2022 was not without its polarizing moments in the world of fashion
For every year we are in, the world of fashion brings in new trends, showcasing its continued evolution amid the times. However, it is not without polarizing moments, too. For every welcome development, there are controversial moments, shocking moves, or unexpected surprises.
And as 2022 comes to a close, we run down five moments for the year that show the other side of the fashion industry.
Alessandro Michele leaves Gucci after seven years
Seven years after his appointment, Alessandro Michele stepped down as Gucci’s Creative Director last November 25. While his maximalist and contemporary style did triple the brand’s revenue, sales started to slow down by 2017, and 2021 saw only a mere 3.8% growth for Gucci. As brand fatigue caught up to his style, perhaps it was time for a change, either within Gucci or for Michele’s approach itself.
RELATED: Breaking Norms: Alessandro Michele and His Vision for Contemporary Masculinity
Balenciaga digs its own grave
Perhaps Balenciaga has taken the notion that bad publicity is still publicity to the next level. Controversy first arose on November 22, when the fashion house released its holiday campaign, which saw children clutching teddy bears styled in a suggestive manner. Not too long after, a photo in their collaboration with Adidas contained a document with a comment from a case that criminalizes distribution, advertising, and promoting child pornography.
Though there were attempts to sue the production company for the latter, the point still exists that Balenciaga themselves were not without fault for approving those in the first place.
Ricardo Tisci out, Daniel Lee in for Burberry
The Italian reign over Burberry has finally ended. After then-CEO Marco Gorbetti in 2021, Ricardo Tisci has followed suit in leaving the British brand this year after getting the brand into high-end streetwear ventures during his time. Jonathan Akeroyd and former Bottega Veneta Creative Director Daniel Lee are replacing them respectively, effectively handing Burberry back to English higher-ups.
Raf Simons’ eponymous label closes
Raf Simons has closed down his self-named label after 27 years, with the brand’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection being it’s last. A favorite reference amongst hip-hop artists, Simons will only retain his position as Co-Creative Director at Prada with Miuccia Prada.
Photography WILLY VANDERPERRE; Hair LOUIS GHEWY; Makeup LYNSEY ALEXANDER; Styling OLIVIER RIZZO; Model VASCO LUYCX; Production MINDBOX
Kanye West goes further downhill
Controversial as is, Kanye West may have just had his lowest moments so far this year. Most notable were the anti-Semitic comments that led to brands such as Adidas and Balenciaga cutting ties with him. There were also his white supremacist pieces at his Yeezy S9 fashion show, which came with a personal crusade against Vogue’s Gabriela Karefa-Johnson amid negative reception.
Featured Image from ALESSANDRO MICHELE (via Instagram)
