Glossary

2022

The year 2022 in fashion was marked by significant events, creative explorations, cultural shifts, and discussions on sustainability, diversity, and the future of the industry. Here's a detailed look at key themes, major events, anniversaries, and challenges:

Key Topics and Themes Discussed in 2022:

  1. Sustainability and Ethical Fashion:

    • Circular Fashion: The push towards a circular economy, where clothing is designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled, gained significant momentum. Many brands emphasized responsible sourcing, upcycling, and zero-waste designs.
    • Secondhand and Resale Markets: Platforms like Depop, Vestiaire Collective, and The RealReal grew in popularity as consumers shifted towards sustainable buying habits, preferring pre-owned luxury and vintage fashion.
    • Eco-Friendly Materials: Discussions around sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and plant-based leathers dominated. Brands experimented with mushroom leather, pineapple fibers, and lab-grown fabrics.
    • Climate Impact: The fashion industry's carbon footprint continued to be a major concern, with brands setting goals to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy, and adopt climate-positive practices.

  2. Inclusivity and Diversity:

    • Body Positivity: More brands featured diverse body types, including plus-size models and designs. There was an ongoing discussion around the representation of marginalized groups, including people of different races, gender identities, and abilities.
    • Cultural Representation: Conversations on appropriation versus appreciation remained central. Many designers embraced their cultural heritage, while brands faced backlash for insensitive cultural references.
    • Gender Fluidity: Unisex fashion and gender-neutral collections were increasingly embraced by major fashion houses. Designers blurred the lines between traditional male and female silhouettes, reflecting evolving social norms.

  3. Digital Fashion and the Metaverse:

    • NFTs and Digital Wearables: The rise of digital fashion within the metaverse became a major topic. Fashion houses like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Dolce & Gabbana began selling NFTs and designing virtual clothing for platforms like Decentraland and Roblox.
    • Virtual Fashion Shows: The pandemic's lingering effects spurred more brands to explore hybrid or fully digital presentations, often using AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) technology.
    • Metaverse Collaborations: Fashion brands partnered with gaming platforms and tech companies to create immersive virtual experiences, such as Balenciaga’s collaboration with Fortnite and Ralph Lauren’s partnership with Roblox.

  4. Post-Pandemic Resurgence:

    • Return of Physical Runways: After two years of virtual shows and restricted gatherings due to COVID-19, 2022 marked a resurgence of physical runway shows, with cities like New York, Paris, Milan, and London returning to full-scale fashion weeks.
    • Loungewear vs. Return to Glamour: There was a duality in trends. On one hand, the comfort and functionality of pandemic-era loungewear continued, while on the other, a desire for opulence and escapism brought back maximalism, with bold prints, dramatic silhouettes, and luxury fabrics.

Major Events in Fashion (2022):

  1. Fashion Weeks:

    • Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023 was one of the highlights, showcasing creativity and innovation from major designers like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga. It set the tone for post-pandemic high fashion.
    • Met Gala 2022: The theme was "Gilded Glamour," a reflection on the opulence of the Gilded Age. Stars like Blake Lively, Kim Kardashian (who wore Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress), and Billie Eilish stole the spotlight.

  2. Major Designer Appointments and Departures:

    • Raf Simons' Closing of His Own Brand: In November 2022, Raf Simons announced the closure of his eponymous fashion line after 27 years, leaving many in the industry shocked.
    • Alessandro Michele left Gucci after leading the brand through a transformative era. His departure marked the end of a distinct aesthetic that defined the brand’s identity for nearly seven years.
    • Daniel Lee was appointed the creative director of Burberry, succeeding Riccardo Tisci. Lee’s previous work at Bottega Veneta earned him widespread acclaim, and his new role at Burberry was highly anticipated.

Anniversaries in 2022:

  1. 100 Years of Gucci: Gucci continued to celebrate its centennial, which began in 2021. Alessandro Michele’s vision of blending heritage with modernity remained central to these celebrations, with special collections and exhibitions worldwide.

  2. 75 Years of Dior: The house of Christian Dior celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2022. A major retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum in New York, titled "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams," paid homage to the brand's rich legacy.

  3. 50 Years of Ralph Lauren: Ralph Lauren continued its 50th-anniversary celebrations, marking five decades of being a quintessential American brand that has shaped global fashion.

Disasters or Major Issues in 2022:

  1. Supply Chain Disruptions: Continued global supply chain issues, partly due to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions (like the war in Ukraine), affected production schedules, pricing, and distribution across the fashion industry.

  2. The War in Ukraine: Russia's invasion of Ukraine had a profound impact on the fashion world. Major brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel suspended operations in Russia. Ukrainian designers faced immense challenges, yet some used their platforms to promote peace and resilience, raising funds for the war effort.

  3. Ethical Scandals:

    • Balenciaga Controversy: At the end of 2022, Balenciaga faced a major backlash due to an ad campaign that featured children with teddy bears dressed in bondage gear, raising concerns about the sexualization of children in advertising. The brand later apologized, but the scandal heavily impacted its reputation.

  4. Labor and Environmental Criticism: Fast fashion brands like Shein and Boohoo faced increasing scrutiny for their environmental impact and poor labor practices. Investigations revealed significant worker exploitation in factories, and the environmental consequences of overproduction became more evident.

Overall Impact of 2022 on Fashion:

2022 was a year of transformation and rethinking for the fashion industry. While the return of physical shows and glamourous red carpets marked a recovery from the pandemic, the industry also grappled with ethical questions surrounding sustainability, labor practices, and inclusivity. Digital innovation through the metaverse opened new opportunities for fashion to expand its boundaries, and major brands and designers continued to influence global culture and style.