The Fashion Moments That Blew Up The Internet In 2021

The Balenciaga x Crocs Love Affair!
High-fashion Crocs, anyone? The internet-stopping shoe of the year definitely had to be the Balenciaga x Crocs collaboration. Taking something as normcore as Crocs, reworking them and adding a $1000 price tag is a genius move by the luxury brand, as they’ve been rocked by many of fashion’s elite, including Kanye West. Interestingly, we’ve also seen a trickle down effect with regular Crocs being embraced by a more fashion-forward crowd, and slowly inserted into the wardrobe of the mainstream consumer. 

Kid Cudi Dons a Dress
During an episode of Saturday Night Live, Kid Cudi took to the stage wearing a floor-length floral Off-White dress while performing his song Sad People. He was hailed by some for breaking gender norms and for embracing femininity as a cis male, while also sparking criticism from some members of the LGBTQ+ community. A reminder of fashion’s ability to ignite bigger conversations. Adding another layer of depth to the performance, it was also the anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death – the Nirvana frontman who famously wore a similar dress as the cover star of Face Magazine in 1993. While Cobain did it first, Cudi has been praised for his tribute.

Masked Up with Kanye West
Rapper and style icon Kanye West continues to broaden his fashion horizons, this year debuting a new haircut and becoming further involved with Balenciaga. West has never been a stranger to a mask, and no, we aren’t talking about the Covid-safe kind! Around October he was seen wearing prosthetic face masks in Berlin, then seen in everything from genuinely creepy get-ups to religious-themed coverings.  

Larry David at New York Fashion Week
Larry David has found fame in being the creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld, but he’s just as well known for being an anti-social comedic icon. And as such, he’s the last person you’d expect to see at any Fashion Week. However, back in September, the man himself was sitting front row at the Staud show in New York and… talking on the phone and blocking his ears! It seemed David was curbing his enthusiasm IRL by doing something that is considered classic ‘Larry David’.

Kim Kardashian and Demna Gvasalia at the Met Gala
The bar has been set very high for Kim Kardashian when it comes to her Met Gala looks. She’s just about done it all, having pranced down the red carpet in metallic golden gowns and even a floral couture maternity dress. This year, Kardashian opted for a head-to-toe blacked-out Balenciaga dress,  which even covered her face. This time around it wasn’t Kanye West in a Dickies ‘fit by her side – it was Balenciaga’s creative director, Demna Gvasalia.

Lil Nas X
Recording artist by day, provocateur by night, Lil Nas X has owned 2021 through his outlandish publicity stunts. Circling back into the mainstream spotlight in March with his ‘Satan Shoes’ – which contained real human blood – from then it was stunt after stunt. He delivered show-stopping outfits, and a steamy performance of his hit song Montero at the BET awards. He also came through with three outfit changes at the Met Gala, which included a suit of armour. Will Lil Nas X dominate 2022? Only time will tell.