2012's Fashion Headlines in a Nutshell

Photo Credit: decoist.com

Happy New Years everyone (and a late Merry Christmas)! While I should be making resolutions and goals to keep, namely stop procrastinating and start preparing for classes, I am looking at the biggest headlines in fashion this year, and combining everyone into a brief post for you to read. This is what journalism has taught me: aggregating information is a great way (and easy) to procrastinate, and can still be considered as a journalistic endeavor. So, if you wanted to see what I thought were the biggest news stories this year, take a look.



Raf Simons Replaces Galliano

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Raf Simons left Jil Sander to join big-name fashion house Dior, replacing John Galliano as creative director. He debuted during the couture shows in June, with his ready-to-wear line appearing during Paris Fashion Week this fall. Simons did not disappoint, and I'd advise you take a look at the Dior Spring/Summer 2013 show. Prepare to be amazed. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next year.

Alexander Wang for Balenciaga



While Simons went to Dior, Balenciaga chose Alexander Wang to be their new creative director, taking the place of Nicolas Ghesquière. I'm curious to see what he does in his new role, as his own line is minimalistic and relaxed compared to Balenciaga under Ghesquière.

Dolce and Gabbana Stir Up Controversy

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Dolce and Gabbana were ridiculed for their "Mammy" earrings during Milan fashion week. The earrings were shaped into the head of a black woman, with models also wearing dresses, tops, and skirts with prints featuring similar images.

Critics thought the images resembled Blackamoor art, which has been criticized for romanticizing the slave trade. The fashion house begged to differ though, saying their inspiration came from "opera dei pupi," a form of Sicilian puppet theatre.

Victoria's Secret Is Also Accused of Racism

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Karlie Kloss was edited out of the Victoria's Secret fashion show during their Calendar Girls collection in one of the biggest fashion controversies of the year. Looking at the Victoria's Secret outfits as art, I didn't think her costume was anything to be concerned about, however many in the Native American community would disagree.



Micheal Kors Leaves "Project Runway"

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While Micheal Kors said goodbye to "Project Runway" after it's tenth season due to a scheduling conflict, Zac Posen tweeted, "So excited to be the new judge on @ProjectRunway Season 11!! Joining @heidiklum @ninagarcia and @TimGunn." While Posen will be the new judge for season 11, Kors is expected to return in the future.

Yves Saint Laurent Makes Bold Changes

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Creative director of YSL, Hedi Slimane, decided to change to change the brand name Yves Saint Laurent to Saint Laurent Paris. The change will only affect the house's ready-to-wear line, and debuted with the Spring 2013 collection.

A Final Farewell to Anna Piaggi

Photo Credit: dexigner.com

Anna Piaggi, Italian fashion journalist, stylist, and icon, died this year at the age of 81. Known for eccentricity, she was master of the mood- or pin-board, now a standard magazine feature. She was also known for her ability to tell a story with her outfits and collages of garments.