In 2024, the fashion world witnessed a whirlwind of change and innovation. Numerous iconic brands appointed new creative directors, while others embraced the spirit of experimentation. This year was marked by bold collections that celebrated individuality and unity, with designers pushing boundaries in unique ways. From intimate salon-style shows to grand spectacles involving hundreds of models, the industry showcased its adaptability and creativity. Additionally, personal highlights included artistic collaborations and memorable beauty looks that redefined traditional norms.
Designers like Rick Owens and JW Anderson drew inspiration from unexpected sources, creating unforgettable moments on the runway. Owens' presentations ranged from an intimate home show to a Hollywood-inspired epic, while Anderson's collection paid homage to Stanley Kubrick's final film. Meanwhile, emerging talents such as Duran Lantink introduced innovative sculptural forms, signaling a fresh direction for fashion. The year also saw a return to classic elegance at Saint Laurent, where Anthony Vaccarello honored the brand's founder through meticulously crafted beauty and styling choices.
A New Wave of Leadership and Innovation
2024 saw a significant turnover in leadership across major fashion houses, reflecting a shift towards fresh perspectives. Brands like Givenchy, Chanel, Lanvin, Valentino, Dries Van Noten, Tom Ford, Celine, and Bottega Veneta welcomed new creative directors. While some houses remained without named designers, rumors of further changes persisted. This period of transition fostered a liberated spirit of eclecticism and experimentation, evident in collections that defied conventional norms. For instance, Prada’s S/S 2025 collection featured 49 entirely unique looks, each celebrating individuality and storytelling. Similarly, Alessandro Michele’s debut at Valentino and Matthieu Blazy’s final collection for Bottega Veneta exemplified the power of wow through their expansive and fantastical presentations.
The appointment of new creative directors brought about a wave of innovation, challenging established paradigms. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons collaborated to create a collection where each look was a superhero in its own right, embodying the strength and uniqueness of the wearer. At Valentino, Michele’s eclectic opening act signaled a departure from tradition, embracing diversity and inclusivity. Meanwhile, Blazy’s farewell show for Bottega Veneta was a celebration of the joy of fashion, featuring designs that captivated audiences with their imaginative flair. These collections not only showcased the talent of new leaders but also set the stage for future trends, emphasizing the importance of creativity and originality in the fashion industry.
Artistic Collaborations and Memorable Moments
Beyond leadership changes, 2024 was a year of artistic collaborations and standout fashion moments. Jonathan Anderson’s A/W 2024 menswear collection for JW Anderson drew inspiration from Stanley Kubrick’s final film, Eyes Wide Shut. The collaboration between Anderson and Christiane Kubrick, the director’s artist wife, added a deeply personal touch to the collection. Her paintings, which appeared in the backdrop of the show, symbolized the compulsion to create despite external circumstances. This unique partnership resulted in a visually stunning presentation that blurred the lines between fashion and art, offering a fresh perspective on design.
Rick Owens’ shows were equally memorable, ranging from an intimate salon-style event in his Paris home to a monumental Hollywood epic at the Palais de Tokyo. The former highlighted the designer’s subversive style, with oversized garments and unconventional casting, while the latter celebrated unity and community. Owens’ decision to open his home for a runway show reflected his response to the challenges of the times, emphasizing the importance of intimacy and connection. Later in the year, his large-scale spectacle involved 200 models and was a tribute to the curative effects of coming together. In addition, Anthony Vaccarello’s tribute to Yves Saint Laurent at Saint Laurent S/S 2025 featured restrained yet impactful beauty looks, including slicked-back hairstyles and flawless makeup. These moments underscored the year’s theme of blending tradition with innovation, creating a rich tapestry of fashion experiences.