A Journey Across the Pinnacle Moments in 2024’s Fashion Calendar

Fashion enthusiasts, get ready to embark on a sartorial journey through 2024, a year poised to be brimming with iconic moments and cultural events that will redefine the fashion landscape. From historical retrospectives to groundbreaking musicals, here’s a glimpse of the fashion-packed year ahead.

The Biba Revival
In March, the Fashion & Textile Museum in Bermondsey will unveil “The Biba Story, 1964-1975,” a groundbreaking exhibition chronicling the ascent of Bárbara Hulanicki’s Biba. This marks the first-ever London retrospective of the iconic brand that revolutionized high-street fashion. Showcasing over 40 outfits, including Twiggy’s leopard skin jacket (1973) and a 1968 purple jumbo cord coat, the exhibition promises a visual feast of Biba’s evolution. Curated by Martin Pel in collaboration with Hulanicki herself, the showcase will delve into the brand’s mail-order origins to the establishment of the lifestyle emporium, Big Biba, on Kensington High Street.

Post-WW2 Fashion
For those seeking refuge from TikTok-centric trends, Disney+’s “Cristóbal Balenciaga,” premiering on January 19, offers a dramatized glimpse into the master of Haute Couture’s thirty-year reign in Paris. Following this appetizer, February brings Apple TV+’s comprehensive exploration of Balenciaga and his contemporaries, including Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, as they navigate post-war Paris. Fashion aficionados, prepare for an immersive experience delving into the golden era of haute fashion.

Naomi Campbell
June will witness the V&A presenting its inaugural supermodel retrospective, a homage to Streatham’s own Naomi Campbell. This exhibition will trace Campbell’s remarkable journey from discovery in Covent Garden at age 15 to becoming the first Black model on the cover of Paris Vogue in 1988. Featuring pieces from Campbell’s personal wardrobe archive and iconic looks from renowned designers, including Alexander McQueen, Chanel, and Vivienne Westwood, the retrospective promises an intimate exploration of Campbell’s indelible impact on the fashion industry.

Industry Buzz
Fashion industry gossip thrives on the creative director musical chairs, and all eyes are on Givenchy following Matthew Williams’ departure. Speculation abounds regarding the replacement, with names like Sarah Burton and Alessandro Michele in the mix. Additionally, Seán McGirr will debut his first Alexander McQueen collection, while Chemena Kamali takes the reins as creative director for Chloé, adding excitement to the ever-evolving fashion landscape.

London Fashion Week at 40
As London Fashion Week marks its 40th anniversary in February, it signifies a momentous occasion for the avant-garde event. The event will also make history by banning fur from the schedule, featuring a diverse schedule of menswear and womenswear designers, including Burberry, Erdem, and Simone Rocha. Stay tuned for undisclosed city-wide celebrations to commemorate four decades of cutting-edge design.

“The Devil Wears Prada” Musical
In October, the Dominion Theatre will unveil a brand new musical rendition of “The Devil Wears Prada,” featuring a score by the legendary Elton John. Based on the iconic 2006 film, the musical promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of fashion, drama, and music. Casting details are pending, but tickets are already available for those eager to witness this stylish spectacle.

“High & Low” Documentary
March brings the release of “High & Low,” a revealing documentary directed by Kevin Macdonald that explores the life of John Galliano. From his childhood to the pinnacle of the fashion industry and subsequent fall from grace, the documentary provides an unfiltered look at Galliano’s journey, including his redemption through Maison Margiela. It is a must-watch for those intrigued by the highs and lows of a fashion luminary.

As 2024 unfolds, it promises to be a fashion-centric year, replete with retrospectives, musicals, and documentaries that unravel the rich tapestry of the industry. From the Biba revival to Naomi Campbell’s legacy and the captivating world of post-WW2 fashion, fashion enthusiasts can anticipate a year filled with stylish narratives and cultural milestones. Get ready to witness the evolution of fashion in all its splendor.