This was 2012

Before kicking off 2013 and revealing all the good that's on the menu this year, it may be worth to cast one more glance at the most remarkable ups and downs of 2012. The fashion industry of last year is marked by goodbyes and welcomes of the head designers of some of the top most renowned fashion houses in the world.

For example, creative director Raf Simons switched Jil Sander for Dior and revealed during an interview that he wants to create a signature style for Dior that currently lacks the brand. In order to strive for that, he is said to take example by Chanel and its famous style.

Besides that, the news that declared Hedi Slimane as the new head designer of Saint Laurent, formerly known as Yves Saint Laurent, has led inevitably to a 'Paris match' starring the two debutants Simons and Slimane. Especially the international critics added fuel to the fire and bombarded the issue as 'juxtaposition of 2012'. It was Simons who could rely on the press to give the greatest support.

Unfortunately for some designers the outlook was less bright when the economic recession struck hard. Betsey Johnson, Walter Van Beirendonck and Christophe Coppens, to mention a few, were declared bankrupt. Johnson struck back though and is still working on her comeback.

Another low in the fashion industry in 2012 was the regrettable loss of Anna Piaggi at the age of 81. The former muse of Karl Lagerfeld (among many) was not only a great influential fashion writer who contributed for Vogue and Vanity but also praised for her eclectic, artistic clothing style.

2012 was nonetheless a year of surprises, for example proven by the unexpected collaboration between Maison Martin Margiela and H&M. The somewhat mysterious image and unusual creations of the designer resulted in one of the most speculated collections to come out. Rumour has it that the actual sale was not as successful as intended. However this doesn't do much harm to the label since they were recently officially awarded the status of haute couture house.

However, it was the announcement of Alexander Wang to succeed Balenciaga's ex-creative director Nicolas Ghesquière that created a media buzz of unknown dimensions. The 28 years old American designer will continue his own line and will reveal his collection for Balenciaga in 2013. Until then, the fashion world can only take a shot in the dark at Wang's interpretation and continuation of Ghesquière's experimental and futuristic work.

Author: Elke Sockeel