Now that 2024 is behind us, we can take a step back and assess the sneaker landscape with a fresh perspective. This was a year of revival and reinvention—after a period of creative stagnation, brands re-embraced risk-taking through unexpected collaborations, bold material choices, and innovative reworks of classics. Consumer behavior also saw a shift: impulse buying gave way to a more thoughtful approach, with collectors and casual buyers alike seeking meaning and individuality in their purchases. How did the sneaker industry respond? By crafting silhouettes that spoke to both heritage and the future. Beyond aesthetics, 2024 also saw a growing emphasis on sustainability and craftsmanship. Brands experimented with eco-conscious materials, limited-run productions, and modular designs that extended the lifespan of sneakers. The intersection of fashion and performance continued to blur, with high-fashion houses pushing technical footwear into new realms, while sports brands refined their archival releases to cater to both athletes and lifestyle consumers. As sneaker culture evolved, so too did the conversations around authenticity, exclusivity, and storytelling. Futura Laboratories x Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Bleached Aqua’ From £360, buy here . A long-overdue reunion, Futura Laboratories and Nike SB revisited one of sneaker culture’s most legendary designs. Two decades after the release of the coveted FLOM SB Dunk, Futura returned with a fresh iteration. The Bleached Aqua colorway was an instant classic, boasting a white mesh upper, multicolored canvas overlays, and Futura’s unmistakable signature on the lateral panel. Despite minor design grievances—some sneakerheads lamented the creasing potential of the mesh toebox—this pair became an essential pickup when it dropped on May 18, 2024. Jordan 4 Retro Bred Reimagined From £288, buy here . OG colorways never go out of style, and Jordan Brand’s "Reimagined" series proved just that. The Air Jordan 4 Bred Reimagined arrived in February, maintaining the beloved black, red, and grey palette while swapping nubuck for tumbled leather. This small yet significant tweak added a premium feel to an already iconic shoe, ensuring it remained one of the year’s most sought-after releases. The February 17th drop date saw instant sell-outs, reaffirming the timeless appeal of the AJ4. Issey Miyake x New Balance MT10O Sold out everywhere. Minimalist yet statement-making, the Issey Miyake x New Balance MT10O seamlessly blended Japanese design principles with New Balance’s technical expertise. The shoe came in three neutral tones—navy, black, and white—emphasizing “barefoot mobility” through lightweight construction and a streamlined silhouette. The combination of leather, ripstop, and mesh materials ensured durability while maintaining an effortlessly refined aesthetic. Verdy x Nike SB Dunk Low Visty From £400, buy here . Verdy, best known for Girls Don’t Cry, returned for his second Nike SB collaboration—this time independent of his previous label. The Visty Dunk took inspiration from his beloved plush character, translating its fuzzy, playful energy into a sneaker that felt both irreverent and collectible. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Canary From £89, buy here . Travis Scott continued his sneaker reign with the ‘Canary’ Air Jordan 1 Low, an homage to his high school, Elkins High. The colorway blended canary yellow with racer blue, light silver, and gum brown, while signature elements like the reverse Swoosh and Cactus Jack branding remained untouched. The gum outsole and Nike Air-cushioned midsole cemented it as another standout in Scott’s portfolio. MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon XT-6 Mule ‘Black’ £350, buy here . Mule culture surged in 2024, and MM6 Maison Margiela capitalized on the trend with its Salomon XT-6 Mule. Marrying high fashion with outdoor functionality, this slip-on iteration retained the rugged XT-4 sole and signature quick-lace system while stripping back the heel for effortless wearability. It was the ultimate blend of style and utility. Nike Air Max 1 '87 ‘University of Oregon’ From £345, buy here . For Air Max purists, the ‘University of Oregon’ edition of the Air Max 1 ’87 was an immediate grail. Featuring an eclectic mix of perforated tan leather, leopard-print eyestays, and a blue Swoosh, the sneaker was a masterclass in maximalist design. A standout detail? The gold-embroidered heel tabs reading "ONCE A DUCK" and "ALWAYS A DUCK." CLOT x adidas Superstar $200, buy here . Marking a significant pivot, CLOT returned to adidas after years of Nike collaborations. Edison Chen reimagined the Superstar as a dress shoe hybrid, complete with tassels and premium leather construction. The design, first teased at Shanghai Fashion Week, was a refreshing take on a classic silhouette. Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack TR Sail Dark Mocha From £196, buy here . Travis Scott’s influence extended beyond his Air Jordan collaborations with the debut of his first signature sneaker, the Jumpman Jack TR. The ‘Sail Dark Mocha’ colorway, worn by Scott throughout late 2023, launched in April and reinforced his dominance in the sneaker world. Nike Kobe 4 Protro Girl Dad From £142, buy here . A heartfelt tribute, the Nike Kobe 4 Protro ‘Girl Dad’ paid homage to Kobe Bryant’s love for his daughters. Inspired by a green Philadelphia Eagles beanie he wore courtside with Gigi, the sneaker featured an aqua upper, suede overlays, and metallic silver heel detailing. Released on June 7, 2024, it was a poignant and highly anticipated drop. adidas Originals x Bad Bunny Gazelle San Juan £240, buy here . Bad Bunny continued his creative partnership with adidas, this time putting a surreal twist on the classic Gazelle. Named after Puerto Rico’s capital, the sneaker featured asymmetrical front panels, exposed size tags, and string laces, making it one of the more experimental collaborations of the year. ASICS x Hidden NY Gel-NYC £165, buy here . After months of teasers, ASICS and Hidden NY finally delivered their highly anticipated Gel-NYC collab in March. Inspired by photo-editing software, the sneaker featured pixelated tiger stripes and a transparency grid effect, cementing Hidden NY’s status as more than just an Instagram mood board. Bentgablenits x Asics Gel-1130 From £780. Toronto-based upcycling collective Bentgablenits turned sneaker collaboration on its head by incorporating genuine vintage Cracker Jack charms into their ASICS Gel-1130 collab. Each pair was one-of-a-kind, featuring hand-stitched antique trinkets and hand-dyed velvet laces. With fewer than 200 pairs released, this project was as much an art piece as it was footwear.

At the end of December, the fashion world buzzed with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation as John Galliano announced his departure from Maison Margiela after an impactful ten years as creative director. Taking to Instagram, the legendary designer penned a heartfelt post that hinted at dreams yet to come, while expressing gratitude for a decade spent redefining one of fashion’s most enigmatic houses. Galliano’s time at Margiela was nothing short of transformative. Appointed in 2014, he was tasked with balancing the Maison’s legacy of anonymity and avant-garde minimalism with his own penchant for drama, theatricality, and boundary-pushing storytelling. It was a pairing that, on paper, seemed unlikely. In practice, it resulted in some of the most memorable moments in contemporary fashion history. From the beginning, Galliano’s tenure at Margiela was about reinvention. He approached the brand’s artisanal collections—its answer to couture—as an opportunity to showcase his unparalleled ability to blend craftsmanship with narrative. Who can forget his Fall 2015 debut, where models strode down the runway adorned with fragmented mirrors, turning the act of wearing fashion into a meditation on identity and perception? It was a signal of things to come: collections that not only dressed the body but also engaged the mind. Galliano’s vision extended beyond clothing. His collaborations with makeup artist Pat McGrath resulted in iconic beauty moments that became as integral to the shows as the garments themselves. Glass-like skin that made models resemble porcelain dolls, exaggerated silhouettes that blurred the lines between human and sculpture, and runway performances that felt more like avant-garde theatre—Galliano made the Margiela runway a space for magic. Highlights of a Decade Spring 2015 Couture Galliano’s debut couture collection for Margiela was an experimental exploration of deconstruction and reconstruction. It featured dramatic silhouettes, unexpected materials, and a sense of rebellion against traditional couture norms, setting the tone for his transformative tenure at the Maison. Spring 2018 Couture A bold exploration of deconstruction, featuring garments that appeared mid-transformation—half-tailored suits, exposed inner workings, and layers of transparent tulle. It was Galliano at his most conceptual, taking the Maison’s ethos of unfinished beauty to new heights. Spring 2020 Ready-to-Wear A collection inspired by upcycling and sustainability, long before it became an industry buzzword. Galliano turned discarded materials into high fashion, blending elegance with a message of responsibility. Leon Dame’s Viral Walk for Spring 2020 Galliano’s ability to create unforgettable moments extended to casting and direction. Model Leon Dame’s exaggerated, almost militaristic strut down the runway became an instant internet sensation, embodying the rebellious spirit of the collection and showcasing Galliano’s talent for blending performance art with fashion. Spring 2024 Couture Galliano’s final collection for Margiela was a love letter to the golden age of fashion. Set under Paris’s Pont Alexandre III, the show featured 19th-century-inspired characters, live cabaret performances, and Gwendoline Christie in a latex corset. The models’ luminous, otherworldly skin cemented it as an era-defining moment. Looking back, it felt like Galliano’s swan song—a grand finale to a decade of storytelling. Rihanna’s 2018 Met Gala Look One of Galliano’s most memorable creations for Margiela was Rihanna’s papal-inspired ensemble for the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" Met Gala. The intricately beaded mitre and matching robe showcased Galliano’s mastery of blending cultural references with high fashion, making it one of the most talked-about looks of the evening. Spring/Summer 2017 Artisanal This artisanal collection relied heavily on deconstruction, with the first few all-black looks showcasing trench coats, hats, and dresses with panels cut away and inner linings exposed. While this is a Margiela signature, as the collection continued Galliano layered in his romantic narrative with tulle, chiffon, and lace—one of the most memorable looks being a silhouette of a woman’s face constructed from billowing tulle on the side of a white coat, which trailed behind the model as she walked. Zendaya in Custom Couture at the 2024 Met Gala Galliano’s flair for creating red carpet magic was on full display when Zendaya wore a custom Maison Margiela gown to the 2024 Met Gala. The look, inspired by celestial themes, featured a shimmering, layered tulle dress with intricate beading that captured the evening’s "Time and Space" theme. It was a testament to Galliano’s ability to merge fantasy with elegance, making it a standout moment in his final year at Margiela.

Haider Ackermann, a designer known for his sharp tailoring and avant-garde aesthetics, is stepping into the world of functional luxury with his first capsule collection for Canada Goose, titled Snow Goose . This collaboration is more than just outerwear—it's a reimagining of the iconic brand's heritage through Ackermann's unique lens. And who better to front the campaign than actor Ethan Hawke, whose rugged charm and unpretentious attitude make him a fitting ambassador for this new chapter in the brand's evolution? Unveiled just in time for winter, Snow Goose is a 60-piece collection that merges the technical brilliance of Canada Goose with Ackermann’s distinct design sensibility. Think Arctic-proof functionality meets fashion-forward artistry. The collection ranges from updated classics like the Rider Jacket, inspired by archival styles worn by Ontario’s Provincial Police, to bold newcomers like the Celestia Jacket, which dazzles with a silver reflective finish. Vibrant hues like “Aquarius” blue and neon green add a playful edge, while black-and-white diamond quilting offers a sophisticated counterpoint. For Ackermann, the collection is a love letter to Canada Goose’s storied past. “I delved into the archives and found so much untapped energy,” he explains. “There was this fluorescent pink parka from the ’60s—it was wild! I wanted to bring that spirit back while keeping the DNA of the brand intact.” The campaign, shot by Willy Vanderperre, stars Hawke alongside model Julia Nobis and a cast of creatives spanning arts, sports, and design. Hawke, ever the reluctant style icon, brings a grounded perspective to the project. “I’ve never been into fashion for fashion’s sake,” he says, “but I love clothes that are practical and cool.” Hawke’s connection to Canada Goose isn’t new. His first encounter with the brand came during the filming of Alive , where glacier-set scenes demanded the kind of gear that could handle extreme weather. “They handed me a jacket that I still own,” he shares, recalling the grueling shoot in the Andes. That blend of durability and design is precisely what makes Canada Goose a mainstay in both Hollywood and snowy terrains alike. Ackermann’s arrival as creative director marks a pivotal moment for the brand. Canada Goose CEO Dani Reiss emphasizes that this is an evolution, not a reinvention. “Haider is here to elevate what we’ve built over six decades,” says Reiss. “We’re staying true to our roots while injecting a fresh energy into the brand.” The Snow Goose capsule is just the beginning. With two additional drops slated for December, Ackermann’s impact on Canada Goose is only beginning to unfold. From innovative materials to high-wattage collaborations, this new chapter signals a bold future for the brand. The first drop of Haider Ackermann’s Snow Goose by Canada Goose is available now in stores and online. Stay tuned for the next wave, launching December 10th—because, as Ackermann is proving, functional luxury has never been this exciting.

For a few seasons, I’ve overheard conversations about Balenciaga under Demna’s direction and the lack of creativity in recent collections. Once celebrated as a fearless innovator and a visionary of the late 2010s and early 20s, who steered Vetements and later Balenciaga through numerous controversies while reshaping what modern luxury meant, Demna had gotten into a bit of a rut,. Under his direction, Balenciaga released a ton of celebrated sneakers, collaborations, bold silhouettes and stunning gowns. The Fall 2025 collection however, brings a new fresh perspective on the talent he was recognised for - the front and centre innovation, the bags, the oversized but wearable silhouettes and the dramatic storytelling. From cocoon-shaped gowns evoking Balenciaga’s original house codes to an audacious collaboration with Lamborghini, the collection reaffirms Demna’s place among the most compelling designers of our time. Presented as a stripped-back visual study, the collection unveils its designs through iPhone-shot, watermarked images posted on Demna’s social media—a cheeky nod to the ubiquity of digital culture and the blurred lines between high fashion and everyday life. Key pieces like the Cocoon maxi dress in black jersey and its polar opposite—a bodycon white T-shirt minidress—illustrate the collection’s theme of extremes. This dichotomy extends across the line-up: voluminous maxi skirts versus micro-minis, padded slippers versus stripped-down clip-on soles, and garments marked “Brand New With Tags” juxtaposed with ultra-destroyed pieces. Demna’s commitment to architectural silhouettes shines through monolithic creations like the Semi-Fitted maxi coat in chunky wool gabardine and a flowing Old Hollywood-inspired kaftan in viscose jersey. The collection's understated elegance is underscored by austere tailoring and fabrics repurposed to challenge perceptions of luxury. The Lamborghini Collaboration Arguably the most buzzworthy element of the collection is Balenciaga’s partnership with Lamborghini. This capsule blends automotive aesthetics with high fashion, delivering standout pieces like leather racing jackets, co-branded tees featuring the 2025 Lamborghini Temerario, and a driver’s manual-inspired clutch. Accessories, including key fob charms and Shield-emblazoned bags, further drive home the concept. The collection masterfully straddles worlds, appealing to both fashion devotees and auto enthusiasts. From leather bombers to sweatpants and statement jewellery, the collaboration is a fitting tribute to the daring innovation that both brands represent. Footwear Reinvented Demna’s reinvention extends to footwear with styles that balance function and flair. Highlights include Balenciaga | Scholl heels featuring orthopaedic cork footbeds, velvet Château slippers, and anatomic five-toe runners with elasticated uppers. The Zero shoe, with its ultralight 3-D moulded sole, distils footwear to its essence, mimicking the feeling of being barefoot. Other striking options include distressed “prom guy” loafers, tubular knit cuissardes with padded footbeds, and poulaine stiletto boots with whimsically upturned toes. Accessories and the Final Flourishes Eyewear and handbags complete the collection, offering bold, utilitarian designs. From the mono-hinge Afterhour sunglasses to the Superbusy double-layered frames, the collection reflects Demna’s flair for statement-making accessories. Bags, meanwhile, feature inside-out constructions and distressed finishes. The Lamborghini collaboration takes centre stage with dashboard clutches adorned with license-plate motifs and key fob charms, merging functionality with the allure of luxury. The Fall 2025 collection is a study in Demna’s ability to challenge norms while staying rooted in Balenciaga’s storied heritage. It marries comfort with couture, humor with sophistication, and innovation with tradition. For those who doubted, this collection serves as a resounding reminder: Demna is not done innovating. As fashion continues to grapple with its relationship to technology, sustainability, and cultural relevance, Balenciaga’s Fall 2025 collection is more than a showcase—it’s a statement. Demna invites us to see beauty in the unexpected and to embrace the contradictions that define the modern wardrobe.

The Fashion Awards 2024 unfolded in dazzling style at London’s Royal Albert Hall, a night that celebrated the creative brilliance shaping the British fashion industry and beyond. Hosted by Maya Jama and Kojey Radical, the ceremony fused glamour and grit against the backdrop of a challenging year for the industry, marked by economic pressures and shifting global landscapes. But if the evening’s mood proved anything, it’s that fashion remains a resilient force of expression and innovation. Alexa Chung, wrapped in glittering Miu Miu and faux fur, set the tone on a red carpet that shimmered with archival treasures like Rihanna’s Christian Lacroix AW02 couture and modern masterpieces such as Lila Moss’s Alexander McQueen gown. Inside, the night offered more than spectacle—it was a call to action, a celebration of culture, and a nod to the year’s most impactful moments. Tom Ford received the Outstanding Achievement Award, while Jonathan Anderson was crowned Designer of the Year, cementing his status as a modern visionary. Simone Rocha and Nan Goldin injected urgency into the evening with powerful speeches that bridged fashion and activism, reminding attendees that style is inherently political. Performances by Debbie Harry and Wizkid electrified the venue, while Chloe and Halle Bailey enchanted in bespoke Dilara Fındıkoğlu creations. Despite the glitz, the recurring message was clear: British fashion thrives not only on artistry but also on its capacity to adapt, reflect, and lead in uncertain times. Below you will find all nominees and winners from each category this year: Designer of the Year Chemena Kamali for Chloé John Galliano for Maison Margiela Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson & Loewe (winner) Miuccia Prada for Miu Miu Pieter Mulier for Alaïa Rick Owens for Rick Owens Model of the Year Alex Consani (winner) Alva Claire Amelia Gray Anok Yai Liu Wen Mona Tougaard British Menswear Designer of the Year Craig Green for Craig Green Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner (winner) Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson & Loewe Kiko Kostadinov for Kiko Kostadinov Kim Jones for Dior Men Martine Rose for Martine Rose British Womenswear Designer of the Year Erdem Moralıoğlu for Erdem Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson & Loewe Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo Roksanda Ilinčić for Roksanda Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha (winner) New Establishment Menswear Aaron Esh for Aaron Esh Foday Dumbuya for Labrum London Nicholas Daley for Nicholas Daley Priya Ahluwalia for Ahluwalia (winner) Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt for Stefan Cooke New Establishment Womenswear Dilara Fındıkoğlu for Dilara Fındıkoğlu Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena for Chopova Lowena Jawara Alleyne for Jawara Alleyne Laura & Deanna Fanning for Kiko Kostadinov Marco Capaldo for 16Arlington (winner) British Accessories Designer Anna Jewsbury for Completedworks Helen Kirkum for Helen Kirkum Studio Jack Cannon and Joe Gelb for Hatton Labs Rosh Mahtani for Alighieri Stephen Jones for Stephen Jones (winner) Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator Tyler Mitchell Special Recognition Award Dame Margaret Barbour Special Recognition Award Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou Special Recognition Award Nan Goldin and Gucci Outstanding Achievement Award Tom Ford BFC Foundation Award Aaron Esh Bianca Saunders Chopova Lowena (winner) Labrum London Tolu Coker Best to worst red carpet looks

Dover Street Market (DSM) isn’t just celebrating a milestone; it’s rewriting the rules of what an anniversary can be. The retailer, founded by COMME des GARÇONS visionary Rei Kawakubo, has spent two decades as the epicentre of avant-garde fashion and innovative retail experiences. To honour its 20th year, DSM has teamed up with Italian outerwear trailblazer Stone Island for a collection that’s as forward-thinking as it is steeped in history. At the heart of this collaboration is a resurrection of Stone Island’s COMPACT jacket, a Paul Harvey-designed gem from the brand’s Fall/Winter 2003-2004 archive. Back in the early aughts, this piece was a revelation: a functional design inspired by military aviation suits, complete with a lace-up string-and-loop system meant to adapt compression to atmospheric conditions. Now, it returns, reimagined through Stone Island’s modern fabric technologies but retaining its original ethos—part utility, part statement piece. The Materials Tell the Story This time, the COMPACT jacket comes in three distinct fabrications that each offer a unique take on innovation. The Panama Recycled Oxide Plating version features recycled cotton with a subtle patina, blending sustainability with rugged elegance. The Glass Cover-TC variant is all about contrasts, showcasing a polyester mesh encased in a glossy, semi-transparent polyurethane film that feels futuristic yet unmistakably Stone Island. For fans of ultra-lightweight outerwear, the David Light-TC edition offers dyed tela fabric treated under high-pressure heat for a sleek yet durable finish. More than Just a Jacket This isn’t just a drop—it’s an event. The jackets launched on November 29 alongside an art installation by Ken-Tonio Yamamoto, whose abstract visual language perfectly complements the experimental nature of the release. The collaboration sits among DSM’s roster of celebratory drops, which recently included Nike’s glow-in-the-dark Vomero sneakers. Expect more to come—probably in DSM’s signature black-and-minimalist aesthetic. Why This Matters Stone Island and Dover Street Market have long shared a kinship in the way they approach design. Both push the boundaries of traditional menswear, blending meticulous craftsmanship with bold, unapologetic ideas. Stone Island’s collaborations with Nike, Supreme, and New Balance have solidified its place in the streetwear lexicon, but this collection taps into a deeper narrative—a celebration of not just what’s next, but what has come before. For collectors and style connoisseurs, the COMPACT jacket is more than just a statement piece. It’s a tangible slice of fashion history, a bridge between two decades of pioneering design. As DSM, the brainchild of COMME des GARÇONS, continues to evolve, this partnership reminds us why it remains a cultural institution: it doesn’t just sell clothes; it creates moments. So whether you’re braving the winter streets or adding to your archive, this is one collaboration worth investing in. After all, pieces like this don’t come around often—at least, not for another 20 years.