This year we witnessed something of a return to fashion. Suddenly, red carpets were back in action, fashion weeks across the world returned, and designers leaned into bold, bright, and glamorous. "After one too many months spent indoors, 2021 saw the real-life return of some of the biggest cultural events, which brought together some of the most influential celebrities—and a whole lot of fashion," explains global shopping platform Lyst's Content Lead, Morgane Le Caer. "From the Grammy's to Fashion Week, the highly anticipated return of the Met Gala, and Kanye West's Donda parties, it quickly became clear the industry's A-Listers were going to take advantage of this return to normality to make some of their strongest fashion statements yet, and it seems as though one viral fashion moment came after the next."
While there was a general shift in the tides of the industry, certain power players carried more weight than others. "This year, Zendaya, Harry Styles, and Dua Lipa became fashion royalty, with Lipa influencing fashion searches unlike anyone else," La Caer continues, "from Y2K inspired looks to crochet, rodeo glam, and Versace, all the brands and pieces she wore over the past few months saw immediate spikes in searches after her appearances." Power couples also garnered major attention, with the likes of the Bieber, Rihanna, and A$AP Rocky.
The act of chronicling these moments allows you to take a journey back through the year as so many represent a reach that extends beyond the fashion industry. The year began as Amanda Gorman took to the inauguration stage clad in that iconic red Prada headband. Billie Eilish broke the internet with a Vogue cover that symbolized the young starlet's ascent to womanhood on her own terms. Through his many awe-inspiring red carpet looks, Lil Nas X pushed the limits of what we expect a male country star to wear, creating space for fluidity in gender. Then of course, some looks were simply aesthetically brilliant—Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, anyone? We've rounded up the 10 best fashion moments of 2021 that somehow manage to catalogue the timeline of this year through fashion.
Photo: Getty
At the 2021 inauguration this past January, Amanda Gorman donned a Prada ensemble of a sunny yellow coat and oversized red headband as she recited "On the Pulse of the Morning" by Maya Angelou. She forever cemented herself as both the voice of her generation and a style savant.
Photo: Getty
Despite the fact that House of Gucci has yet to release, the snapshots captured from the sets have already captivated us. Seeing Adam Driver and Lady Gaga embody the famous Gucci family has us eagerly anticipating the film.
Photo: Getty
The combination of Zendaya and Law Roach rarely has a miss when it comes to serving looks. This sculpted Balmain number the star wore for the premiere of Dune at the Venice Film Festival was built from custom leather using a replica of Zendaya's bust.
Photo: Getty
Harry Styles is another constant sartorial winner. In partnership with stylist Harry Lambert, the two use fashion to start a dialogue with gender bending looks like this Gucci number he wore to the Grammys.
Photo: Getty
If 2021 crowned Dua Lipa its fashion queen, this look might just have sealed the deal. At the Brit Awards, the pop sensation donned a retro look of custom Vivienne Westwood—not to mention, she created a cult-like obsession surrounding this Victorian pearl choker.
Photo: Getty
At this year's Met Gala, Lil Nas X donned not one but three ensembles, all courtesy of French fashion house Balmain. Each gold look channeled a combination of royalty and armour, symbolizing the musician's creative prowess.
Photo: Getty
Truly, is there anyone cooler than Rihanna and A$AP Rocky? Here, they were seen filming a music video in the Bronx clad in ultra stylish layers that were seemingly a little hot for June.
Photo: Getty
When Olivia Rodrigo visited the White House to urge young people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, she donned a vintage CHANEL suit from 1995. The young star juxtaposed the tweed skirt suit with edgy jewelry and platform heels and it worked.
Photo: Getty
Sarah Jessica Parker has held us all captive with her And Just Like That looks as fans try to deduce what the 2021 version of Carrie Bradshaw will look like. This look in particular seemed to prove that the OG Carrie was still there.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@britishvogue
For the June issue of British Vogue, Billie Eilish chose to use the editorial spread to make a statement. She utilized fashion as a symbol of her own embrace of womanhood on her own terms.
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