The Biggest Fashion Moments Of 2017

Fashion by definition is about change and newness but 2017 was a year particularly marked by significant upheaval, new launches, closures and industry moves that we could scarcely keep up with. It was another year of flux, fragility and uncertainty, with a shared sense of instability that was felt throughout the fashion industry as well as across the entire world.

2017 was the year that the decline of print media became an inescapable reality as numerous titles closed or moved solely online, more designers consolidated their menswear and womenswear collections to present co-ed shows or moved away entirely from the traditional schedule, and there were major reshuffles in some of the most powerful positions in design and fashion media. Alexandra Shulman left British Vogue, replaced by Edward Enninful, Anne-Marie Curtis took the top job at Elle UK, Glamour UK closed its print edition, Christopher Bailey announced his departure from Burberry, Jonathan Saunders stepped down from DVF, Clare Waight Keller moved from Chloé to Givenchy and Bouchra Jarrar departed Lanvin.

2017 was a year of monumental change. Ahead are just some of the biggest fashion moments from the past 12 months.

**The Supermodel Reunion At The Versace SS18 Show**
At the Versace SS18 show during Milan Fashion Week in September, commemorating 20 years since Gianni Versace's death, Donatella drew the collection to a close with an epic, unforgettable finale that has gone down in fashion history. OG Supermodels Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Carla Bruni and Helena Christensen strode down the catwalk hand-in-hand, wearing glittering gold lamé gowns, reminiscent of the seminal '90s pop culture moment when Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell lip-synced down the runway to George Michael's "Freedom! 90".
As a new generation of supermodels emerges, namely Adwoa Aboah, Kaia Gerber, Bella Hadid et al (many of whom walked in the Versace show), the original set of supers, including Kaia's mother, Cindy, reunited and returned to prove that it will take a lot to topple their reign.

Edward Enninful Was Appointed Editor Of British *Vogue*
In January, Alexandra Shulman stepped down from her position of editor-in-chief at British *Vogue*, a role she had held for 25 years. Much speculation followed surrounding who would fill her covetable role as one of the most powerful people within the fashion industry and British media. Would it be Katie Grand? Would it be Jo Ellison? Or perhaps Sally Singer?
In April, it was revealed that Edward Enninful would be taking up the position, a surprising appointment for a magazine that had become increasingly focused on speaking to a narrow market of white, middle class women. Enninful was not only the first man but the first black, gay man to take the magazine's helm in its 101-year-history. His appointment marked a significant shift in the direction of the magazine as diversity and representation became a priority, as well as a refreshed vision, led by the super stylist and his newly appointed team.
In November, Enninful made his debut as editor-in-chief, choosing Adwoa Aboah as his first ever cover star.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITISH VOGUE/MERT & MARCUS

Systemic Sexual Harassment Of Models Was Exposed

Following the countless stories that exposed the hideous truths of the entertainment industry, the fashion industry was similarly exposed for all its failings and exploitation of those most vulnerable in 2017. In October, model and activist Cameron Russell invited other models to share their own stories of sexual abuse and posted them anonymously on her Instagram. The industry quickly took note and many others followed suit, speaking out on sexual harassment by those in positions of power. Edie Campbell penned an open letter on systemic abuse, Caryn Franklin wrote a piece for Refinery29 UK about the industry's complicity with sexual abuse, and allegations against photographer Bruce Weber emerged.

As rumours still whir about some of the world's most famous fashion photographers, unfortunately we anticipate further stories to come in 2018 but can only hope that the past few months have been the wake-up call the industry needs to prioritise the wellbeing and safety of young models and creatives.

**Céline Dion Owned Couture Fashion Week**
Think of Céline Dion and you probably think of a cracking set of pipes and timeless karaoke power ballads long before you think of a fashion icon. However, 2017 was the year in which the singer underwent something of a transformation. Working with stylist Law Roach, who has also worked with Zendaya, this year Dion really upped her sartorial game with looks by Off-White, Vetements (who can forget when she hilariously wore the Titanic hoodie in 2016), Saint Laurent and Gucci.
In 2017, Dion also attended the Met Gala for the first time and caused a style storm at couture fashion week in July in Paris, culminating in a mindblowing series of images and a video for *Vogue* US, celebrating her new elevated image.

**Fashion Icon Azzedine Alaïa Passed Away**
In November 2017, iconic couturier Azzedine Alaïa passed away, aged 82. Often referred to as the King of Cling, Alaïa was a master of creating dresses that fitted and flattered the female form, worn by everyone from Grace Jones and Madonna to Rihanna and Victoria Beckham.
In July, Alaïa showed his final couture show after a six-year hiatus, opened by Naomi Campbell, who looked upon the designer as a father figure. Following his untimely death last month, the Design Museum announced an exhibition dedicated to Alaïa's remarkable career, which he himself co-curated before his passing. The exhibition will open in May 2018 and we're predicting it will be an instant sellout.
PHOTO: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES.

**We Were Spoilt With High Street/Designer Collaborations**
From Ashish for River Island to Erdem x H&M and J.W.Anderson for Uniqlo as well as J.W. Anderson x Converse, in 2017 we were treated with a series of unmissable collaborations from our favourite high street retailers and catwalk designers.
Which was your favourite? If you missed J.W.Anderson for Uniqlo the first time around, fret not as it's returning for a second season!
Photo courtesy of Uniqlo.

**Christopher Bailey Stepped Down From Burberry**
In unexpected news that sent shockwaves through the fashion industry, Burberry announced in October that Chief Creative Officer, Christopher Bailey would be parting ways with the British brand.
"As Burberry begins the next decade of its journey, Christopher has concluded that after 17 years it will be the right time for him to pursue new creative projects," a press release stated. Bailey will remain in his role until 31st March 2018 but it has not yet been revealed who will be replacing him or what he himself will go on to do. Will Phoebe Philo take his position? Will Bailey go to Chanel? Will Bailey go to Ralph Lauren? Watch this space.
PHOTO: ESTROP/GETTY IMAGES

**Kaia Gerber Took The Fashion World By Storm**
Making her catwalk debut at the Calvin Klein show at NYFW in September, aged just 16, Kaia Gerber swiftly became one of the biggest models of the SS18 season, walking for Alexander Wang, Saint Laurent, Burberry, Versace, Miu Miu and even opened the Chanel show.
While many question the industry's adoration and elevation of someone so young, Kaia's striking looks, courtesy of supermodel mother Cindy Crawford, are undeniable.

**Condé Nast Closed Numerous Publications**
In November, Condé Nast shuttered *Glamour* UK, to the great surprise of the industry and its loyal readership of hundreds of thousands of women. Then it was revealed that *Teen Vogue* would be closing its print edition to focus online and other Condé Nast US titles such as GQ, W and *Allure* would all be reducing their number of annual issues.
Back in the UK, *Tatler* magazine made a number of redundancies before editor-in-chief Kate Reardon stepped down earlier this month. Unfortunately, these developments may be an indication of further magazine closures in 2018 as traditional print media continues to adapt to industry changes.

**The Met Gala 2017**
The theme of this year's Met Gala was dedicated to Comme des Garçons, celebrating the avant-garde designs of Rei Kawakubo, but unfortunately, few attendees actually adhered to the theme. Of course we could count on Rihanna to slay, wearing one of the designer's AW16 looks with lace-up heels that tied all the way up her legs. Tracee Ellis Ross, Michèle Lamy and Helen Lasichanh also delved into the house archive but the majority of celebrity attendees, beholden to the brands paying for their ticket to the party, wore creations by the designers they were accompanying.
The theme for next year, *Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination* will hopefully offer a new opportunity for guests to properly explore the theme and the relationship between designers, devotion and divinity.

Cult Concept Store Colette Closed Its Doors

In July, cult concept store Colette announced that it would be closing the doors to its Rue Saint-Honoré store in December after 20 years. For the past two decades, Colette made a significant impact on the industry, offering an innovative way to create a retail space which has influenced numerous concept stores that opened subsequently, from ingenious collaborations to carefully curated edits.

We admire founder Colette Roussaux and her daughter Sarah Andelman's decision to close the cult store on a high, when it was still hugely profitable and popular. Good luck to Saint Laurent, who will be taking over the coveted retail spot.