In January, Rick Owens made a bold move by hosting his runway show in his Paris townhouse, calling it a response to what he described as “barbaric times.” The intimate setting, with guests seated on Owens’ own furniture and sipping coffee, set a cozy tone for his Fall ’24 collection. This show, unlike Owens’ usual grand productions, felt unusually personal. However, Owens later expressed guilt over limiting attendance to just around 100 invitees, leaving out the loyal fans who treat his shows as an annual event.
“I felt kind of like a dick about that,” Owens confessed months later. To make up for it, Owens decided to include the dedicated followers in his Spring ’25 show. This time, he gathered 200 fans, fashion students, and runway regulars for a spectacular display at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. The scene resembled a Hollywood spectacle, drawing inspiration from Owens’ Californian roots. The Spring show was a monumental moment in fashion history, not only showcasing Owens’ radical approach but also underscoring his appeal for humanity in the industry.
Saint Laurent’s Fall ’24: A Tribute to Yves Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent’s creative director, Anthony Vaccarello, made waves with his Fall ’24 collection, especially with Look No. 34, a flowing tailored suit. This collection honored the label’s founder, Yves Saint Laurent, blending classic masculine styles with subtle feminine touches. Vaccarello used dressmaking techniques to craft elegant silk suits, making them appear as if they draped naturally over the body, a modern nod to Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic designs.
“I wanted to play with the idea of the man going to work, but have fun with proportions,” Vaccarello explained. His use of wider ties, longer jackets, and square-toed shoes brought fresh, modern energy to traditional menswear.
Tyler, The Creator x Louis Vuitton: A Groundbreaking Collaboration
Tyler, the Creator’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton, designed by Pharrell Williams, was a major fashion event this year. Tyler’s personal style—vivid pastel colors and playful prep—was brought to life through a high-end LV capsule collection that included everything from quilted jackets to golf bags. This collaboration marked a milestone for Tyler, showcasing his aesthetic on a global scale and signaling that Louis Vuitton might be grooming a future star.
Stòffa: Elevating the Shopping Experience
New York-based menswear label Stòffa opened a stunning new flagship store in SoHo, offering a refined shopping experience. The minimalist 2,000-square-foot space blends gallery-style presentation with a serene, zen-like atmosphere. With its thoughtfully curated clothing and elegant interior design, the Stòffa store is a model of sophistication in menswear retail.
The Rise of ‘Male Sluttiness’ in Fashion
This year saw a new trend emerging in menswear—what can be described as “male sluttiness.” This concept goes beyond simply showing skin, with celebrities like Jeremy Allen White and Donald Glover embodying a carefree, sensual confidence in their clothing choices. This trend reflects an attitude of being unbothered by the gaze of others, which has become one of the most compelling expressions of masculinity in 2024.
Bode x Nike Astrograbber: A Sneaker Revolution
In April, Bode, the American luxury brand, teamed up with Nike to release the Astrograbber sneaker, marking Bode’s first major footwear collaboration. Emily Adams Bode Aujla revived a 1970s Nike design, updating it with quirky charms and a contemporary twist. The sneaker quickly became a street-style sensation and sold out almost instantly.
Piaget Polo 79: A Timeless Watch for 2024
Piaget’s re-release of the Polo 79, in celebration of the brand’s 150th anniversary, captured the attention of luxury watch collectors. The Polo 79 is a shining example of Piaget’s rich history, featuring opulent gemstones and gold. As collectors sought unique ways to express their style, the Polo 79 became the symbol of luxurious, attention-grabbing design.
Loewe: The Meme Maker of the Year
Loewe’s creative director, Jonathan Anderson, became the master of internet culture in 2024. His designs, such as the viral “tomato” clutch and the “I TOLD YA” shirt, dominated social media. Anderson’s ability to harness meme culture and turn it into high fashion was one of the standout trends this year.
Alessandro Michele’s Triumphant Return to Valentino
After leaving Gucci in 2022, Alessandro Michele returned to fashion with a bang, taking the reins at Valentino. His September collection was a bold statement in favor of frivolity, showcasing lavish, over-the-top pieces like polka-dotted dinner jackets and flowing trousers. Michele’s return reminded the fashion world that beauty and excess still have their place in modern design.
Willy Chavarria: Breakthrough Designer of the Year
Willy Chavarria, the Chicano designer known for his workwear-inspired, oversized fashion, made waves at New York Fashion Week with his Spring/Summer ’25 collection. The show, set under a massive American flag, was a tribute to the working class, featuring pieces like UFW sweatshirts and dungarees. His inclusive approach to beauty and fashion, along with his collaborations, like the Adidas capsule with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, solidified his place as a leading voice in American menswear.
Sneaker Trends: The Year of Smaller Footwear
In 2024, the trend in men’s footwear shifted from oversized sneakers to more delicate, minimalist designs. Brands like Bode, Dior, and The Row embraced smaller silhouettes, such as ballet flats and low-slung slippers, offering a refreshing contrast to the chunky sneakers that had dominated the market in recent years.
Dries Van Noten’s Final Collection: A Legacy of Elegance
In June, Belgian designer Dries Van Noten presented his final menswear collection, marking the end of an era. For his retirement show, Van Noten didn’t rely on past hits but instead delivered fresh ideas on how to dress with sophistication and intrigue. His final collection was a poignant reminder of his contribution to fashion, leaving the industry with a legacy of elegance and daring creativity.
Demna for Balenciaga: Renegade of the Year
Demna, the creative director of Balenciaga, continued to push the boundaries of fashion in 2024 with collections that subverted trends and challenged traditional norms. Whether it was through his extreme sneakers or haute couture made from everyday clothing, Demna’s work has redefined what it means to be avant-garde in the fashion world. His final show of the year, featuring lingerie bodysuits and low-rise jeans, exemplified his fearless approach to design.
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