10 Things We Loved in 2024

As a fashion enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the dynamic world of street style and sportswear, I can confidently say that 2024 was a truly exceptional year for fashion. The intersection of sports and fashion, particularly football (or soccer, as some might prefer), reached new heights with the emergence of the “blokecore” aesthetic.

2024 marked a significant shift in both fashion and footwear industries, where trends adapt at an unprecedented pace within the vibrant sphere of modern street culture. The transformations between the beginning of the decade and now are staggering, making even the fleeting nature of trends in this fast-paced world seem substantial – with styles often lingering only for a few weeks (or even days) before fading away to make room for the latest trend deemed “popular” for the upcoming three-week cycle.

In addition, numerous significant changes impacted and shaped the culture that TopMob has been covering for almost two decades in 2024. The stagnation in innovation at footwear companies led to a refocus on performance products, transforming and modernizing the lifestyle footwear market. Basketball shoes, for the first time in years, regained popularity due to new signature lines, innovative designs, and captivating marketing strategies. Fashion and entertainment also intertwined in a novel manner, with female athletes finally receiving long-overdue recognition from the fashion industry. Additionally, there were numerous other developments such as Pharrell’s omnipresence. The musical backdrop to these events was a hyperpop album that coined the year’s most ubiquitous term and influenced both actions and fashion choices.

Instead of discussing further, let us delve straight into the list from the title. Here are the top 10 favorites of the U.S. editorial team at TopMob in 2024:

Performance Becoming the New Lifestyle

2024 witnessed fashion aficionados striding around with fabrics that allowed for ample breathability, stacked on their physiques, and footwear boasting cushioning reminiscent of pillows beneath them. That year, brands such as HOKA and On gained significant attention, while rapper Action Bronson also made a splash in the performance fashion scene, bringing about a fresh twist.

In recent times, sportswear labels like Nike and adidas have been focusing more on incorporating lifestyle elements into their high-performance gear. This shift has given rise to other brands such as New Balance and ASICS, who seized this opportunity to inject fresh energy into the functional aspect of the market. Towards the end of the last decade, these newcomers started challenging Nike and adidas for the top spot in footwear trends. However, this year, the industry has delved deeper into its gym bag, favoring brands that are renowned for their unwavering commitment to delivering superior performance.

Building a strong reputation for crafting kicks that offer comfort thanks to their Cloud-inspired designs, it has consistently challenged the boundaries between style and athleticism. This was further demonstrated through collaborative efforts with LOEWE, as well as partnerships forged with Zendaya and POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF).

HOKA has consistently focused on a straightforward approach: creating top-tier equipment. Style might seem secondary in some designs, but this is intentional; the gear’s functionality drives its appearance, not vice versa. Notable endorsements from designers like Nicole McLaughlin, paria /FARZANEH, and Junya Watanabe have been adding to their reputation in fashion. This year, HOKA has particularly stood out with the running brand SATISFY. Together, they released the Mafate Speed 4 Lite silhouette in August, combining advanced performance with stylish appeal. This consistent approach earned HOKA the prestigious title of “Footwear Brand of the Year” at the Hypeawards.

Expanding collaborations between fashion houses and sports brands offer numerous chances to incorporate this trend. MM6 Maison Margiela and Salomon introduced fresh footwear along with some clothing pieces. Meanwhile, Jacquemus and Nike experimented with new themes, while Cecilie Bahnsen and ASICS stayed true to their classic approach by adorning their popular runners with flowers. Whether you’re a marathon runner aiming to incorporate your preferred gear into daily life or simply someone seeking comfortable footwear, there has never been a more suitable moment to infuse performance wear into your wardrobe.

Female Athletes Getting Fashion’s Flowers

2021 saw a significant focus on female athletes going beyond basketball courts and swimming pools, marking a pivotal time when the achievements of modern women in sports became a prominent topic in the fashion industry. This year, we witnessed an unprecedented blend of athleticism and style as performance took center stage (lifestyle is now all about performance). Notably, female athletes were offered high-profile partnerships, glamorous ad campaigns, catwalk appearances, upscale photo shoots, and invitations to the Met Gala – opportunities that were long delayed but are now finally happening.

Among this group, Caitlin Clark, who is known as a cultural sensation and the top choice by the Indiana Fever, became historic as the first athlete to be outfitted by Prada for either a WNBA or NBA draft. Later on, she made an appearance in Louis Vuitton at her inaugural professional press conference, followed by signing a substantial deal with Nike valued at approximately $28 million USD.

During the WNBA draft, Angel Reese – selected as the seventh pick by the Chicago Sky this year – made a stylish entrance by featuring in a Vogue editorial. This method of announcement echoes the approach taken by Serena Williams, who announced her retirement through Vogue two years ago. Interestingly, both Serena and her sister Venus walked the runway for Vogue World this year. By choosing this strategy, Reese successfully projects herself as a fashion-forward athlete. Her draft look from Bronx and Banco further strengthened this image, earning her an invitation to the 2023 Met Gala, where she donned a custom dress by 16Arlington.

Track phenomenon Sha’Carri Richardson shone brightly in the viral Nike x Jacquemus campaign, stylishly twirling her braids with her eye-catching acrylic nails while showcasing the collaboration’s standout pieces. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles took center stage for Kim Shui’s New York Fashion Week runway debut. Designer Yoon Ahn marked Naomi Osaka’s comeback to the tennis court this year with a striking Nike partnership. Basketball stars such as Candace Parker, Cameron Brink, and DiJonai Carrington graced a SKIMS promotional feature. Off-White™ was appointed as the stylistic and cultural advisor for the New York Liberty. Tennis player Qinwen Zheng made history by becoming the first athlete, regardless of gender, to cover Vogue China. Lastly, Dior selected 15 female athletes, including Elaine Thompson-Herah, Alex Morgan, and Carissa Moore, as their official brand representatives.

As female athletes continue to dominate the cultural zeitgeist, fashion brands will only continue to decorate them with their flowers. At long last, the sportswoman is a style star, too.

The Power of Pharrell

In 2024, Pharrell’s face was seen frequently within the cultural landscape, whether it was creating a song or parking his CyberTruck in Miami. It seemed like every week brought a new Skateboard P headline. Embodying the essence of a 21st-century polymath, Pharrell didn’t squander any time but instead wisely distributed it, channeling his energy into ventures spanning music, film, fashion, and design industries.

In his new role as an advisor at NIGO’s HUMAN MADE, he started the year off strongly by unveiling his third collection as the Creative Director for Louis Vuitton. This was the opening event for the Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2024 calendar, where Pharrell expressed his appreciation for Americana and Western workwear themes, catering to a newer, streetwear-inclined LVER audience. The collection, which showcased cowboy-inspired clothing, accessories made in collaboration with artists from the Dakota and Lakota nations, and footwear, particularly the label’s first Timberland collaboration, generated mixed reactions – with people either loving it or disliking it, but expressing their opinions nonetheless. This multi-media event, blending original music with fashion, footwear, and design, served as a preview of Pharrell’s remarkable 2024 lineup.

Building on the success of its Parisian exhibition, brand P created a significant impact once more by releasing a Tyler, The Creator-curated Louis Vuitton (LV) collection, available for purchase in March and recognized as TopMob’s top fashion collaboration of the year in December. Further collections for Pre-Fall 2024 were launched in April, followed by another captivating Spring/Summer 2025 runway show in June, held at La Maison de l’UNESCO and collaboratively curated with Air Afrique. To add to this impressive streak, the brand also had the privilege of designing the Olympic torch for a major event.

Stepping away from the world of fashion, Pharrell took us back to his roots recently. He premiered “Doctor (Work It Out)” with Miley Cyrus during the FW24 runway show, and in a quiet move, he released his first full-length album in a decade in April titled “Black Yacht Rock, Vol. 1: City of Limitless Access“. This ten-track album set the tone for Pharrell’s sonically rich summer. His music played a significant role in his LEGO Piece by Piece biopic, featuring guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Snoop Dogg, Daft Punk and others.

Just like I’m diving into another level in my favorite game, Pharrell has dropped into a new realm too – his very first LEGO collaboration! This time it’s an “Over The Moon” LEGO space set, and he’s also created an immersive creative experience right here in LA. Can’t wait to explore it all!

Despite the conclusion of the Piece by Piece press tour and the approaching end of the year, Pharrell remains prominent, taking on additional roles as Co-Chair for the Met Gala and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

Charli xcx’s BRAT, the Year-Defining Green Album

Within a few short months, Charli XCX transformed from a relatively unknown British pop star into a global sensation with her album BRAT, which is filled with catchy club beats. From the widely-used “Apple” TikTok dance to her post about “Kamala is brat,” it’s clear that the influence of BRAT is everywhere. In November, the album earned seven Grammy nominations, including Album and Record of the Year. By December, it was hailed as the most critically acclaimed album of 2024 (by Metacritic) and “brat” was even named word-of-the-year by Collins Dictionary. Upon closer examination of the broader cultural climate, it’s apparent that the bold and emotional spirit of BRAT is exactly what people have been yearning for.

In an age where Taylor Swift dominates the music industry, it’s intriguing to ponder if Charli XCX might have provided a compelling contrast. While Swift has embodied mainstream success, Charli has found her niche in the hyperpop genre. Swift symbolizes traditional American values with her country background, whereas Charli is the British “Party Girl,” originating from the London club scene.

By as early as 2022, phrases such as “indie sleaze,” “blog house,” and “recession-pop” indicated a yearning for the casual and unrestrained vibe of early ’00s party scenes – the very period that Charli came into her own. These post-pandemic trends showcased young people’s growing resistance against the sterile minimalism and polished aesthetics pushed by fashion brands and social media fads. The album’s vibrant slime-green cover and straightforward title symbolize this change in direction perfectly.

It’s worth noting that we’re still in the process of recovering from the pandemic and its resulting financial strain, much like how society found solace on the dance floor during the aftermath of the 2008 recession with songs like Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” and the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Got a Feeling” dominating the charts. In tough economic times, the dance floor has often served as a form of therapy for those feeling anxious.

To elaborate, Charli’s straightforward selection of a bold green backdrop and the standalone sans-serif title brings to mind a seminal album from another renowned British group. Titled for its unadorned white cover bearing only the band’s name, the groundbreaking content of The Beatles’ White Album served as inspiration for Joan Didion’s acclaimed collection of essays detailing the tumultuous 1960s. In the midst of a decade grappling with similar social issues, Collins Dictionary plans to redefine “Brat” in 2024, reflecting the rebellious and fearless spirit of a new generation: Brat (adjective) – “marked by a self-assured, independent, and hedonistic mindset.

Brick and Mortar Retail Revival

Though shopping, at its core, is a simple action that involves exchanging money for a product, everything around that action took center stage in 2024. Fashion-conscious consumers tired of the endless, entirely impersonal churn-and-burn of online shopping showed that they’d been craving real, tangible IRL experiences throughout 2024 — and thankfully, brands and retailers big and small alike rose to the occasion. “Online retail is all about convenience, whereas in-store shopping is about the experience,” NN.07’s Justin Berkowitz told the New York Times in October.

The diverse showcasing of that experience occurred across multiple platforms, ranging from quaint local boutiques to expansive stores belonging to renowned global retailers. Ven Space in Brooklyn has rapidly gained popularity in the fashion world, not just for its carefully selected items (ranging from The Row and Auralee to Stüssy Archive), but also for its personalized service that online shopping can’t replicate – the delight of in-person exploration. Meanwhile, places like Million Goods blend handpicked merchandise with drinks and high-quality sound systems, providing retail and lifestyle experiences under a single roof. Interestingly, some retailers are investing heavily in the unique charm of physical shopping by abandoning online stores (Ven Space is one such example), while the practice of browsing in a store only to buy at a discount from an online retailer has been deemed socially unacceptable, or “showrooming.

2024 seems to be redefining retail experiences, and I’m right there with it! This year, Arc’Teryx unveiled its grand flagship store in SoHo, New York, a 14,000 square foot marvel that’s more than just a store. It’s a testament to their brand philosophy and an immersive journey into the outdoors. From every shell jacket to sleek Veilence shirts, there’s something for everyone. But it doesn’t stop there; they’ve got a theater, café, and even a “Service Center” on the lower floor dedicated to secondhand garments and repairs.

In summary, the growing urge to step away from digital screens and immerse oneself in real-life experiences has sparked a surge in retail innovation and growth. While online interactions and shopping can be wonderful, there’s simply no substitute for the genuine thrill of a physical collection or discovering the ideal item firsthand.

Pants Getting Bigger Than Ever

For over a hundred years, pants and the broader category of lower garments have held a key role in fashion’s recurring cycle. Fashion trends, influenced by changing societal norms, are often likened to a swinging pendulum. As fresh styles gain widespread popularity, pioneers and early adopters of style have typically moved in the opposite direction, embracing unconventional designs.

2000s fashion favored skinny jeans, as seen in brands like Levi’s and J.Crew, but by the early 2010s, ASOS marketed men’s skinny jeans as “spray-on,” possibly indicating the end of that trend. In contrast, the 2020s, a decade marked by the resurgence of wide-legged pants, has seen fashion innovators introducing increasingly spacious and daring styles. By 2024, these wide-leg pants were looser, baggier, and more audacious than ever before.

Willy Chavarria, one of today’s key figures in designing large-sized trousers, was awarded the CFDA’s 2024 Menswear Designer of the Year. It should be mentioned that Chavarria doesn’t focus on fashion trends. Instead, his designs are deeply rooted in his cultural background, echoing styles pioneered by the Californian Chicano community. As far back as the 1940s, the “Zoot Suit,” known for its oversized high-waisted pants, was a symbol of resistance within the Chicano, Black, and Asian American communities.

Fashion trends originating from Japan, particularly wide-legged trousers, have gained popularity in the West, reflecting the growing impact of Japanese style on Western culture. These fashionable trousers trace their origins back to ancient times, where they were worn by Samurai and noblemen, such as the ‘Hakama’ pants. Modern Japanese labels like Yohji Yamamoto, Needles, and Jun Takahashi’s Undercover continue to embody these historical roots in their designs.

Wide-legged trousers symbolize a globally interconnected world and a move towards clothing that prioritizes comfort over style. It’s undeniable that the freedom of movement and breathability provided by loose pants is more appealing than the tight constraints of form-fitting skinny jeans.

Various kinds of roomy pants exist in multiple shapes and dimensions, such as cargo, carpenter, sweat, military, and pleated trousers. Over time, these distinct styles and features have offered specific functions that slim-fit styles are unable to match.

Essentially, the swinging pattern seen in fashion isn’t exclusive to it. It appears that in contemporary society, subcultures and younger generations often aim to defy established norms by rejecting them. Once these countercultural ideas are adopted by the mainstream, those who challenge the status quo rise again in opposition. So, while it’s possible that slim-fitting styles might regain popularity in the future, for now, it seems like loose-fitting clothes may maintain their prominence for a bit longer – at least until 2024 suggests otherwise.

The Pinnacle of Fashiontainment

In 2024, fashion, like a good movie, was often best enjoyed with a bucket of popcorn.

2024 marked the year when the realms of fashion and blockbuster films merged, resulting in a captivating fusion often referred to as “fashiontainment” – a term cherished by style enthusiasts. This unique blend brought together the excitement of runway shows, the drama of creative director changes, high-profile collaborations, and heated online discussions characteristic of the fashion world, with the glamour and spectacle typically associated with Hollywood movies.

Check out September’s New York Fashion Week to see the evidence: Ralph Lauren started things off by transporting attendees to the Hamptons for a single-night runway show, complete with a comprehensive hospitality experience that mirrored his Polo Bar in Manhattan. The CFDA collaborated with Rockefeller Center to install a large screen, measuring 14 feet by 22 feet, in the center of its ice rink, allowing New Yorkers to gather and witness all the excitement of American Fashion Week. In that same location, Raul Lopez organized one of the event’s biggest shows for his brand Luar, which was attended by celebrities such as Madonna and Ice Spice and culminated in a massive performance from Bad Gyal under 30 Rock.

Simultaneously, on Wall Street, Latin Grammy-nominated artists Yahritza Y Su Esencia enchanted the crowd with a touching rendition of “Querida,” originally sung by Juan Gabriel, as part of Willy Chavarria’s runway; meanwhile, on the retired Staten Island Ferry, Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Raekwon drew a vast crowd wielding iPhones to conclude Tommy Hilfiger’s Spring 2025 waterborne fashion show.

Before I started attending fashion shows overseas for extraordinary events like Coperni’s enchanting Disneyland Paris runway or Moncler’s colossal Genius show in Shanghai, I was just a regular fan. However, now, I’ve had the privilege to witness Kylie Jenner gliding on Space Mountain at midnight, and be part of the 8,000 ecstatic guests at Moncler’s show, which featured 10 breathtakingly creative “neighborhoods” designed by Edward Enniful, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Lulu Li, NIGO, Palm Angels, A$AP Rocky, Willow Smith, Donald Glover, Rick Owens and Jil Sander. It’s been quite a fashionable journey!

The essence lies in the fact that the traditional runway presentations have been largely surpassed by elaborate, high-budget entertainment events within the fashion world, which were quite thrilling to observe. This evolution of fashion into entertainment, or “fashiontainment,” has not only taken over the catwalk but also graced the most prominent red carpets in Hollywood.

In 2022, it almost became customary for actors and actresses to advertise their films by sporting fashion that reflected their characters in some way. For instance, Law Roach dressed Zendaya in a series of ensembles inspired by the movie Dune 2, such as Mugler’s Fall 1996 “Gynoid” suit, and Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were frequently seen in their respective costumes for Wicked, designed by Louis Vuitton, Thom Browne, and others. In the case of Beetlejuice, Jenna Ortega’s stylist created several dark-themed outfits from brands like Vivienne Westwood, while Timothee Chalamet recently replicated some of Bob Dylan’s most famous looks as part of promoting the artist’s new biopic, A Complete Unknown.

This year, style was the main topic in discussions at various cultural events such as the stylish opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics and Charli XCX and Troye Sivan’s SWEAT tour.

Adventurous Eyewear

2024 marked the year when selecting your preferred glasses became as crucial as choosing your footwear. Stepping out from mere fashion statement, glasses underwent a remarkable transformation and emerged as a distinct entity, with rules that are more flexible. Embracing futuristic yet practical designs, they were inspired by the year 3025, imagining an entirely novel sphere of influence for this accessory. Characterized by their oversized frames and daring lenses, these glasses symbolize a bold new era in eyewear fashion.

Brands have made their entrance, re-emergence, and focused intensely on their eyeglasses and sunglasses divisions. Newcomers to this field include JW Anderson and A.P.C, while Tag Heuer’s eyewear line has been revitalized. However, two labels in particular have played a pivotal role in advancing the eyewear market.

2024 saw me stepping up my game with Oakley, who made a big splash by taking eyewear to the next level early on. Their January Lunar New Year capsule and Performance Line gave us a sneak peek into their forward-thinking design philosophy for the year. The “Inner Spark” and “Future Genesis” collections were clear evidence of this, and they even expanded their “Latch Panel” collection to match. I was excited to be part of it all!

Oakley strengthened its dominance in the glasses market through strategic partnerships with a diverse group of contributors such as G DLP, Pas Normal Studios, Piet, Bodega, and SATISFY. The company’s significant presence at the Paris Olympics was evident not only in eyewear but also in apparel, thereby reinforcing its contemporary significance within the cultural landscape.

Another label was Gentle Monster, known for its extensive collection of original and collaborative designs. Their most notable partnerships include Maison Margiela, Mugler, Tekken, each collaboration showcasing increasing levels of innovation. (Based on your request for paraphrasing in natural and easy to read language.)

Distinguished fashion brands such as Nike, Supreme, and Stüssy have all made bold statements in the eyewear market, focusing on oversized frames. District Vision has joined the trend by creating a high-end pair of $635 USD Yusuke Alpine Blade Ti Performance Sunglasses, in collaboration with 2XU, and teaming up with POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) to design an entire collection of athletic eyewear.

New Life for Basketball Shoes

As a gamer, I’ve always admired how basketball shoes are the foundation of sneaker culture. From iconic kicks like the Air Jordan 1 to the original Converse Chuck Taylors, they’ve sculpted the current footwear panorama. However, the recent sneaker scene has felt repetitive, and it seemed we were just getting more of the same. Emerging stars like Luka Dončić and Trae Young launched new signature shoe lines, but they weren’t offering anything novel. Meanwhile, the legendary Air Jordan line leaned heavily on retro designs and uninspiring narratives that didn’t resonate with a new wave of consumers. Fortunately, in 2024, most performance brands have brought a breath of fresh air to the table, revitalizing the conversation. It’s exhilarating to don — and from my perspective, discuss — basketball shoes once more.

Reflecting on my exploration back in March, I delved into why this year was shaping up to be a blockbuster for the sneaker scene, and brands have truly surpassed expectations. In January 2024, Anthony Edwards’ adidas AE1 made a splash, but his ability to maintain that momentum all year, with the launch of its low-top version, was nothing short of impressive. Similarly, Devin Booker experienced success, albeit with a more understated flair, as the Nike BOOK 1 has been released in numerous colorways during its debut year on the market. Emerging brands like Rigorer and ANTA flourished as they welcomed Austin Reaves’ second signature shoe and Kyrie Irving’s new line, which is rapidly growing into an empire. As anticipated, pairs from the Nike Kobe line continue to fly off shelves, one after another, following their return to the market.

Beyond what’s already exciting, there’s even more anticipation building up for 2025. This year, WNBA athletes have made a significant impact with shoes like the Nike Sabrina 2, becoming favorites among basketball players. However, the excitement is set to escalate as Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Angel Reese are all expected to unveil their debut signature sneakers within the next two years. The basketball shoe market is poised for growth in this area. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is another athlete planning to release his own signature shoe with Converse in 2025, while Tyrese Haliburton and Salehe Bembury are set to invigorate the PUMA Hoops team. The future looks promising for basketball sneakers, and as they continue to innovate, it boosts creativity across the entire sports shoe market.

A Championship Year for Football Style

The term ‘Blokecore’ wasn’t coined in 2024; rather, it originated in 2022, a time when adding “-core” as a suffix became popular to describe various things. In essence, ‘Blokecore’ refers to a style that draws inspiration from the fashion of British football (or soccer) fans. Although it was initially associated with an affinity for vintage football jerseys, loose pants, and adidas Sambas, along with a touch of Stone Island or C.P. Company, 2024 marked its entry into common usage.

The relationship between football and fashion has been strong for a long time, and it’s evident in the styles of British terraces and Italian ultras. In fact, the concept of “blokecore” wouldn’t exist without these cultural influences. This year, though, their connection evolved into a harmonious blend, largely due to direct partnerships between clubs and fashion brands, successful tournaments, numerous high-profile product releases, and more.

In a novel approach, sports clubs started highlighting popular brands among their fanbase more prominently than ever before. These brands leveraged the distinctive imagery of these clubs for both homages and contemporary interpretations. For instance, Manchester City teamed up with C.P. Company in their FW24 campaign, featuring players like Phil Foden, Nathan Aké, and Jérémy Doku. Y-3 collaborated with Real Madrid on a travel collection and striking matchwear. The long-standing relationship between Off-White™ and AC Milan led to a capsule collection for AC Milan’s 125th anniversary. Arsenal too participated, partnering with LABRUM on kits, which inspired one of the brand’s collections and even collaborated with Aries for their first “streetwear” collection. Noteworthy is also the exceptional kits designed by Y-3 for Japan’s national football federation.

Without fail, it’s important to acknowledge the significant mark Lionel Messi’s recent year has left, especially considering his upcoming retirement. His Argentina team’s triumph at the Copa America and his participation in events like the UEFA European Championship drew immense attention. Moreover, he was a key figure in various projects such as an adidas collaboration with Bad Bunny, which added to the excitement. This past year showcased a peak in football fashion, and with the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, there’s every reason to believe that the upcoming years will continue this trend.

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2024-12-27 21:59