इंडिया के फेमस फैशन डिजाइनर और बॉलिवुड सिलेब्स के सबसे करीबी माने जाने वाले मनीष मल्होत्रा ने अपने घर पर छोटी सी पार्टी रखी, तो उसमें इंडस्ट्री के सितारे भी शरीक हुए। इनमें कृति सैनन से लेकर जाह्नवी कपूर तक के नाम शामिल हैं।
बॉलीवुड सिंगर नेहा कक्कड़ (Neha Kakkar) और पंजाबी म्यूजिक आर्टिस्ट रोहनप्रीत सिंह (Rohanpreet Singh) इन दिनों हर किसी के फेवरेट बने हुए हैं। दोनों की एक झलक पाने के लिए इनके फैंस बेताब रहते हैं। ऐसे में आज जब दोनों को मुंबई एयरपोर्ट पर देखा गया तो हर कोई इनके स्टाइल पर फ़िदा हो गया।
“When the pandemic hit, my first thought was, I’m in trouble. I had $250,000 worth of inventory that nobody wanted,” says Sabrina Zohar, the founder of softwear, a Brooklyn-based brand of sustainable loungewear. “I had a genuine fear that we were going to close our doors and liquidate.” She was hardly the only fashion business thinking that. When COVID-19 took hold and ushered everyone indoors, the future of fashion looked bleak. Like softwear, many brands were left with products that no one was buying, with consumers uncertain about what’s next; stores were canceling orders from brands; and even beloved labels and stores began shutting doors. Months later, the industry is still recovering from the fallout, with many hoping to make enough to cover expenses — forget about turning a profit — this year. Yet through ingenuity and strategic style pivots, some fashion brands have found success despite it all.
“My mother always says, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention.’ I had no choice but to adapt to our new reality. At the beginning of March, tie-dye began to make an appearance again, and I was sitting on a lot of inventory, white joggers specifically,” says Zohar. She began to tie-dye them, producing custom made-to-order pieces. “Instead of creating pieces that I wasn’t sure if anyone would like or even want, I decided it was best to create something that would be so unique to each specific client, something that they would genuinely love.” Not too long after, softwear made about $150,000 in tie-dye alone, according to Zohar. “It was the rainbow to our stormy cloud,” she adds.
Vita Fede jewelry designer Cynthia Sakai didn’t just launch a new product while adapting to the pandemic — she launched an entirely new business. “I saw a real need for people to have access to affordable, easy-to-wear, and stylish masks that actually worked,” Sakai says. Enter: evolvetogether, a brand of FDA-registered, single-use medical masks with a sleek, minimal look and a matte, cloth-like finish.
And while a medical face mask business was organically set up for success during a time when PPE was scarce, the extent of evolvetogether’s exposure came as a surprise even to Sakai herself. Celebrities — ranging from Katie Holmes and Hailey Bieber to Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, and Vanessa Hudgens — were wearing the styles, and a 40,000-person waitlist followed. “The fact that people actually liked wearing our masks and felt confident knowing our masks were SGS-tested and proven to do what they say they did is what has driven much of our growth,” Sakai says. “I never imagined I’d be making masks in the first place, let alone waitlisted ones celebrities would wear.”
Fashion stylist Karen Perez, likewise, didn’t envision making face masks prior to 2020. But when clients came to her “with requests on finding them high-end, chic masks,” she saw a need to create one that would make a statement. “I decided to design my own. I wanted to create a mask that was feminine, chic,” she says. “The chains added a nice touch.” While Second Wind’s face masks were unique enough for their linen material (the brand has since launched styles in silk as well), custom fit (something that is still rare), and general style factor, it was indeed the chains that came attached with them that were still a novelty at the point of the pandemic and separated them from other brands making cloth masks. During the first pre-sale in July, Second Wind sold over 10,000 units in 24 hours.
“It was so overwhelming that I had to shut down the web store the next morning,” says Perez. “We were a made-to-order business, and this wasn’t anything I was ready for and expected.” The second drop sold out in 10 minutes. (Second Wind also made headlines when WeWoreWhat’s Danielle Bernstein was accused of copying the face mask design; she denied the allegations.)
While all three of these businesses responded to the consumers’ new demands, Hill House Home was already poised for success — though it did not know just how much prior to this year. While the home brand’s Nap Dress, a flowy frock with a smocked bodice, was released in 2019 and the name’s trademark filed in January 2020, it was when spring’s stay-at-home orders first started that the dress became inescapable on social media and crowned thefashion item of 2020.
When deciding to launch the dress — which Hill House Home founder Nell Diamond had “been thinking about for many years” prior to last year — she wasn’t sure it would take off with the brand’s customer. “I did wonder if it was a ‘Nell Thing’ — something only I cared about. When we launched our first Nap Dress collection, though, we realized pretty quickly that the combination of comfort, style, and price really worked,” says Diamond.
According to her, the Nap Dress currently makes up 50% of the brand’s business, and each new launch — it’s now available in six silhouette styles and a variety of colors — generates the best sales day and week for the brand at that point in time; during the October drop, Hill House Home sold one million dollars of inventory in 30 minutes. “I think versatility is key,” Diamond says of its success. “The Nap Dress can be worn inside or outside. You can go from bed, to a meeting, to errands, to dinner, all without changing out of your Nap Dress.” At a time when our bedrooms and dining rooms double as work offices, this is not only appealing but also frankly convenient.
The Folklore, an online boutique that carries pieces by designers from Africa and the diaspora, too, didn’t know the success that 2020 would bring. According to its founder Amira Rasool, in March, sales slowed down to the point of her considering getting another job to keep the business above water if things didn’t improve. “I’m a go-getter, I’m someone who always perseveres over things,” Rasool says, though she wondered, “What was I going to have to sacrifice?” After cutting everything that was “not super urgent,” Rasool significantly reduced her monthly overhead costs.
In response to the death of George Floyd and the protests that followed in June, many news outlets and websites expressed their support for the Black Lives Matter movement and ran lists of Black-owned businesses to support (Refinery29 did as well). The Folklore was prominently featured, which, according to Rasool, led to an increase in sales. “I never thought me being Black would actually be something that benefitted me. As Black people, we’re always so used to Black being the thing that disqualifies us from so many things — from feeling safe in our homes, from getting the job — but with so many people having this awakening after watching that George Floyd video, it was overwhelming the amount of support,” Rasool says. “I remember saying to myself, Is this how white people feel when they launch things? Because I’ve never had so many people reach out to me, offer resources, post about me like this.”
But more than just being Black-owned, The Folklore was founded in 2018 with a mission to support other Black creatives. “It’s not just me being Black, but what my company represents. The Folklore was designed to help other Black people and people from Africa,” she explains. “We already had the connections with these Black designers that these retailers are now pledging to stock. A lot of people were scrambling to find the leaders in the fashion industry who have consistently been working with Black-owned businesses, who specifically have been working to empower Black designers.”
I remember saying to myself, Is this how white people feel when they launch things? Because I’ve never had so many people reach out to me, offer resources, post about me like this.
Amira Rasool, the folklore founder
With that in mind, the retailer’s most buzz-worthy moment came last month when it announced an ongoing partnership with retailer giant Farfetch to showcase some of the fashion brands carried on The Folklore. But while the fact that The Folklore has consistently been promoting these brands can be attributed to the partnership between the two fashion forces, once again, it was Rasool’s perseverance that landed her this opportunity. While attending Farfetch’s fashion and retail tech accelerator Dream Assembly, Rasool says she raised her hand during a talk given by Farfetch North America President Jeffery Fowler. “I asked, ‘What are you doing to include more Black and African designers on your website? And how can my company, The Folklore, help?’” she recalls. “It all went from there.”
While the beginning of the pandemic saw a lull in clothing shopping due to consumers having nowhere to wear it and the future uncertain, there has, more recently, been a shift in what consumers are buying. Having witnessed the waste that fashion overproduction creates, many have vowed to shop less fast fashion and invest in quality, special items that will last for years rather than a single season. Kelsy Parkhouse, the founder of women’s clothing brand Carleen, has witnessed this mindset shift firsthand. While sales in spring looked “bleak,” according to her, the orders in August and onward not only made up for the losses earlier in the year but are also outpacing Carleen’s 2019 numbers.
“The one-of-a-kind pieces are doing really well. I think people are just really excited about having that kind of special emotional connection to the garment,” she says. “We can’t see our friends as much. We can’t go places as much, and you’re not going to get that emotional hit that you get from my garment; you’re not going to get that from buying something from a mass retailer. You’re going to get that from shopping from the designer or shopping from a local store that knows all the designers they work with.”
While she credits Carleen’s promising sales to her connection with her clients — “I had an interaction with a customer on Instagram recently who described the jacket she got from me as being a lifelong warm, cozy hug” — she also points to quilt outerwear, the brand’s specialty, being a big fashion trend right now. “I think it’s very possible that Carleen might have had this moment and this upswing if our world was a little more normal as well, because this something we’ve been building towards for quite a while,” Parkhouse muses. “But I certainly can’t say that for sure.”
Brands will need to be very clear about how their products fulfill both emotional and functional needs in order to stay relevant and successful.
Cynthia Sakai, evolvetogether founder
No one is sure about what the future of fashion holds, and what can guarantee a fashion business’ success going into 2021. All the brands Refinery29 spoke to said that businesses should continue to stay true to the core of the brand’s vision and zero on why they were started in the first place. “Beyond navigating the immediate financial issues facing so many businesses, the fashion industry will also need to navigate a new post-pandemic consumer. I think a lot of consumers have had a shift in perspective — we’ve realized we can get by with less and have become more selective on what we spend money on,” says Sakai. “A social media moment isn’t going to cut it. I think brands will need to be very clear about how their products fulfill both emotional and functional needs in order to stay relevant and successful.” She personally is planning on expanding evolvetogether’s offerings to include more “thoughtfully designed daily essentials” as the need for masks will likely dwindle in the coming years.
Zohar also encourages brands to listen to their customers right now, having herself found it essential when interacting with many when creating Softwear’s custom tie-dye pieces. “Throughout this process, I realized that the more your customer feels like they have a voice and the more they feel they’re laying a brick down with you, the stronger your relationship will be with them,” she says. “Be sure to put customer service above all else.”
While The Folklore has had a strong year, Rasool emphasizes that it’s already a win if a brand is able to make it. “My advice is just figuring out ways to not close your business. I’m not saying figure out ways to increase your sales by two weeks, all of that. For a lot of industries, that’s not realistic right now… Just survive and stay mentally, physically, and emotionally and economically as prosperous as you can,” she says. “Weather this storm and come back stronger.”
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Whatever your plans — or lack of plans — are for New Year’s Eve, Tracee Ellis Ross has an outfit to inspire your style choice for the evening. The black-ish star has become known for her refreshing and playful fashion sense, and Ross’ recent Instagram post show just the latest in a series of memorable looks this year.
On Tuesday, Ross posted a slideshow of outfit photos from her couch. If you’re looking to get dressed up on New Year’s Eve, follow Ross’ lead and wear a sparkly sequin dress. For something more low-key but still festive, pick a silky, pajama-like matching set or jumpsuit. For peak comfort, why not opt for the trendy no-pants ensemble? Ross did her version of the look with a relaxed white button-up shirt. Did we mention that it’s perfect for Zoom parties?
While we’ve been in the same pair of sweatpants since lockdown orders began, a quick scroll through Ross’ feed shows that the actress has been incorporating all of this year’s best trends into her wardrobe. She’s mastered everything from elevated loungewear to monochromatic suits. Not to mention her gorgeous Emmy Awards red carpet gown that came with a matching face mask.
If you’re thinking your New Year’s Eve will prioritize coziness, look no further than Ross’ styled sweatsuit ensemble. In September, the actress paired a baby blue PANGAIA sweatsuit with an unexpected shoe choice — heels. The Bottega Veneta braided Lido sandals that were everywhere this year, combined with her chunky gold hoops and bold lip color, take the look from couch chic to couch chic.
Refuse to let 2020 keep you from going full glam? When Ross was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, she wore a head-to-toe golden gown complete with a plunging halter top and a tiered skirt that would set the perfect tone for the new year. “How fun to get dressed up!” Ross captioned her Instagram post showing off her look. “Can’t say I miss the frenetic energy of the red carpet or wearing high heels, but boy do I miss a pretty dress!” Huge same. But this year, with crowded parties not being a thing, you can skip the heels if you want and keep the best part, the dress.
Another Ross-approved fit is a pairing of a bold suit and chunky sneakers. It appears as though she wore it out to run some errands, but this vibrant look could not be a more perfect, mood-boosting choice for New Year’s Eve. And forget matching your shoes and your purse. In 2020, it’s all about matching your mask and shoes. Ross’ sneakers, by Pyer Moss, are completely in step with her ribbed, yellow velvet mask from Lele Sadoughi. To make it more casual, take a page from Ross’ style book and cuff the sleeves and pants.
Speaking of suits, there is more than one way to wear this look. Take the oversized, menswear-inspired suit that Ross wore back in April (and also included in the IG post this week). Keep the rest of the look simple by tying back your hair in a slick, low bun and cozy up on the couch. As Ross makes clear, shoes are optional.
An upside to this strange year is that the dress code can be whatever we want it to be. And, thanks to Ross, we have no shortage of NYE fashion inspiration.
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PARIS, France – FEBRUARY 25: A model walks the runway during the Marine Serre Ready to Wear Fall/Winter 2020_2021 show as part of the Paris Fashion Week on February 25th, 2020. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Iva Paska, Ph.D., a sociologist from the University North in Croatia and founder of Existentia, a website born from Paska’s own existential questions and research, views this as little surprise. “Times like these invite us to rediscover the teachings of existentialism,” she says. “Within current circumstances, it seems as if all these things that we usually take for granted are called into question. As if the rug of existential weaving that holds our everyday life is now being pulled under our feet and we are starting to see beneath it… death, illness, aloneness.”
Mirroring that sentiment, Mats Rombaut, founder and creative director of Rombaut, says the Spring-Summer 2020 dystopian imagery was inspired by reflection about the current state of the world. “[And] not just the recent pandemic either, which is just a consequence of how we have mistreated this planet for a long time,” he tells Refinery29. “I think everyone had to think in an existentialist way during these uncertain times.”
From experience, Rombaut says existentialism can prompt a fashion brand to evaluate its future, asking questions like: Where do we go from here? Does it make economic sense to continue? Does it make sense for humanity to continue like this? If not, how can we change? He predicts that the “real existentialism still has to show” with more brands closing down.
This is already taking place as chain retailers, department stores, and small designers alike struggle to stay afloat, with 2020 bringing a consecutive list of closures, including Century 21, Sies Marjan, Totokaelo, and Need Supply. It’s also evident through brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and more leaving the archaic Fashion Month calendar that encourages brands to produce collections at lightning speed that leaves little room for creativity and creates more clothing than we can ever wear in our lifetime. Amongst the mass layoffs of retail workers, and the cancellation of roughly $1.5 billion worth of orders from an industry that relies on more than 150 million underpaid workers in lower-income countries (predominantly BIPOC women), the pandemic has poked enough holes in the fashion industry’s unsustainable production model that it’s becoming increasingly impossible for people to ignore. Naturally, this leads to an existential reevaluation of fashion’s entire purpose.
Rombaut’s latest collection, “Next Life,” centers around the human struggle for survival. “The personal mental struggles humans go through, the general mood of depression, and current health of the planet,” he adds. “These were themes already present in the collection and in the Rombaut narrative before the pandemic hit.” These themes have also previously been explored by brands like Collina Strada, a label that has long highlighted the issue of climate change while sending messages of hope and optimism. This is also Rombaut’s approach, too, asking questions like: Will the next generation do better?
Marilynn H. Johnson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the University of San Diego’s philosophy department — who is currently working on a book that explores the philosophical meaning of bodily adornment, including clothing — notes that it’s not uncommon for existential thoughts, brought on as a result of an unprecedented event, to eventually take a turn for the positive and inspire people to appreciate life.
“As you look throughout history at the time after people have been controlled, there’s a big boom in terms of fashion and people living it up,” she says. Think, for example, the Roaring Twenties, with its celebratory flapper aesthetic, following WWI. Or the upbeat tie-dye and psychedelic prints of the ’60s that people wore as they expressed their opposition to the Vietnam War and support for the Civil Rights Movement. “People will get sick of feeling numb, and there’ll be a backlash in the other direction,” says Johnson.
Ian Olasov, Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Brooklyn College and Medgar Evers College and author of Ask a Philosopher, says it’s easy to understand the connection between fashion and existentialist messaging. “It’s not hard to see people’s relationships to their own mortality growing with existential threats. The type of fashion trends you’re talking about are invitations for some sort of authentic connection with other people,” he says. “I could imagine people wearing ‘numb’ earrings ironically, but I could also imagine it as a sort of sincere bid for connection.”
“Existential means different things to different people so, for some people, it’s orienting your life around mortality or morbidity,” he says. “But in some existential philosophy, there’s a connection between authenticity being in light of your mortality. That kind of honesty about the facts of the situations you find yourself in and the honesty about your own freedom and responsibility in dealing with them.” This concept of authenticity is something, he explains, is currently appealing to a lot of people. He also points to stoicism — a concept that encourages living in accordance with nature — which he’s seen an increasing interest in, as offering people a way to deal with intense emotions.
While it’s evident that the rise in existentialist thought as a result of the pandemic is seeping its way into our fashion choices (and no doubt will continue to rear its head across T-shirts, new shopping experiences, and sneaker campaigns as we enter the new year), it doesn’t mean that we’re caught in a negative spiral with no way out. Instead, it may be indicating a desire for connection and a growing interest in questioning why things and outdated systems still exist. This could be particularly important for the future of an industry that has long excluded people and encouraged overproduction and overconsumption over sustainability — and needs to change.
As Sartre put it, “Life begins on the other side of despair.” If fashion is currently in despair, it means that new life, designs, and ideas are on their way.
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Fox News host Raymond Arroyo just learned the power of Harry Styles’ fandom after he dared to make a sarcastic comment about the singer’s “gender-bending” clothing choices in a segment titled “Things To Avoid In 2021.” Shortly after airing, the clip went viral after Styles fans got a hold of it and quickly turned #foxnewsjacksofftoharrystyles into the top trending hashtag on Twitter.
“Harry Styles, please stick to Armani menswear or at least pants,” Arroyo said with a chastising tone while Styles’ Vogue December cover — on which Styles can be seen wearing a Gucci dress — was on display. “The gender-bending wardrobe is not edgy or artistic. You look ridiculous and you’re not breaking any new ground. David Bowie did this decades before you were even conceived. And the pearls are really bad.”
Where do we even begin? First of all, Styles’ pearls are great. As are his other fashion choices. What’s unsavory is Arroyo’s take, that no one asked for, and his outdated opinions on what men “should wear.”
In his Vogue cover interview in December, Styles made it clear that he enjoys the creative freedom that fashion offers. “There’s so much joy to be had in playing with clothes,” Styles said. “I’ve never thought too much about what it means – it just becomes this extended part of creating something.” What Styles demonstrates, time and time again, with his looks is that you should dress for yourself.
Looking at Twitter, it’s clear that people are (rightfully) on Styles’ side. Fans accused the Fox News anchor of being obsessed with the singer, jealous, or maybe even harboring a crush.
Styles fans have gotten used to defending the singer from baseless commentary on the way he dresses. Last month, conservative commentator Candance Owens also broadcast her thoughts on Styles’ Vogue cover in a series of tweets asking to “bring back manly men.” It seems like neither Owens nor Arroyo has learned that a person’s expression isn’t their business.
Styles, too, is perfectly capable of issuing his own clap backs. In an Instagram post posted earlier this month, Styles captioned a photo of himself wearing a stunning baby blue suit and ruffled shirt with, “Bring back manly men.”
That fact of the matter is that some people get really pressed about others living their best life by taking a carefree approach to fashion. Fashion is supposed to be joyful and expressive. That’s the lesson we’re taking into 2021.
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Despite many film, TV, and music video sets being shut down this year due to the pandemic, there has been no shortage of content to watch, stream, and analyze in 2020. But this year’s productions didn’t just entertain us with dance-ready melodies, tear-jerking scripts, and stunning sets. They also featured fashion at its finest.
Prior to that, the year held just as many greats. We love-hated Lily Collins’ style in Emily in Paris, were charmed by the wardrobe of Emma, and awed by the fashion inBlack Is King, a visual film by Beyoncé. And let’s not forget about Tiger King, the Netflix series that launched a thousand Carole Baskin Halloween costumes. (That said, I think we can all agree that her looks should only be copied on October 31.) And those are only the highlights.
Ahead, discover all of fashion’s best TV, film, and music video moments of the year, from Normal People to Sylvie’s Love.
Emily In Paris
Fashion is the highlight of Emily In Paris, even if it’s ringarde at times. Between Emily’s (Lily Collins) Dior newsboy cap, her Kermit green Chanel jacket, and one exquisite Christian Siriano LBD, the show is basically Sex & The City, but with French men and croissants. Though, with a costume designer in Patricia Field (of The Devil Wears Prada and SATC) and a creator in Darren Star (of SATC and Younger), there’s really no other way, is there?
According to fashion search engine Lyst, following Season 1, there was a 342% increase in pageviews for Kangol bucket, as well as a 41% increase in search for berets (Emily’s signature headgear). Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.
Normal People
Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal) may not have dressed in designer labels like Emily In Paris’ protagonist, but that doesn’t mean the fashion in Hulu’s TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s sophomore novel Normal People was any less influential.
Interestingly enough, it was Connell’s thirst trap of a chain necklace that made the show a sartorial hit. The simple, silver necklace — which, soon after the show premiered, gained its own Instagram account titled @connellschain — led to a 43% increase in searches for men’s chain necklaces year-over-year according to Lyst. Photo: Courtesy of Hulu.
Bridgerton
Bridgerton is more than just a TV show — it’s a visual experience. Produced by Shonda Rhimes and based on Julia Quinn’s romance novels of the same name, the series takes place in 1813 London and includes beaded dresses, lavish headdresses, and exquisite jewels, all of which combine to create a sartorial escape from the dreary world that is 2020. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.
I May Destroy You
Patterned cardigans and baby pink hair collide on I May Destroy You’s Michaela Coel, who plays Arabella on the hit drama series that she created. According to Lyst, during the show’s airtime between June and September, Arabella’s ‘90s-inspired cardigans caused a 43% spike in search for the knitwear staple. Her feathered outerwear and Champion sweatsuits are worth pointing out as well, as is her memorable dark angel costume from the Halloween episode, which included Maleficent-inspired horns and a mini dress from ASOS.Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
The Crown
Netflix’s hit royal drama The Crown has always been a mecca for fashion. But, with the addition of Princess Diana (played by Emma Corrin) in the show’s recently released fourth season, things were taken up a notch in the costume department. Between the late princess’ sapphire engagement ring, her puff-sleeve wedding gown, and her many ‘80s-era outfits, the latest addition to The Crown saga was perhaps its best — at least in terms of the fashion. Photo: Des Willie/Netflix.
High Fidelity
The fact that Hulu’s TV adaptation of Nick Hornby’s 1995 novel High Fidelity, starring Zoë Kravitz, didn’t get picked up for a second season was a shocking disappointment, not only because it was impeccable, but also because we’re in need of more vintage fashion inspiration from star Robyn “Rob” Brooks (Kravitz). If you ask us, her leather trench coat alone deserves a series of its own. Hell, throw in her pleated mini skirts and vintage 501s, and Hulu could make an entire fashion film.Photo: Phillip Caruso/Hulu.
Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens
It’s hard to out-style Awkwafina, an actress who’s starred in some of this decade’s most fashionable films, from Oceans 8 to Crazy Rich Asians. Even so, in the Comedy Central series Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens, it’s the lead’s grandma, played by Lori Tan Chinn, who stole the show fashion-wise. With leopard print, fruit jewelry charms, patterned cardigans, baseball caps, and more, Chinn is a 2020 style icon. Photo: Courtesy of Comedy Central.
Sylvie's Love
Amazon Prime’s Sylvie’s Love — starring Tessa Thompson — opens with a look worthy of an Oscar: Sylvie (Thompson) wearing a turquoise, short-sleeved Chanel gown with a matching shawl and white, elbow-length gloves in the lobby of Manhattan’s Town Hall theater. And that’s just the beginning. Throughout the film, Sylvie’s style, much of which also comes courtesy of the French luxury brand, only gets more glamorous, from her off-the-shoulder gowns to her blue, polka dot maillot. Let’s just say, you’ll be heading straight to your local vintage boutique as soon as the credits roll to recreate her looks from head to toe.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Starring Viola Davis, as well as the late Chadwick Boseman and up-and-comer Taylour Paige, Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom features can't miss fashion, like fur collars, fringe and velvet dresses, and signature gold coin necklace that will blow fashion lovers away. (You can thank costume designer Ann Roth for that.)
Emma
If you’re one of the millions of people who have watched or are in the midst of watching Bridgerton right now, you’ve likely also indulged in Emma, the aesthetically pleasing retelling of Jane Austen’s novel that hit VOD shortly after movie theatres closed, as a cure for lockdown-induced boredom. And a cure it was, to both our boredom and our sartorial funk. With ruffled collars, empire dresses, and extravagant hats, Emma quickly got us excited to get dressed in something other than sweatpants.
I'm Your Woman
Set in the ‘70s and starring The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's Rachel Brosnahan, Amazon Prime’s I’m Your Woman isn’t your average fashion movie. Rather, it’s a gritty crime drama about a suburban housewife whose husband, a gangster, drops a baby in her lap and then runs off, leaving her to clean up the mess he left behind. Though the story alone is captivating, for us, it was the clothes — think: oversized Gucci sunglasses, cropped fur coats, and mid-century two-pieces in mustard and fuschia — that made the film a standout.
Harley Quinn: Birds Of Prey
Though this was a DC superhero flick, thanks to costume designer Erin Benach — who crafted the costumes for Drive and A Star Is Born — the film featured plenty of fashion moments. Benach incorporated bright colors, loud patterns, and DIY-esque details, as well as incredible jewelry pieces, to create the wardrobe of Margot Robbie, who plays a newly single-from-the-Joker Harley Quinn.
Rebecca
The costumes in Netflix’s Rebecca, starring Lily James and Armie Hammer (swoon), are both retro — the film takes place around 1938 — and modern, with costume designer Julian Day telling Fashionista that he wanted viewers to feel transported to another time, while still being able to go out and purchase one of James’ looks. And though we’re admittedly still on the fence about the movie itself, our minds are more than made up about Day’s costumes: perfection.
"WAP" by Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
Not only did Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s music video for “WAP” have the biggest streaming debut week of 2020, but it also featured a handful of fashion-worthy ensembles, most of which included cutouts and animal prints. According to Lyst, during the week that followed the music video’s release, demand for animal print pieces doubled. In specific, searches for “leopard,” “tiger,” and “snake” collectively surged 201% week-over-week.
"Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles
What kind of fashion list would this be if it didn’t include “Watermelon Sugar,” the summer-loving music video from Harry Styles. In the video, Styles prances around the beach, eating watermelon and wearing a slew of crochet vests and Gucci crop tops. Within 24 hours of its release, Lyst saw an increase of 11% in search for the term “watermelon,” 31% for Bode shirts — a New York-based brand that Styles frequently sports — and 16% for Hawaiian-themed pieces. Essentially search for everything Styles wore during the video was at an all-time (“Watermelon Sugar”) high. (The aforementioned "Golden" was likewise full of applause-worthy fashion.)
"Already" by Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, and Major Lazer
For Black Is King, the 85-minute visual film based on tracks from The Lion King: The Gift’s soundtrack, Beyoncé, in partnership with her stylist Zerina Akers, created looks highlighting Black designers, as well as some of today’s most prominent brands like Area and Valentino.
One of the highlights? The Marine Serre bodysuits worn by Beyoncé and her dancers in the music video for the song “Already.” In the video, the Grammy winner can also be seen wearing a cow-print corset look by Burberry; a teal, corseted jumpsuit that was hand-beaded on Nigerian lace by designer Jerome LaMaar; and a black-and-white structured blazer by Loza Maléombho.
"Hoy Cobré" by Bad Bunny feat. Snoop Dogg
Bad Bunny’s music video for the track “Hoy Cobré” sees Snoop Dogg wearing an all-black suit, with “Dogg” embroidered on the jacket pocket in crystals, and dark sunglasses. Bad Bunny’s looks are equally on-point, our favorite being a cream-colored ribbed turtleneck, a pearl necklace, and an oversized wool coat.
"Cardigan" by Taylor Swift
To accompany her first album release of 2020 — her second, evermore, came out in December — Taylor Swift dropped a cottagecore-inspired music video for the Folklore track “Cardigan.” In it, Swift climbs through a piano, swims (sort of) in thrashing water, and strolls through a moss-covered forest — all in a Nap dress-esque nightgown and, later, a cream-colored cardigan. Following its release, Lyst reported a 10% surge in search for cardigans.
"Forgive Me" by Chloe x Halle
With the help of Akers, Chloe x Halle created one of the chicest music videos of the year. “Forgive Me,” which was released in June, opens with the sister duo wearing leather harnesses — a huge trend in 2020 — by Zana Bayne and voluminous, black skirts by Delia Alleyne. Also included in the three-minute visual experience are mesh tops, leather bralettes, and patent leather pants.
"Dynamite" by BTS
Within 24 hours of its release, BTS’ “Dynamite” music video garnered a whopping 101.1 million views, according to YouTube. The video, which features trends like Canadian tuxedos, bucket hats, and head-to-toe pastel ensembles, was equally as successful in the fashion department. In fact, according to Lyst, the video caused a 128% spike in searches for Kangol hats from the ‘90s.
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बॉलीवुड एक्ट्रेस सनी लियोनी (Sunny Leone) भले ही एक्टिंग के मामले में अभी भी दूसरी एक्ट्रेसेस से पीछे हों लेकिन अपने फैशनसेंस को लेकर वह हमेशा से ही आगे रहती हैं। ऐसा ही कुछ हमें आज भी देखने को मिला, जब मुंबई एयरपोर्ट पर एक्ट्रेस को क्यूट लुक में स्पॉट किया गया।
रकुल प्रीत सिंह ज्यादातर वेस्टर्न कपड़ों में ही नजर आती हैं। ऐसे में जब उन्हें इंडियन अटायर में स्पॉट किया जाता है, तो यह अदाकारा एकदम से अटेंशन अट्रैक्ट करती लगती है। ऐसा ही लुक उनका इस बार रहा, जो स्वीट ऐंड स्टाइलिश था।
बॉलीवुड एक्टर ईशान खट्टर और एक्ट्रेस अनन्या पांडे को फिल्म 'खाली पीली' में एक साथ स्क्रीन शेयर करते हुए देखा गया था। भले ही यह फिल्मों दर्शकों को कुछ खास पसंद नहीं आई हो लेकिन दोनों की क्यूट केमिस्ट्री ने हर किसी का दिल जीता।
Beyoncé is over 2020 and her family members have a hilarious gift from her to prove it. The award-winning singer gifted the women in her family custom gold and diamond necklaces that are a clever play on 2020 — with the pendant featuring the year shaped like a hand giving the middle finger. As if we didn’t already feel like Beyoncé had the ability to speak directly to our souls.
Angie Beyince, the singer’s cousin, shared a photo of the necklace. “@beyonce gifted all of her girls with this amazing custom 2020 necklace,” she wrote on Instagram. “When I opened it my eyes teared up because it is both hilarious & deeply sentimental. 2020 has had ups and downs but over all it’s been a really weird and tuff year. Hopefully 2021 is good to the world.”
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, posted a photo of herself on Instagram sporting one of the new necklaces as well, expressing a very relatable feeling of exhaustion mixed with relief that this difficult year is coming to an end. “It is almost over and we are still here,” she wrote.
While she may not have been playing festivals or doing a world tour, Queen Bey has still had quite a busy year. She released her visual albumBlack is King this summer, as well as the Ivy Park x Adidas collection this fall. It seems like she’s also taken away some life lessons from 2020. In an interview for British Vogue’s December issue, the singer said, “I have learnt that my voice is clearer when I am still. I truly cherish this time with my family, and my new goal is to slow down and shed stressful things from my life.”
But while there might be some lessons to be found in 2020, we are with Beyoncé in giving one big middle finger to the year.
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If you want to stay in your pajamas — or underwear — while rocking bright and bold makeup, go for it! If you want to bust out a stunning floor-length dress that you didn't have an excuse to wear this year, it’s all you. Maybe this is the time you try out a trend and soft launch it at home before taking it out into the world. In our homes, we set the dress code. Nothing is off the table.
To get our creative juices flowing, we decided to turn to celebrities for some outfit inspiration. We were pleased to find that they, too, were taking the holiday season as an opportunity to set their own dress code at home. We may all be socially distanced, but outfit-wise, we are very much on the same page. As always, anything sparkly is a winning New Years' Eve choice, but we also felt particularly inspired by the mix and match of 2020 fashion favorites and holiday classics. Think: a matching sweatsuit with a statement red lip.
Ahead, we’ve put together some of our favorite celebrity holiday looks to inspire your New Year's Eve outfit. Whether you’re going for a cozy look or something a bit more dressed up, these looks will get you thinking of the perfect look to wear while saying good riddance to 2020.
Storm Reid
Pairing 2020's biggest trend with a holiday makeup classic, Euphoria's Storm Reid wore a tie-dye sweatsuit with a bold red lip.
Kendall Jenner
Always one to be fashion-forward, Kendall Jenner opted for a high-fashion look by pairing a ruffly, gold top with tights and platform heels. It's perfect for any Zoom parties, where only your top half is visible.
Chloe x Halle are giving us major Y2K and Destiny's Child vibes with the silver and icy blue matching sets.
Hailee Steinfeld
If you're feeling especially festive, take some inspiration from Hailee Steinfeld who proves that red plaid will always be a holiday favorite.
Justin & Hailey Bieber
Sometimes the best outfits are the coziest. Need proof? Look no further than the Biebers. We can see ourselves wearing this as we fall asleep on the couch before midnight.
Lily Collins
Like red plaid, pairing black with metallic will never go out of style. Emily Cooper would approve of this one.
Gal Gadot
Sure, this was definitely a photoshoot and not Gal Gadot's holiday look, but there's something about a chunky knit sweater and a bold eye look that seems perfect this time of year.
Lizzo
Follow Lizzo, and stay in your underwear all night, if you like. It's trendy right now.
Kylie Jenner
Never underestimate the power of a red dress to strike just the right New Year's Eve note.
Nina Dobrev
Quarantine or no quarantine, we are obsessed with the idea of pairing a black turtleneck sweater with a sparkly, tulle skirt.
Vanessa Hudgens
If you're thinking this New Year's Eve will be a cozy one, elevate a onesie with some fun accessories a la Vanessa Hudgens.
January Jones
January Jones is our new queen of festive statement sweater content.
Sofia Richie
Monochrome dressing, be it in the form of a suit or a sweatsuit, always seems to be just the vibe we were looking for.
Lisa
Sporty casual never felt like the more perfect New Year's Eve look — as showcased by Lisa.
Busy Phillips
Busy Phillips inspiring us to sport one of our favorite trends: a puff-sleeve dress.
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कंगना रनौत मंगलवार को मुंबई के प्रभादेवी इलाके में स्थित प्रसिद्ध सिद्धिविनायक मंदिर पहुंचीं। इस दौरान उन्होंने सिल्क की साड़ी पहनी हुई थी, जिसमें वह बेहद सुंदर और एलिगेंट नजर आ रही थीं।
बॉलीवुड के पावर कपल्स में से एक रणवीर सिंह और दीपिका पादुकोण सबसे अधिक पसंद किए जाने वाले जोड़ों में से एक हैं। ऐसे में आज जब इस सुपर क्यूट जोड़ी को मुंबई एयरपोर्ट पर देखा गया तो हर कोई उन्हें देखता रह गया।
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 25: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation during their royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Toby Melville – Pool/Getty Images)
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Archie are using their love of beanies for a charitable cause this holiday season. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex got in contact with community-minded crafting company Make Give Live in New Zealand to place a special order in Archie’s name.
According to Make Give Live’s Instagram, the couple got in touch with them ahead of Christmas to buy “100 beanies to donate to Archie’s Kiwi friends (children in need in NZ).” Because the company maintains a “buy one, give one” business model, that means 200 warm hats will go to families in need. “They wanted to help our members continue to enjoy making, connecting, and supporting each other which has never been as important as now,” the organization wrote in the caption.
What’s more, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is responsible for making the connection and facilitating Make Give Live’s communication with Meghan and Harry. The organization wrote, “Thank you @jacindaardern for letting them know we were trying to get in touch to wish them Merry Christmas and thank them for shining a light on the work we do with this image that captured hearts around the world.”
On New Year’s Eve 2019, Meghan and Harry shared a montage of photos and videos from that year to the Sussex Royal Instagram. Ending the video was a photo of Harry and Archie, with the latter wearing one of Make Give Live’s beanies. According to the brand, the exposure immediately increased the visibility of the company and its mission.
“You won’t know the influence you have yet but when you do I hope you use it to help others and make the world a better place like your awesome mama and dad,” Make Give Live wrote in an Instagram post celebrating Archie’s first birthday back in May. “This special photo has made a huge difference for us and our whole community!”
Ever since the couple relocated from England, for a quieter life further out of the public eye, they have adopted a much more laid-back lifestyle. As a result, we saw the couple donning more casual clothing, including puffer jackets and beanies. Now they are helping others through their love of the cold-weather essential.
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