Fashion moments in 2024: The hits, misses and everything in between
Let's take a look back at the most memorable fashion moments that defined the year.
Every year, fashion moments take us by surprise, leaving us either in awe or eagerly craving more—especially when it comes to events like the Met Gala, where celebrity outfits defy expectations and push the boundaries of creativity.
As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome in the new year, let's take a look back at the most memorable fashion moments that defined this year, offering a sneak peek of what's to come in 2025.
CRAZY, MEMORABLE MET GALA LOOKS
The annual fundraising event, also known as a fashion exhibit, only invites exclusive guests, entailing celebrities, designers, and influencers, among others.
Some notable celebrities include rapper Cardi B who made an appearance with a black-coloured voluminous gown inspired by Ursula in The Little Mermaid, with the gown spanning a flight of stairs.
The dramatic, full-bodied silhouette was complemented by a matching beehive-style headpiece. She completed her ensemble with green jewels around her neck, making her presence unforgettable for the Garden of Time-themed event at that time.
Alternative pop singer Lana Del Rey, known for timeless songs like 'Video Games' and 'Summertime Sadness,' wore a fairytale-inspired look by Alexander McQueen at the Met Gala, which was decorated with intricate tree-branch embellishments.
Her outfit mostly stood out due to a nude-coloured veil covering her whole head, held by her crown of tree branches.
A single rose on her sleeve makes her outfit reminiscent of the Disney princess movie, Beauty and the Beast, making her overall look bring out her aura as a soft and petite American singer into the limelight with every step that she took.
OLYMPIC FASHION BLUNDER
Looking back at this year’s Paris Olympics, the Malaysian sports contingent, led by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), embarked on an ambitious journey: designing their own Olympians’ outfits.
Confidence was high, with the bold design featuring a striking black and gold theme combined with elements of the Tiger stripes meant to embody the athletes’ relentless pursuit of their first-ever Olympic gold medal. But instead of receiving a roaring applause, the design sparked a digital uproar.
Social media lit up with sharp critiques, branding the outfits as “hideous” and “embarrassing,” turning what was meant to be a symbol of pride into a fashion faux pas.
In collaboration with Yonex as their sponsor, the team unveiled a redesigned outfit that resonated far better with public expectations. The revamped look, crafted with input from Malaysia’s renowned fashion duo Rizman Ruzaini, significantly eased the wave of public criticism.
OLD MONEY TREND
The old money trend puts the luxurious life on a pedestal, making people wanting to leave the impression that they lead a wealthy life.
The fashion is adapted from the European and American culture back in the 19th to 20th centuries, that had families with long-standing businesses, making their family owners' outfits being generalised as the typical 'old money' outfits, further developed as a fashion trend for anyone to emulate. In Western countries, when it was worn by the wealthy, it portrayed social status, exclusivity and heritage.
In Malaysia, the concept of 'old money' does not apply as extensively as it did in the West, where Malaysia is designated with its own tradition and culture, but it is not absent from those people with inherited wealth such as the royalty families and the high class people.
As the trend gained momentum, even everyday Malaysians, including influencers like Andika Putra, embraced it as a full-blown "movement." Showcasing it prominently on his social media, Andika even went a step further by offering dedicated classes to teach fellow Malaysians the art of dressing in the coveted "old money" style.
While many see it as harmless fun—albeit an expensive indulgence due to the branded wardrobe it demands—the trend hasn’t escaped criticism. Detractors argue that it feels tone-deaf and disconnected from modern Malaysian culture, sparking debates about its relevance and authenticity.
Critics say the trend doesn’t just feel out of touch with modern Malaysia—it also brushes up against the country’s colonial past. After all, “old money” here often points back to wealth built during British rule, when resources and labor were exploited, leaving Malaysians with little to show for it.
The pushback comes from people who feel it’s a bit tone-deaf to glamorize Western ideas of privilege and wealth, especially given Malaysia’s history. Plus, they argue it fuels unhealthy obsessions with social media validation and puts too much focus on individualism, which doesn’t quite vibe with the strong community values Malaysians are known for.
BRAT FASHION, THANKS TO CHARLI XCX
Brat fashion has been famous since the early 2000s in the pop culture with clothing pieces such as crop tops and bold statement pieces like statement chokers and hair clips being used as a part of the outfit, especially stereotyped as suitable for growing teens since it can give a 'bratty' look.
It often drew inspiration from the way teenagers dressed in movies, such as Clueless and Mean Girls, slightly giving a 'bad girl' vibe.
It has been revived this year thanks to Hollywood star, Charlotte Emma Aitchison, or famously known as Charli xcx when she released an album called Brat with songs such as Apple and 365 that exudes the tone of fun, confidence and defiance, traits that are at the heart of brat fashion.
The Brat album is associated with a specific colour palette such as green, black and white, with Charli mostly seen in its music videos wearing graphic tees with the colours, some of which have the word 'brat' written in black on a green tee to promote the album, mini skirts, low-rise jeans, leather jackets and platform shoes.
Charli has also amplified the trend by selling official merchandise inspired by the outfits she rocks in her music videos, blending her music and personal style into a seamless brand. Once dormant, brat fashion has found new life, embracing a youthful and edgy vibe that aligns perfectly with Charli's Brat album.
Tracks like Vroom Vroom and Backseat embody this playful, unapologetic energy, turning the album into more than just a soundtrack—it’s the cornerstone of a modern brat fashion movement.
THE RETURN OF VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW
After taking a break in 2020 due to dropping viewership and pandemic restrictions, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is officially back! This October, the runway was buzzing with familiar faces like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, plus exciting new names like Paula Soares and Devyn Garcia.
This time around, Victoria’s Secret is shaking things up by embracing a more inclusive vibe. Gone are the days of sticking to traditional beauty standards—the show now features plus-size models and celebrates body positivity. Models like Devyn Garcia, Paloma Elsesser, and Ashley Graham stole the spotlight, perfectly showcasing the show’s fresh, inclusive theme.
Y2K FASHION STILL IN TREND
Y2K fashion, with its cropped tops and nostalgic vibes, still holds cultural significance today. Rooted in the late '90s and early 2000s, it reflects a time when the world was transitioning into the digital age, with outfits inspired by a futuristic, cyberpunk aesthetic. This style was heavily influenced by the rapid rise of technology and the dawn of the internet era.
While it shares similarities with brat fashion, Y2K is a bit less rebellious, incorporating elements like denim, butterfly clips, and holographic fabrics. Bright colors were also a key feature, symbolising the shift from a more analog world to one dominated by technological advancements.
Among the celebrities who commonly exemplify Y2K fashion are Gigi Hadid, Devon Lee Carlson and Chloe Cherry.
Carlson's Y2K fashion here is strong and versatile, with the classic low-waist jeans that are among the most iconic Y2K fashion features, along with other low-rise styles.
They are often paired with crop or fitted tops to emphasise the waist, capturing the vibe of the era which was casual yet bold. A black belt is also considered another classic accessory, often used as a statement piece and layered with oversized jeans or pants.
Meanwhile, the shiny golden skirt paired with a brown crop long-sleeved top by Cherry is symbollic to the Y2K fashion in a way that it combines bold and contrasting pieces.
The golden-coloured skirt reflects futuristic and tech-inspired mood of the time, while also resembling glamour. Mini skirts or midi skirts in metallic shades were considered a huge trend while the brown top gives contrast and warmth to the skirt, grounding the look while also resonating distinctly with Y2K.
The typical colour associated is vibrant, neon colours, followed by other softer, pastel colours, all of which when combined well, emphasises the quality of boldness yet futuristic of the era while brat fashion typically exudes a tone of rebellion and femininity, making it more popular among women.
Fashion lines alongside celebrities help to elevate the fashion, with brands such as Jacquemus and Christopher Esber incorporating cropped tops in one of their recent collections.
Celebrities like singer Olivia Rodrigo have also embraced the Y2K aesthetic, with her new album Guts reflecting the bold, nostalgic tone of the fashion style.
THE FASHIONVALET CONTROVERSY
Vivy Yusof and her husband, Fadzarudin Shah Anuar, co-founded FashionValet in 2010, establishing it as a prominent fashion e-commerce platform in Malaysia.
In 2018, the company attracted significant investments totaling RM47 million from Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB). However, by late 2023, both Khazanah and PNB sold their stakes in FashionValet for RM3.1 million, incurring a substantial loss of RM43.9 million.
This financial setback led to public scrutiny and criticism. In response, on Nov 1, 2024, Vivy and Fadzarudin resigned from their positions at FashionValet, accepting full responsibility for the company's downturn and expressing regret over the controversy involving their investors.
The situation escalated when the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) initiated an investigation into the matter. On Dec 5, 2024, Vivy and Fadzarudin were charged with criminal breach of trust, accused of transferring RM8 million from FashionValet to another company, 30 Maple Sdn Bhd, without board approval.
Both pleaded not guilty to the charges. Vivy and Fadzarudin have expressed their intention to cooperate fully with legal proceedings, hoping to clear their names through the judicial process.
CELEBS SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH PALESTINE THROUGH FASHION
Amidst the genocide affecting Palestine , celebrities come forward in solidarity not just through spreading their words on their social media platforms but also by making appearances in Palestinian outfits to symbolise the solidarity.
American jazz bassist, singer and composer Esperanza Spalding known for her R&B and classical work, was seen donning a keffiyeh, a symbolic piece of the Palestinian culture through the design of black-and-white checkered pattern put on her shoulders.
She has been vocal about Palestine because of her strong advocate for human rights, justice and social issues.
Meanwhile, American poet, spoken word artist and activist, Aja Monet used a watermelon clutch where the fruit watermelon symbolises Palestinian resilience in defending the nation's identity.
They are also known to be vocal for Palestine for a long time, who had also joined a Free Palestine rally last year in Los Angeles.
At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Australian actress and producer Cate Blanchett made a stunning appearance in a Haider Ackermann dress—featuring a black front, a pale pink back, and a green lining that became visible when the dress was lifted. The color scheme was quickly noted by the media, drawing comparisons to the Palestinian flag, sparking speculation that Blanchett wore the dress as a statement of solidarity with Palestine.
As a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Goodwill Ambassador, Blanchett is widely recognized for her advocacy on global social issues and human rights. She has previously called for a ceasefire in Gaza, speaking out in support of refugees and addressing the European Parliament on the human and economic costs of war, emphasizing the importance of standing with victims.
Her stylist and makeup artist, Elizabeth Stewart, is also an outspoken advocate for Palestine on social media, further aligning the star’s public image with humanitarian causes.
Lastly, Bella Hadid, who is often vocal about Palestine was seen wearing a pink Keffiyeh dress at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. On her Instagram account, she wrote: "Palestine on my mind, in my blood and on my heart."
DIGITAL FASHION SHOW
As Artificial Intelligence and the metaverse continue to reshape industries, the fashion world is seamlessly blending the digital with the physical. Brands are now offering online audiences an immersive experience, allowing them to virtually participate in live fashion shows alongside those in attendance.
Balenciaga has taken a bold step in this direction by leveraging Apple Vision Pro to create a virtual platform. This innovation enables remote viewers to experience the runway as if they were seated front row, bridging the gap between physical and digital worlds in fashion.
With visionOS, the device seamlessly integrates eye, hand, and voice controls to deliver an immersive and intuitive experience. Users can start by downloading the Balenciaga app, now available on virtual reality devices in multiple regions worldwide.
This innovative platform offers an interactive lookbook and exclusive access to the brand's past collections, allowing users to explore the intricate craftsmanship and artistry of Balenciaga’s iconic physical garments up close.
The brand also showcased its cutting-edge approach by presenting its Spring 2024 Collection and Spring/Summer 2025 show through this immersive virtual format, redefining how audiences connect with high fashion.
Since the appointment of its creative director, Demna Gvasalia in 2015, Balenciaga has consistently engaged with digital innovation, gaming environments and more through collaborations such as with the AR creative agency, Atomic Digital Design.
Currently, the app is available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.
These moments serve as the shifting tides in fashion, a blend of embracing diversity, enabling culture to be the centre stage and the combination of the physical and digital worlds. What do you think 2025 will bring?
