The world is gradually returning to normal, and the fashion industry is further recovering this year. As 2023 comes to an end, let’s review 10 fashion moments of this year together and welcome the exciting new year of 2024. Looking forward to more brilliance!
1. Pharrell Williams becomes the creative director of LV menswear.
The fashion industry always sees “personnel changes” every year. Speaking of the most talked-about “new appointment” this year, it must be Pharrell Williams becoming the creative director of Louis Vuitton menswear in February. In June, he showcased the first Spring/Summer 2024 menswear collection in Paris, incorporating his personal aesthetic style into the brand’s DNA. Among them, the bright yellow Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy handbag he created is said to be priced at up to $1 million. Combined with his frequent “attachment” to the bag, the level of luxury has sparked heated discussions. Later in November of this year, Pharrell Williams released his second Fall/Winter 2024 menswear collection, surprising everyone by choosing Hong Kong as the location for the release.
2. Gucci / Tod’s welcomes new creative director
Gucci has also ushered in a new era under the leadership of Sabato De Sarno, unveiling its first Gucci 2024 Spring/Summer collection named “Ancora” during Milan Fashion Week in September this year. The brand has abandoned its previous extravagant and complex design philosophy, embarking on a new chapter towards simplicity. In addition, Tod’s announced on December 1st that Matteo Tamburini will take over as the new creative director, succeeding Walter Chiapponi. Tamburini will oversee both the men’s and women’s collections, and his debut collection will be showcased at Milan Fashion Week in February next year.
3. Phoebe Philo returns
Phoebe Philo, known as the “Queen of Minimalism” in the fashion industry, who once held great influence, parted ways with Celine in 2018. After a 5-year hiatus, she recently opened an Instagram account and announced her return to the fashion world with her own eponymous brand. This news immediately surprised and delighted her fans. The brand released its first collection on October 30th, and thanks to Phoebe Philo’s charm, it sold out in seconds.
4. Sarah Burton says goodbye to McQueen
Someone takes office, and someone leaves. In September of this year, Sarah Burton announced her resignation as Creative Director of Alexander McQueen. The news, of course, made many fashion enthusiasts feel reluctant to let go. In her statement, she said, “I am proud of everything I have done and proud of the incredible team at Alexander McQueen. They are my family, and this has been my home for the past 26 years.” She also expressed gratitude to Lee Alexander McQueen, and the brand has announced that Seán McGirr will take over as Creative Director.
5. Moschino creative director dies 10 days after taking office
In March of this year, Jeremy Scott unexpectedly announced his departure as creative director of Moschino. During his 10-year tenure, he brought extravagant and quirky designs, injecting humor and creativity into this Italian luxury brand, creating many impressive works. The brand then announced on November 1st that Davide Renne would be the new creative director, but unfortunately, on November 10th, news of Davide Renne’s passing in Milan at the age of 46 came, shocking the fashion industry. The latest replacement for the position of creative director has not yet been announced.
6. Jean Paul Gaultier invites Haider Ackermann as a guest designer.
“Fashion Rebel” Jean Paul Gaultier announced his retirement in 2020, but the brand shows no signs of slowing down. Instead, it continues to bring surprises in its haute couture collections, inviting different guest designers each season. For the SS23 haute couture collection, Haider Ackermann, who has created numerous stunning red carpet looks for stars like Timothée Chalamet and Tilda Swinton, was invited as a guest designer. Known for his avant-garde and unique design style, he combines his own aesthetics with Jean Paul Gaultier’s through structural cuts, iconic draping techniques, and dramatic effects. This collection showcases the beauty of strength and flexibility, allowing women to find balance in the new and old world.
7. Rihanna stunning appearance at the Super Bowl
In the fashion review of 2023, how can we forget about the queen of the music industry, Rihanna? After a five-year hiatus from public performances, Rihanna made a stunning comeback at the Super Bowl in February, with a baby bump on full display. She delivered an energetic and mesmerizing performance that lasted over ten minutes. On that day, she wore a custom jumpsuit and vest by Loewe, paired with an Alaïa leather jacket, creating a striking and cool red ensemble. Her outfit immediately became the talk of the town, once again proving her irreplaceable status as the queen and the most fashionable pregnant woman on the planet!
8. Louis Vuitton holds a fashion show in Hong Kong.
This year, Hong Kong has also seen several events that have attracted the attention of the global fashion industry. On November 30th, Louis Vuitton held its first-ever 2024 early autumn menswear show in Hong Kong, transforming the Avenue of Stars into a runway. Brand ambassadors and friends from around the world attended, including Korean actor Song Joong-ki, Felix from the Korean boy band Stray Kids, Japanese actor Shun Oguri, Taiwanese actor Jasper Liu, and Bosco Wong, among others. The event also saw the presence of heavyweight Hong Kong celebrities such as Chow Yun-fat and his wife, Aaron Kwok, and Louis Koo. The show was themed around sailing and inspired by vacations, with the Avenue of Stars’ ground transformed into a long beach with dynamic wave imagery on LED screens and sand. The iconic Victoria Harbour was also incorporated into the show, and it concluded with a drone performance, creating a representation of a sailboat and the “LVers” logo, symbolizing Hong Kong. It was a long-awaited and grand fashion event for the city.
9. Thai, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong fashion trends
Fashion brands have held frequent events in Hong Kong this year, inviting many Thai, Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese celebrities to attend. In November, Dior held a grand cocktail party at their flagship store on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui to celebrate the launch of their new 2024 Dior Cruise collection. Six brand ambassadors, including Chae Soo Bin, Newjeans Haerin, Kim Min Hee, Thai star Apo Nattawin and Mile Phakphum, and Hong Kong fencer Cheung Ka Long, were all gathered together, causing a crowd of fans to pack Canton Road. Korean heartthrob Ahn Hyo Seop visited Hong Kong twice, attending events for jewelry brands Bvlgari and Saint Laurent. Korean goddesses Jun Ji Hyun and Song Hye Kyo also made appearances in Hong Kong as ambassadors for Burberry and Chaumet, respectively. Japanese actor Sato Takeru also visited Hong Kong for the first time this year to attend an event for jewelry brand Mikimoto.
10. Brand Ambassador: Asian Faces are Hot Picks
The fashion industry is booming, and many brands this year are willing to spend a fortune to appoint new brand ambassadors, catering to the huge Asian market. Asian faces have naturally become hot choices. Yang Ziqiong, who won an Oscar, has become the new ambassador for Balenciaga. Jay Chou has become the global brand ambassador for Dior fashion and the Kim Jones collection. The ever-popular Xu Guanghan has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Tiffany & Co. Tang Wei is the global brand ambassador for Burberry. BTS member RM and Shu Qi have both become global brand ambassadors for Bottega Veneta.
