By Isabella Hunter
From Balmain to Burberry, we count down the top 10 fashion moments of 2009 – complete with photographic evidence.
1. BALMAIN AND THE KING OF POP
As the world reeled in shock at Michael Jackson’s death, the return of big shoulders and sequins at Balmain A/W ’09 was an untimely accolade to his legacy. Balmain paid tribute to the legend with a revival of his style; the embellished military jacket is now the fashion house’s signature garment. Click here for RESCU’s Balmain blog for Paris Fashion week.
2. DOLCE & GABBANA TRIBUTE TO MISS MONROE
Domenico and Stefano stayed true to their Sicilian roots by exemplifying personal inspiration figures in their A/W ’09 show with tulle, silk, sexy corsets and sumptuous feminine ball gowns.
Elsa Schiaparelli’s trademark shocking pink featured throughout the collection, but the star drawcards were the full figured crinoline dresses and skirts splashed with black and white Marilyn Monroe prints.
Click here for our Dolce & Gabbana blog from S/S fashion week.
3. ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
The leotard mania that rocked everyone’s wardrobes in 2009 was spurred along by the reign of Beyoncé’s video clip ‘All the Single Ladies’.
The superstar sported a black long sleeved leotard with a fierce piece of cyborg-inspired arm jewellery, bare legs and classic Mary Jane stilettos. Every starlet and girl-in-the-street seemed to work the leotard this year, with pencil skirts and 2.55s, or bare butts and Balenciaga blazers.
4. NINA RICCI’S UNFEASABLE THEATRICS
When models strutted down the catwalks for the Paris Nina Ricci show of 2009, Olivier Theyskens (in his final endeavour as designer for the company) astounded the crowd, placing every last glamazon in towering structured platforms with tiny heels – a majority had no heels at all.
His amazing breakthrough designs were almost out shadowed by the wild impractical shoes in a multitude of colours and texture, but his stunning presentation and moonlit mood ensured it was a farewell to be remembered.
Click here for Nina Ricci’s Paris Fashion Week show.
5. OBAMA ’09
During the most watched election in recorded history, Michelle Obama joined the likes of Carla Bruni-Sarkozy in the ranks as a first lady and notable fashion figure.
The unexpected style icon was watched by the world during her husband’s momentous inaugural speech, on the red carpet for premieres and political events, she also graced the covers of Vogue, The New Yorker, People and Time Magazine. Michelle is on the way to a Jackie O-style reign; a first lady who knew presidency and classic style always go hand in hand.
6. FRONT ROW ROYALTY
Burberry S/S 2010 played host to a jittery pile of celebrities who waited with baited breath for the lights to dim, the music to soar and the creations to pour onto the runway.
Christopher Bailey pushed the doldrums of practicality with the trademark trench coat; rushing, twisting, and draping. The star studded front row including Emma Watson, Twiggy, Mario Testino, Victoria Beckham, Mary-Kate Olsen and Gwyneth Paltrow witnessed the rebirth of the Burberry signature. Click here for RESCU’s Burberry blog from London Fashion Week.
7. THE MAN AND THE MUSE
Marc Jacobs enjoyed a victorious year of brilliant verification and supreme success.
If he needed to seek out any positive affirmations that this year would be fortuitous despite the recession blues, his invitation to host the Costume Institute Gala of 2009 in May was probably a good place to find reassurance. Arriving with Kate Moss (in a satin champagne ensemble), the designer stayed traditional in a chic tuxedo.
8. LADY GAGA’S ICONIC EMERGENCE
2009 brought fresh starts and failures, arrivedercis’ and arrivals, none more prominent (or welcome) than the introduction of the new illustrious Queen of Pop: Lady Gaga.
The wild success of her album ‘The Fame’, inconceivable perfection of her dramatic video clips, famously O.T.T street fashion/sense of style on stage along with her sensational stage theatrics catapulted her into much deserved superstardom. Gaga’s star performances’ at the MTV Video Music Awards in September and the American Music Awards in November only added to the confirmation that she ruled this year.
9. 50s PARISIAN STYLE REVISITED
The Christian Dior Haute Couture collection for fall 2009 was nothing short of amazing elegance. The intimate show was held at the Christian Dior headquarters on Avenue Montaigne; John Galliano tactically presented a more subdued look of petticoats, lace edged slips, bubble skirts and cinched waists with peplum jackets in a tangy palette of orange, lime, raspberry and lemon. Despite the hovering recession rain clouds, the continuance of providing dreams and inspiration is never unwelcome.
10. THE SURVIVAL GUIDE
Christopher Bailey and Marc Jacobs must be punching the air with joyful and triumphant fists. Burberry and Louis Vuitton are the only two brands to reportedly increase their sales in 2009.
The overwhelming recessional heaviness that plagued artistic minds and businesses alike in 2009 were only amplified by the media and falling of a star (Christian Lacroix). The success of particular items –the oversized carry-all chequered totes seen at Burberry A/W ’09 and beautiful structured silk taffeta bunny ears shown at Louis A/W ’09 proved that even in an economic downturn, the world still loves its little pieces of luxury.
Rising above a global financial meltdown must be the ultimate ego boost, and an extreme compliment to the creativity of both these visionary designers.
