The fashion industry had a lot to say this year! From former Christian Dior creative director Raf Simons speaking about how fashion has become too much like “pop” to Rick Owens reflecting on his backstage scuffle with a model following his SS16 runway show, industry insiders did not hold back when it came to sharing their opinions. Here are ten of the most telling quotes of the year …
“Fashion became pop. I can’t make up my mind if that’s a good or a bad thing. The only thing I know is that it used to be elitist. Maybe it was nicer when it was more elitist, not for everybody. Now high fashion is for everybody” – Raf Simons
It is no secret that former Christian Dior creative director Raf Simons has qualms with the existing state of fashion – namely its breakneck pace. He is also not shy to express things that others simply might not. This interview with Cathy Horyn for System magazine was one of those times.
ALBER ELBAZ
“I need more time. And I think everybody in fashion these days needs just a little more time” – Alber Elbaz
Speaking prior to his dismissal from Lanvin, Alber Elbazreasoned with the crowd of industry members at the Fashion Group International Awards in October about the speed of fashion and the toll it takes on those working in the trade.
RICK OWENS
“I punched him when he came off stage. He’s been my male muse for the past twelve years or something and I think he just felt comfortable enough to do something in a show and I’m furious” – Rick Owens
Rick Owens’ SS16 menswear show turned unexpectedly political when a model, known as Jera, whipped out a banner emblazoned with the words “Please Kill Angela Merkel – Not” on the runway. Speaking backstage after the show, this is what the designer had to say about the incident.
HARI NEF
“Being a woman is an option, being trans is an option, and they’re options that appeal to me. We need to listen to people, not labels, not semantics” – Hari Nef
2015 saw a growing awareness and acceptance of transgender people in the US and in other countries around the world. In an interview with American Vogue, trans model and actress Hari Nef, who has been a leading force in fashion and beyond for the cause, spoke about how we can progress even further.
JOHN GALLIANO
“I’ve learnt to say no. They are just two small words, but I was afraid to say them before. I saw it as weak, but now I see it as a strength. Just say no. Only do what you can do really well.” – John Galliano
Following his exit from Christian Dior in 2012 following in an anti-Semitic tirade in a Paris café, John Galliano was emerged a healthy, happy, and rehabilitated man. He has since taken the helm of Maison Margiela and in April spoke on what he is doing differently now.
KANYE WEST
"Right now, the highest art form is actually fashion. With music, it's in question if a song is popular, if that person is really a good artist. In fashion, if someone's really popular it's agreed upon that they're an amazing artist” – Kanye West
Kanye West made waves in fashion this year with his impromptu fashion show in September (which conflicted with the show times of at least two other designers) and his hot-selling sneakers for adidas. Just like last year, he also made headlines for what he has had to say in 2015. Speaking to Lou Stoppard in an live-streamed interview for SHOWstudio, Kanye talks about fashion.
NAOMI CAMPBELL
“I don’t want race to become a trend. I did not work 28 years for it to be a trend” - Naomi Campbell
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been a dedicated advocate for diversity in fashion, both on the runway and in ad campaigns. The model, who fronted a campaign for lingerie brand Agent Provocateur this year, spoke out about the influx of diversity when it comes to casting and why she hopes it won’t just be a fad.
KARL LAGERFELD
“Feminism matters. I was taught it as a child, not to overestimate the importance of men” – Karl Lagerfeld
On the heels of a feminist rally-themed show for SS15, Chanel’s creative director Karl Lagerfeld took on the topic of feminism in an interview with Andrew O'Hagan for the New York Times.
STEFANIA FERRARIO
“I am a model FULL STOP. Unfortunately in the modelling industry if you’re above a US size 4 you are considered plus size, and so I’m often labelled a ‘plus size’ model. I do NOT find this empowering.”
Australian model Stefania Ferrario took to her Instagram this year to make a statement about the industry’s arguably dubious distinctions between models and plus size models. The size-12 model has since popularised the #DropThePlus hashtag to promote better equality in modelling.
GISELE BÜNDCHEN
“I am grateful that at 14, I was given the opportunity to start this journey. Today after 20 years in the industry, it is a privilege to be doing my last fashion show by choice” – Gisele Bündchen
Last but not least, the biggest supermodel of the past fifteen years, Gisele Bündchen, bid adieu from runway shows this year. Prior to walking in Colcci’s SS16 show in Sao Paolo, Brazil, the 34-year old model shared a message on her Instagram, along with a photo from the early stages of her career.
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