This year’s fashion week gave us many special moments from Demna’s devotion to Ukraine to Valentino’s powerful pink moment. It has been an unforgettable fashion-packed month. The dynamic 4 fashion capitals of the world brought us a fashion week full of impeccable shows, show stopping designs and monumental moments. As the front rows filled with fashion icons from Anna Wintour to Rhianna. We watched anticipatingly from home, as the lights dropped and our favourite models hit the catwalk to the beat of the music. It almost felt like the pandemic didn’t exist for that split second of bliss celebration of fashion.
February; the biggest month of the fashion calendar to start each year. As the likes of editors, stylist, designers and fashion enthusiasts prepare for the intense yet exciting set days ahead , the whole world was unaware of the disheartening news we were about to face. What was initially the hope of new beginnings, in fact was a challenge again for the fashion industry. As war exploded in Ukraine, the nations hearts poured out in disbelief, anger and sorrow.
The tradition and exclusivity of fashion shows is something we all admire and await every year. From the famous front row and renowned fashion houses to the reputable models and creative visions of the directors, the fashion event of the year exceeded our expectations this year. The distinguished order has never changed. Starting at New York to London to Milan to finally arriving in Paris we bring you the unforgettable moments we can all take away from Fashion Week 2022. We have all the stand out moments…
New York
NYFW has taken the city by surprise, as covid restrictions lifted the industry was ready to celebrate. This season kicks off with the designers enriched in American heritage in the heart of NYC. Showcasing designs that made all our jaws drop, and proved as inspirational for trend setting FW 22. As the cold streets of NYC filled with paparazzi, celebrities, fashion icons and the heart of the industry, it was clear fashion week was about to begin with a blast. Although guests were limited to ensure safe measures were in place, the shows and designs spoke for themselves in true New York style. We witnessed the likes of Gabriella Hearst, Michael Kors, and many more established designers.
The celebrity moment of NYFW was without a doubt A-lister Blake Lively. The blonde bombshell wore her signature look of glamorous waves full of volume, a classic red lip and jewellery to die for. As brand ambassador, she ensured she made a renowned Manhattan entrance in a sky blue suit. The sophisticated co-ord included a sleek midi skirt, structured blazer and a very flattering crop top tying the ensemble together. The actress became a show stopper before the show even began.
Oscar de la Renta for sure made us desire to dress up again in our gowns of the night, as restrictions lifted. The once pronounced hardest show to get into, took things in an entirely new route this year adapting to life after the pandemic. The statement gowns that can only be described as the epitome of artistic elegance, made an appearance on our screens this fashion week. Taking a digital path forward, ODLR created a captivating video showcasing models such as Taylor Hill in a classic New York setting: the office.
We can’t forget that of course, news stuck this year that the leading man of NYFW officially cancelled his entire show. Pulling out from the fashion calendar all together due to COVID-19. Down to outbreaks of the virus in design studio, the established designer made a safe and honourable decision to step out this year.
The star struck moment of the phenomenal week has to be the unexpected closing show of the legendary Marc Jacobs. Releasing an unannounced look book of 10 carefully created looks, featuring A-list models such as Bella Hadid. Always keeping the industry on its toes, Jacobs’s unexpected release seized the end of NYFW. Designed around the concept of deconstruction, the shoot was an extraordinary ode to fashion week in an edgy light.
London
With the Fashion Industry adjusting to post-pandemic life, LFW looked a little different this year. Taking an entirely digital experience, meaning anyone could grab a front-row seat straight from their phone. This year’s LFW looked like plenty of live streams shows, fashion films and digital look books, as British designers adapted to expressing their work digitally. As fashion’s most global exclusive event was opened to the public, LFW was the first and only global fashion week to capture the catwalk online this year.
Westwood took the move to digital in her stride. Bringing us nothing less than a fresh take on Punk and classic London heritage in a tasteful fashion film showcasing the edgy looks. Her unique take on fashion brings us some powerful garments with big cat energy, inspired by the tiger: an icon of strength. Her honourable commitment to valuing sustainability radiated through this phenomenal collection of bold prints, statement silhouettes and significant shoulders. 71% of the entire AW22 collection was created from low impact materials to complete reimagine waste. Making use of deadstock to create a whole new ground breaking collection. With this the punk rock icon sends one simple message; Buy less, choose well, make it last.
The most liberating moment of LFW takes us to LMVH award winner Nensi Dojaka. The subtly sexy yet sophisticated collection was a sensation and celebration of women’s bodies. Representing London’s young talent, the designer’s delicate and intricate detailing of cut outs, and tailoring was a graceful moment for the lingerie-inspired fashion fanatic. If the saucy Nensi Dojaka shows weren’t enough for the faint of heart, this year brought an empowering womanhood moment of utter surprise. As model Maggie Maurer announced her pregnancy in a true supermodel statement. She stepped on the catwalk in a sheer, dainty, nude dress that elegantly hung from her body, embracing her baby bump.
Milan
The Italian fashion capital did not hold back this fashion week. As the city grew with excitement, Italian heritage came to light in the third fashion capital of the month. Showcasing some of the world’s biggest fashion houses from Gucci to Versace, Milan was not one to be missed. Back with its pre-covid shine, full of A-lister packed front rows and extravagant shows. Returning in person, the glamour and exclusivity was restored. As we finally saw houses such as Fendi and Prada host a show for the first since the pandemic.
Versace held a nostalgic ode to the corset in a jaw-dropping show that had everybody pulled in tight. It’s no secret that the new famous trio took the forefront of the show. The Hadid sisters and Donatella showcased their beloved friendship in Versace’s most recent campaign, gracing us again the day of the show. The iconic symbols of fashion, create a dynamic and powerful three. Gigi Hadid even recently announced all her earnings from fashion week will be donated to helping Ukraine. The powerhouse fashion show graced us with a gleaming red catwalk and bold smoked eyeshadow looks. The innovative collection managed to incorporate the corset into all 60 looks.
Milan also brought us a surprise collaboration this year, mixing athleisure heritage with a strong luxury legacy. We saw Gucci invade the runway with Adidas breaking the internet moments after the show. The two brands served us high fashion pieces featuring the two iconic signature logos. Gucci’s timeless tailoring combined with the sporty Adidas embellishments was everything we needed to see. Gucci began to tease the partnership as he sent a thrill down the spines of the audience. Slowly sending models out in Adidas trainers before unveiling the entire collection. The ultimate chic meets sporty moment.
The celebrity moment of MFW is unquestionably Rhianna’s appearances in front row. Rocking the catwalk pregnant in the most extraordinary looks. Milan saw it all from Rhianna’s impeccable pregnancy glow to her many magnificent maternity fits. We would expect nothing less from the fashion icon, reinventing maternity wear and idolised expectations of womanhood. Hitting her first show at Gucci in a vinyl crop top, beads, a striking purple fur coat and a chainmail disk headpiece. The star truly stood out showing off her glowing bump. She did not stop serving us looks there, as she attended Off-White, Dior and more in some of the most breath taking looks.
Paris
The city of love definitely captured our hearts this year. As the home of some of the greatest designers of the world, the city was filled with the fashion icons of the world who were ready to expect the unexpected. This prestige week brought light and life to the reclaimed home of fashion. Embracing its Parisian heritage in the heart of the fashion capital of the world. Globally known as the one city that holds the heart of fashion, the home of Haute Couture is honoured and recognised for its respectable heritage of fashion.
However, this would be no ordinary celebration of fashion. Just 4 days before PFW began, war shattered the spirits and soul of the community globally, as Russian forces invaded to Ukraine. The heart breaking attacks were a shock to the whole world. Causing global devastation and a sense of helplessness for the devastating loss of life and innocent people fleeing their country. PFW acted as an escape to provide hope and fuel passions in a time of catastrophe. Many shows offered us reflection as the fashion world stood together to support Ukraine in this unexpected time.
Demna’s devotion to showing his support to Ukraine was an unforgettable moment for PFW. As one of Paris’s most adored and anticipated designers, Demna did not disappoint with his astounding designs, unpredictable show and the use of his platform to give tribute to the world’s current events. Demna started his astounding show by reflecting on his own experience as a refugee. He touched the heart of his intimate crowd as he then recited a poem entirely in Ukraine. His devotion was not unnoticed by the public or the industry leaders of fashion.
A decision that did not come lightly to him, Demna even considered cancelling his shows as he believed “in a time like this, fashion loses its relevance and its actual right to exist”. But chose to instead offer a warm room of support and dedication and not ‘’giving in’’ to the heartless war. The special show, brought an impressive setting as models stomped through artificial snow and a steady wind. Striking his audience again with another heartfelt message of climate change and how one day, the only snow we may have is digital.
Off-White honoured its founder; Virgil Abloh, in its first show without him. The fashion world paid tribute to the designer’s last creative vision, a collection designed by Virgil and completed by his creative teams. The show was an emotional whirlwind as his friends in the fashion industry came to join the passionate, sentimental tribute. As his heartfelt close friend Bella Hadid opened the couture show in an artistic, graceful wedding gown, Virgil made it to embody the model. His artistic vision will live on in the hearts of those around him. Virgil’s legacy was nurtured and brought to life in his final collection, as he continues to inspire and innovate. His creative team and dedicated friends put together a remarkable tribute to the fashion icon.
The captivating fuchsia fashion moment we all can’t forget is of course the Valentino Pink Show. The monochromatic statement was driven by an innovative creative vision of glowing fuchsia reflection. The front row arrived to see a glossy pink runway with coherent sleek fuchsia walls. The intense colour choice focuses on one Pantone pink of the year, with the whole collection in the same shade of fierce pink. The intent was to remove any distraction from the audience to allow them to entirely focus on intricate details and silhouettes of the collection. Piccoli achieved just this, with his incredible fascination with experimental shapes.
What was your favourite moment of Fashion Week 2022? What does fashion mean to you? This year we not only saw some extraordinary shows and impeccable creative visions, but we witnessed community and how fashion comes together to support and raise awareness, while handling cultural events.
