As 2024 draws to a close, it’s impossible not to look back at a year packed with standout moments in the fashion world. From the reimagined runways of major brands to unforgettable red-carpet looks, this year proved that fashion remains a powerful cultural force.
The Return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
After a five-year hiatus, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its grand return in 2024, but not without a noticeable transformation. Once criticised for its lack of inclusivity, the brand has spent the past several years reinventing itself with an emphasis on body positivity and diversity. The revamped show was a reflection of this shift, bringing together iconic supermodels like Adriana Lima, Carla Bruni, and Kate Moss alongside a new generation of stars, including Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, and Anok Yai.
True to its tradition of blending music and fashion, the event featured performances by legends like Cher, rising star Tyla, and global sensation Lisa. Yet, for all the nostalgia, crucial parts were missing.
The 2024 show was sponsored by e-commerce giant Amazon, marking a modern twist: viewers could shop the lingerie collection in real-time, even before the show ended. Social media buzzed with reactions, ranging from praise for the inclusivity to criticism of the designs, which some felt lacked the extravagance and excitement of previous years.
Gone were the iconic fantasy bras—bejewelled creations worth millions—and the whimsical, playful “Pink” segment that once defined the show’s fun, youthful energy. Many fans also noted a subdued energy on the runway, with less theatrics and fewer elaborate stage designs than in years past.
Still, the show reflected meaningful progress. The runway featured a diverse cast of models, including plus-size women, women of colour proudly wearing their natural hair, and transgender models—a stark contrast to past controversies, such as the 2019 remarks by a former Victoria’s Secret executive who dismissed the idea of trans women participating in the show.
For longtime fans, seeing familiar faces like Adriana Lima and Doutzen Kroes back on the runway was a heartwarming touch of nostalgia. The show’s commitment to representation and inclusion signalled a welcome evolution, showcasing a broader spectrum of beauty that reflects the world today.
However, the lack of signature elements, such as the dazzling fantasy bra and dynamic stage designs, left some longing for the spectacle that once made the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show a cultural phenomenon. While the inclusivity was a triumph, the lingerie itself faced criticism for looking less luxurious than expected. And come on, was the collaboration with an unsustainable, unethical company really necessary?
Underconsumption Core
Sustainability took centre stage in 2024 with the rise of “underconsumption core.” This trend flooded social media with short, impactful videos of people showcasing items that had been repaired multiple times, treasured over the years, or creatively repurposed for new uses. It was a direct counter to the ongoing culture of overconsumption, aligning perfectly with the growing “deinfluencing” movement.
Together, these trends reflect a broader cultural shift: a pushback against the dominance of influencer-driven micro-trends and an embrace of longevity, mindfulness, and meaningful consumption. By championing sustainability over fleeting fads, “underconsumption core” represents a hopeful turn in fashion culture—one we hope carries into 2025 and beyond.
Athletes Take Over Fashion
This year saw sportswomen redefining what it means to merge athleticism with style. Athletes weren’t just breaking records; they were breaking barriers in the fashion world, earning collaborations, walking runways, and gracing red carpets.
Basketball star Caitlin Clark dominated headlines both on and off the court. Entering the WNBA with reportedly a staggering $28 million Nike deal, she became the first WNBA (or NBA) athlete to be styled by Prada. During her debut press conference, she also stunned in a head-to-toe Louis Vuitton look.
Track and field sensation Sha’Carri Richardson brought her signature flair to the Jacquemus x Nike campaign, proudly rocking the collection’s pieces with her distinctive acrylic nails. Meanwhile, US Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles made her runway debut at New York Fashion Week, opening the Kim Shui Spring 2025 show in a striking silver-and-blue-patterned ensemble that showcased her Olympic rings tattoo.
Naomi Osaka also made waves at the US Open, dazzling audiences in a green-and-white coquette-inspired outfit designed by Yoon Ahn in collaboration with Nike. Her warm-up jacket, featuring an oversized bow, brought a playful yet sophisticated touch to her look.
Capping off the year, Dior announced 15 sportswomen as official brand ambassadors, solidifying the powerful relationship between sports and fashion. With athletes increasingly setting style trends, from jersey-inspired streetwear to collectable Jordans, their status as style icons feels like a natural evolution.
Zendaya on the Red Carpet
If there’s one thing we can always count on, it’s Zendaya delivering jaw-dropping red carpet looks—and 2024 was no exception. The actress continued her streak of “method dressing,” tailoring her fashion choices to align with her characters and projects.
For the promotion of Challengers, she embraced tennis-inspired aesthetics and sporting archival designs from Thom Browne, Louis Vuitton, and Loewe. Her wardrobe also included rare vintage finds from Ralph Lauren and Vivienne Westwood, proving once again that she knows how to serve (pun intended).
Zendaya’s Dune: Part 2 press tour provided even more unforgettable moments, but the pièce de résistance was her outfit at the London premiere. She stunned in Thierry Mugler’s iconic Maschinenmensch robot suit from the designer’s autumn/winter 1995 couture collection. The metallic, sci-fi-inspired look perfectly matched the film’s futuristic themes.
Wicked Press Tour
The press tour for the long-awaited Wicked movie was a masterclass in method dressing. Leading ladies Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande didn’t just promote their roles as Elphaba and Glinda—they embodied them through their wardrobe choices.
Over months of interviews and red-carpet appearances, the pair captivated fashion fans with coordinated looks from designers like Thom Browne, Louis Vuitton, and Schiaparelli. Grande leaned into her Glinda-esque aesthetic with dreamy gowns and flared skirts in soft, pastel hues—most often, a signature pink. Meanwhile, Erivo channelled the daring spirit of Elphaba with avant-garde ensembles, embracing bold greens, dramatic silhouettes, and striking head-to-toe black looks.
Both actresses worked closely with their stylists to bring their characters to life, ensuring every outfit felt like an extension of the Wicked universe.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Tour
Sabrina Carpenter was undeniably one of the year’s biggest icons, and her Short n’ Sweet tour cemented her status as both a pop star and a fashion powerhouse. While her playful, PG-rated lyrics and viral dance moves lit up social media, her stunning wardrobe also commanded attention.
The tour featured custom creations from high-profile brands like Victoria’s Secret, Patou, and Ludovic de Saint Sernin. Each look brought something unique to the stage, blending glamorous details with Carpenter’s signature charm. From sleek, shimmering ensembles to bold, statement pieces, her outfits became just as much a part of the show as her music.
Bella Hadid’s Return to the Catwalk
After a two-year hiatus, Bella Hadid made her highly anticipated return to the runway during Paris Fashion Week in September. The supermodel took centre stage at the Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2025 show, wearing an oversized black suit paired with a crisp white button-down shirt and a sleek black tie. The minimalist yet powerful look highlighted Hadid’s ability to command the runway with effortless sophistication.
Model of the Year: Alex Consani
The 2024 British Fashion Council Awards delivered one of the year’s most groundbreaking moments in fashion, as Alex Consani became the first-ever transgender model to win the prestigious Model of the Year award.
This honour recognises a model whose global influence over the past year has transcended the runway, making an undeniable impact on the industry. Consani’s remarkable year included securing multiple high-profile campaigns, walking an array of prominent catwalks, and captivating audiences across social media platforms.
Berlin Fashion Week’s Move to Sustainability
In June, Berlin Fashion Week (BFW) announced that it will introduce the Sustainability Requirements created by Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) starting February 2026.
CPHFW introduced sustainability requirements in January 2023 as part of its strategy to drive positive change in the fashion industry. These requirements focus on six areas: strategic direction, design, material choices, working conditions, consumer engagement, and showcase. Brands must meet 19 mandatory action points, with additional optional points for further sustainability efforts.
BFW will adopt CPHFW’s framework but adapt it to align with Berlin’s values. BFW plans to emphasise diversity, equity, inclusion, and transparency by supporting underrepresented groups and encouraging openness about production practices. Details on BFW’s specific requirements will be announced later.
To implement these standards, BFW and CPHFW have formed a partnership. This joint effort aims to speed up sustainability actions in the fashion industry across Germany and the Nordic countries. By working together, Berlin and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks aim to make the fashion industry more sustainable and responsible, setting a new standard for fashion events worldwide.
Sources
- Live Discussion Post: The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Show
- All the Runway Looks From the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
- Transgender models featured in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
- Underconsumption Core: The Viral Trend Redefining Influencer Culture and Sustainability
- Jacquemus and Nike Return With an Athletic Spring 2024 Collection
- Olympic Gymnast Jordan Chiles Has Made Her New York Fashion Week Runway Debut
- Naomi Osaka Brings Girlhood and Brat Green to the U.S. Open
- Every Look From Zendaya’s Challengers Press Tour Was a Total Serve
- All of the standout looks from the Wicked press tour
- Bella Hadid returns to the catwalk for Saint Laurent
- Breaking Down Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet Tour Outfits
- Alex Consani becomes first trans woman to win Model Of The Year.
- Berlin Fashion Week Embraces Sustainability
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