What a year. From the pandemic to the quest for social justice, 2020 was a lot. Now as we get ready to welcome 2021, it’s time to look back at all the top 2020 fashion stories that really left their mark.
The pandemic changed the way magazines approached content and covers and forced designers to rethink the traditional runway show. Red carpet events were canceled or moved online with varying degrees of success. Due to our changing way of life, fashion-forward face masks and loungewear became hot commodities.
The Black Lives Matter movement also impacted the industry. It sparked a reckoning in the publishing world and led to more inclusive ad campaigns. At least for the time being.
Other notable headlines include designers both leaving and signing on to fashion houses, Raf Simons’ first Prada show along with Harry Styles wearing a Gucci dress on the cover of Vogue. And Kamala Harris wowing in suffragette white for her history-making acceptance speech.
Read on to discover the top 10 2020 fashion stories we’re still talking about.
2020 Fashion News Stories
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The Pandemic
The ongoing pandemic affected all aspects of life and the fashion industry. Magazines had to get creative when it came to producing content and covers. Some publications relied on illustrations, paintings or previously unpublished photos; others asked cover subjects to become photographers. Meanwhile, professional photographers adapted by snapping images via Zoom. The pandemic also impacted Fashion Month Spring 2021. Many designers presented their latest collections without an audience. (Although, Olivier Rousteing managed to convince members of his Balmain army to virtually attend his show.) Mixed media presentations also proved popular. The most inventive show of the season? Jeremy Scott’s Moschino marionette showcase. Red carpet events were shuttered, scaled way back or moved online. Plus, we lost legendary designers Sergio Rossi and Kenzo Takada due to the virus.
Image: Imaxtree
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Black Lives Matter
The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks and, sadly, too many other unarmed black people set off a major movement. It forced many fashion publications to look inward and admit their lack of diversity and in some cases, their racist working environment. Brother Vellies’ Aurora James took action by launching the 15 Percent Pledge urging retailers to commit to featuring black-owned businesses. We also witnessed more brands featuring models of color on runways, on magazine covers and in advertising campaigns.
Image: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
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Face Masks as Fashion
Thanks to the pandemic, face masks became the year’s hottest accessory. From Collina Strada’s elaborate versions to logo-clad offerings, brands were turning them out en masse. Sometimes for designer dollars. And then came accessories for the accessory, like face mask chains.
Image: Courtesy of Collina Strada
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The Rise of Loungewear
Even before the pandemic, athleisure was a thing. But with most of us working from home, everything from sweatpants to nap dresses became our new work wardrobe. Sky-high heels were replaced by slippers and since you only need to dress up from the waist up for Zoom meetings, detachable collars and glam sweatshirts were in high demand.
Image: Imaxtree
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Designer Departures and New Hires
It was another year of designer musical chairs. Back in April we learned that Clare Waight Keller was leaving Givenchy only to be replaced by Matthew M. Williams. Then Kim Jones moved from Christian Dior over to Fendi with the designer transitioning from menswear to womenswear beginning with Fendi’s haute couture collection set to be revealed in late January 2021. And it was just announced that Gabriela Hearst will be taking over the reins at Chloe after creative director Natacha Ramsay-Levi's departure. The question is will Hearst’s Chloe collections be as sustainably-minded as the ones for her namesake label? We’ll have to wait till March 2021 to find out.
Image: Imaxtree
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Get Out the Vote Merch
Vote merch was almost as pivotal as face masks and cozy matching sets. (In fact, many of the most popular voter fare fell into those two categories.) Designers encouraged us to do our civic duty outfitted in their clothing and accessories. Who needs an "I Voted" sticker when you can make the same statement from head to toe?
Image: Courtesy of Naturalizer
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Raf Simons Debuts at Prada
After much hype, Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada unveiled their first joint Prada collection. Although it was one of the most anticipated showings of the Spring 2021 season, our forum members were left disappointed.
Image: Imaxtree
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Spring 2021 Was the Second Most Racially Diverse Season Ever
With all the attention placed on social injustice, we were surprised that diversity didn’t receive a bigger bump. It did increase from Fall 2020’s 40.6 percent to 41.3 percent. But the Spring 2020 season stills reigns supreme at 41.5 percent.
Image: Imaxtree
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Kamala Harris Wears Suffragette White
Kamala Harris made history by becoming the first woman of color elected to the office of vice president. She made sure to acknowledge the feat by sporting a white Carolina Herrera pantsuit to give her acceptance speech, paying homage to the white dresses suffragettes wore in the early 1900s while advocating for their right to vote.
Image: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
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Harry Styles Becomes Vogue's First-Ever Solo Male Cover Star
Harry Styles appearing on Vogue’s December 2020 cover made headlines and not just because it marked the first time the magazine picked a solo male cover star. The singer and actor wore a Gucci dress in the image sparking a debate on masculinity.
Image: Courtesy of Vogue.com
