost a decade of aggressive expansion and store openings. What was once a
sure thing has become more unstable as the economy slows, a government crackdown on corruption and giving gifts takes its toll and Chinese shoppers are drawn less to big brands and travel and shop
more overseas. The Chinese continue to be the world’s biggest luxury spenders, and growth has slowed, not stopped. But increasingly these brands are rethinking their e-commerce strategy in China
as consumers spend ever more online.
In late October Simons stepped down, and in a statement said: “It is a decision based entirely and equally on my desire to focus on other interests in my life, including my own brand, and the passions that drive me outside my work.” The quiet Belgian designer brought a fresh, modern approach to one of fashion’s biggest brands. Now that he’s left, there’s a big question mark over who will replace him, with many eyeballing old-school favourite Alber Elbaz.