The Greatest Fashion Moments Of 2020

2020 was a slow year for fashion. Most fashion weeks and award shows were either postponed or cancelled as countries went into lockdown in March.

Consumer spending on luxury goods dipped significantly as most people cut down on discretionary expenses. Nevertheless, even in the midst of all the chaos and stressful times, there were some incredible sartorial moments that got us excited.

In the post-COVID era, facial masks became a mandatory style statement. Designers globally added their creative touch to elevate this essential item into a high-fashion accessory. We saw Lady Gaga model five over-the-top designer face masks at the VMAs last August.

While business may have been slow due to the shutdown of physical stores and a breakdown in global supply chains, it definitely did not stifle creativity.

Political and social justice movements also shaped the fashion industry, with bigger and more meaningful conversations happening around issues like inclusivity, equal representation, cultural appropriation, tokenism, sustainability, and consumerism.

Social media users were quick to call out influencers who used Black Lives Matter marches as backdrops for fashion shoots. There were entrepreneurs and brands who were ‘cancelled’ for profiteering off the backs and ideas of BIPOC designers, as well as stifling garment workers of their hard-earned wages.

The industry is not without its problems, but now, more than ever, there is a willingness to usher in meaningful cultural and corporate changes within fashion. Controversy aside, there were moments of solidarity and compassion that warmed hearts everywhere.

At the peak of the pandemic, designers like Christian Siriano and major high-fashion labels including Gucci, LVMH, and Burberry donated hundreds of thousands of masks, PPE kits, sanitisers, and millions of dollars in donations to support relief efforts.

As we reflect on a turbulent year, let’s take a look at some of the most memorable fashion moments from 2020:

Iconic Grammy Looks

The Grammys were one of the last big red-carpet events in 2020. There were plenty of fashion moments that remain etched in our memories.

Ariana Grande’s stunning Giambattista Valli grey tulle dress, Lil Nas X’s hot pink Cowboy Barbie ensemble, and Billie Eilish’s head-to-toe Gucci outfit were some of the night’s biggest highlights.

Beyoncé’s Black Is King Moment

Beyoncé’s new album, a masterpiece, was a visual treat for her fans and all lovers of art. The Black Is King album was a powerful display of the singer’s talent, music, culture, fashion, and choreography.

The Marine Serre crescent moon print body stockings that Beyoncé and her backup dancers wore in the video became one of the most sought-after pieces of the year.

Meghan Markle’s Last Royal Tour

The world was shocked when Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle announced their departure as senior members of the royal family. On her last public tour as a royal, Meghan Markle dazzled the world with a string of stunning outfits.

The Duchess wore several vibrant ensembles in bold colours, and for her final public appearance, she wore an emerald green Emilia Wickstead dress paired with a matching hat and nude Aquazzura heels.

Lady Gaga’s Looks at the VMAs

Lady Gaga is known for her bold, quirky fashion statements. The singer didn’t disappoint her fans when she showed up to the VMAs in futuristic and over-the-top costumes, paired with equally futuristic, artistic face masks.

Despite the pandemic and the need for protective gear, she maintained her signature style. The five masks she wore were eye-catching and definitely one of the highlights of the VMAs.

The Royal Fashion Craze

Viewers just couldn’t get enough of the popular Netflix series The Crown, which has become a source of fashion inspiration. Fashionistas everywhere are recreating late Princess Diana’s '90s style. Princess Beatrice’s summer wedding also gave more royal fashion moments.

The beautiful bride wore a dress loaned by The Queen, the same dress worn by Her Majesty in 1962 at the premiere of Lawrence of Arabia.

Harry Styles on the Cover of Vogue

Harry Styles graced the cover of Vogue in a Gucci dress, which divided the internet. Styles has been at the forefront of the gender-fluid fashion movement, openly discussing his disdain for gender-restrictive norms. While critics didn’t fancy this Vogue issue, it was a defining moment for gender-fluid fashion.

Virtual Runways

Brands turned to technology to drive their creativity. Labels like Gucci, Ferragamo, Balmain, and YSL created immersive experiences with the help of augmented reality technology, live-streaming events, and cinematic backdrops for their fashion shows.

Designers embraced innovation to meet the changing needs of the market and consumers.

Conclusion: Fashion Resilience in a Challenging Year

2020 was a year like no other. Despite the many challenges faced by the fashion industry, it proved its resilience.

From innovative fashion solutions like designer masks to the bold statements made by celebrities, the year highlighted the adaptability and creativity of the industry. While the world was changing rapidly, fashion continued to make an impact, sparking important conversations and offering moments of joy.

Looking ahead, 2021 will undoubtedly bring new challenges, but it will also present new opportunities for reinvention and change in the world of fashion.