Creative directors come and go, contracts with brands end, and designers retire – but through it all, fashion survives. This year the industry went through a series of upheavals, some of which were expected and others completely unexpected.
As we enter the final stretch of the year, we’ve rounded up all the news, good and bad, that made us stop scrolling and say “wait, what?!”
From Alessandro Michele’s latest hurrah to the undoing of a certain disgraced rapper, it’s all the news that rocked fashion in 2022. Tune in for a recap of it all.
André Leon Talley dies at 73
André Leon Talley, the former creative director of Vogue, was beloved for his idiosyncratic personality and encyclopedic tailoring knowledge, strengths that cemented him as a fashion icon. His death in January prompted an outpouring of tributes from Anna Wintour, Edward Enninful and Naomi Campbell.
Fashion mourns Thierry Mugler
Days after Talley’s death, the industry lost another icon: Thierry Mugler, founder and longtime creative director of the French fashion house Mugler. The arbiter of ’80s fashion, Mugler was known for his theatrical designs and extravagant fashion shows that kids today call “camp.”
Maximilian Davis reinvents Ferragamo
In early March, 27-year-old Maximilian Davis announced he was closing his eponymous label — a favorite among celebrities including Rihanna and Dua Lipa — to take on a new role: creative director at Salvatore Ferragamo. His first move? The rebranding of the house to Ferragamo, which is an indication of Davis’ new vision of the famous luxury giant.
Ib Kamara replaces Virgil Abloh at Off-White
Six months after the death of Virgil Abloh, Off-White™ appointed Ib Kamara — stylist and Dazed editor-in-chief — as art and visual director. “Virgil will be with us forever,” Kamara wrote in an Instagram post announcing the news. “He changed the world and left an indelible mark on everyone who met him and beyond.”
Issey Miyake’s legacy lives on
On August 5th, legendary Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake passed away at the age of 84, leaving the industry to reconcile his immense legacy. A sampling of his greatest achievements: his groundbreaking “Pleats Please” collection; L’eau d’Issey, the fragrance that defined the 90s; and of course, those humble black turtlenecks he designed for none other than Steve Jobs.
Harris Reed goes to Nina Ricci
In September, Nina Ricci appointed 26-year-old designer Harris Reed as creative director — a fitting choice, given both parties’ penchant for romance.
“Being a 6’4″ (no heels), red-haired, long-haired fluid designer (whom everyone thinks is a fantastic woman) unapologetically stepping into a brand I could only dream of in Paris just leaves me full of excitement and love,” Reed wrote on Instagram.
Burberry appoints Daniel Lee
Daniel Lee’s unexpected departure from Bottega Veneta rocked fashion in 2021. In October, #NewBottega fans were thrilled to learn of Lee’s next move: Chief Creative Officer at Burberry. His first collection for the British house will debut at London Fashion Week in February.
adidas, GAP and Balenciaga drop Ye
You know the story; we will not repeat all the details. At the end of October, a number of companies – most notably adidas, GAP and Balenciaga – cut ties with Kanye West over his anti-Semitic remarks.
Estée Lauder buys Tom Ford
The battle for Tom Ford ended on November 15, when Estée Lauder announced that it would buy the luxury brand for a whopping $2.8 billion. The question on everyone’s mind: How will the beauty conglomerate manage Ford’s fashion business?
Raf Simons blinds of the same brand
On November 21, Raf Simons announced the closure of his eponymous brand. The news is particularly poignant considering a number of Simons’ recent projects, including seasonal campaigns and collaborations, have been announced as if nothing were amiss.
The designer will continue to work with Miuccio Prada as Prada’s co-creative director, a responsibility he’s held since 2020. Don’t be surprised if this figures into Miuccia’s retirement plans — will we see Raf take over as Prada’s sole creative director later?
Alessandro Michele is leaving Gucci
It’s the end of an era at Gucci. The Italian brand announced on Nov. 23 that Alessandro Michele would be stepping down as creative director, prompting rumors that Tom Ford could return to the house.
“Today marks the end of an extraordinary journey for me, which has lasted more than twenty years, within a company to which I tirelessly devoted all my love and creative passion,” wrote Michele in a heartfelt post on Instagram.
Ludovic de Saint Sernin joins Ann Demeulemeester
Ludovic de Saint Sernin, the Belgian designer known for his tight, gender-fluid goods, takes the reins as Ann Demeulemeester’s first new creative director since Sébastien Meunier left in 2020.
“Sensuality, tension, silhouette, fluidity, wildness and graphic impression define the pillars of the language that Ludovic de Saint Sernin will build as he follows the new direction of Ann Demeulemeester, injecting his approach to fashion as a tool to shape and release his presence and appearance,” the brand said in a statement. .