Diversity in Fashion: Top Moments of 2017
Are we the only ones who feel like 2017 was the slowest-moving year in modern-day history? The new administration made every day both taxing and incredulous: giving all new meaning to the word "chaotic". But we're not here to talk about that guy and those measures—we're here to look back on the major fashion moments that got us through.
Diversity really and truly saves lives and our days were saved by more than a few style moments that made us laugh, cry, and smile. Because the best remedy for racism, bigotry, and fake news are the real moments which show that inclusivity is not just a fact of this ever-globalizing world, but one that literally makes our lives better when we can look at our favorite magazines, runways, and television shows and see a reflection of ourselves in every color, shape, and gender. Here, our favorite 2017 fashion moments that reminded us that diversity makes the world go 'round: no matter who says differently.
David M. Benett1/13Edward Enninful Became British Vogue's EIC
Back in April, it was announced that industry legend Edward Enninful would take over the British Vogue EIC spot from Alexandra Shulman, after her twenty five-year run at the glossy's helm. He became not only the first black person to achieve the distinction in the tome's 101-year history, but also the first gay man to do so. Enninful debuted his first cover in November: starring none other than Adwoa Aboah. He has also given the freckled beauty her very own column, as well as bringing on icons Naomi Campbell and Pat McGrath as contributing editors.
Jason LaVeris2/13Lena Waithe Won an Emmy in a Suit by a Filipina Designer
When Lena Waithe took home the Emmy for her episode of Master Of None, it was a landmark moment! And she won in a suit by Manila-born designer Jhoanna Alba, who has also created pieces for Steph Curry and Russell Westbrook.
3/13Dapper Dan Finally Got the Credit He Deserved
After sending a jacket down the runway that had all the bells and whistles of Dapper Dan's signatures, the industry called on Gucci to give the style icon recognition. And they did just that: Dan announced his new Harlem atelier, backed by none other than the iconic Italian fashion house this month.
Victor VIRGILE4/13The Supermodel OGs Reunited at Versace's Spring 2018 Show
Versace's fashion shows are always among the most talked about each season, but Spring 2018 was particularly special, as it commemorated 20 years since the death of Gianni Versace. So of course, Donatella pulled out all the stops and reunited Carla Bruni, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen, and Naomi Campbell for the show: all clad in showstopping metallic gowns fit for a supermodel.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin5/13Tracee Ellis Ross Hosted the AMAs, Following in the Fashion Footsteps of Mother Diana Ross
We were locked into the American Music Awards: pretty much a given when we found out Tracee Ellis Ross was hosting. The black-ish star did not disappoint, in look after look that shows she's definitely following in the fashionable footsteps of mother Diana Ross.
6/13Colin Kaepernick Became GQ's Citizen Of The Year in Women Designers and Designers of Color
Though he wasn't traditionally interviewed for his GQ Citizen Of The Year cover—continuing his silent protest against police brutality—Kaepernick's wardrobe choices for his fashion spread spoke volumes: comprised of both women designers and those of color.
Karwai Tang7/13Rihanna's Comme des Garçons Met Gala Look Pretty Much Broke the Internet
Rihanna never disappoints at the Met Gala and this year was no exception! The Bajan beauty pretty much broke the internet in the opening look from Rei Kawakubo's Fall 2016 collection for the house. We are not worthy.
8/13Insecure Became One of TV's Most Fashionable Shows
If you were like us, then you were tuned in to Insecure every Sunday night, group chatting with your friends after the show ended, and then active on Twitter the next day to discuss with your entire timeline. The series became the new Sex And The City for a few reasons: drama, careers, strong friendships, and fashion. Black designers to be exact. Costume designer Ayanna James had all of the characters draped in some of our faves. We cannot wait to see what next season brings!
9/13Danielle Brooks Became a Fashion Designer
Danielle Brooks is easily one of our favorite actresses, but she stepped into an entirely new lane this year: that of fashion designer. After slaying in Christian Siriano and Lane Bryant both on and off the red carpet, the Tony Award-nominated star created her own capsule collection for Universal Standard—proving she can veritably do everything well.
Peter White10/13Janaye Furman Became the First Black Model to Open Louis Vuitton
A historic moment was made during Spring 2018 Paris Fashion Week, when Janaye Furman became the first black model to open a Louis Vuitton show. Hard to believe that had never happened in the 163 years that the house has been in business, but we're thrilled for the twenty one-year old.
Anthony Devlin11/13The Cardi B Obsession Was Real
Whether it was her catchy #1 tune "Bodak Yellow" that actually boosted Christian Louboutin searches or her Diamond Ball Cinderella moment, we literally couldn't get Cardi B off of our minds. And the industry took note as well: she just created a curated collection with Steve Madden. Will there be 2018 wedding bells in Cardi's future? Only time will tell. Here's to also hoping her wish comes true to perform at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding.
Jeff Spicer/BFC12/13Virgil Abloh Became the King of the Collaboration
Real question: what can't Virgil Abloh do? Not only did the multi-hyphenate creative continue the success of his Off-White brand, but he also collaborated with Ikea, Nike, Warby Parker, Jimmy Choo, Umbro, rapper Lil Uzi Vert, Kith, and Levi's. One more question: can he help us better manage our time in 2018?
Alberto E. Rodriguez13/13Bozoma St. John Brought Beauty, Brains, and Unabashed Blackness to Silicon Valley
This year, the Silicon Valley exec made a major move from Apple to Uber as the brand's Chief Brand Officer. Business Insider named her as one of tech's best dressed and we couldn't agree more.
