Karl Lagerfeld Dies at 85 – February 2019

The fashion world was in mourning upon the news that Chanel fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld died at the age of 85 on Feb. 19. Lagerfeld’s career was one of the most respected and lengthiest in the fashion industry. He began his career assisting Pierre Balmain, and later designed for Chloé, Fendi and Chanel. He joined Chanel in 1983, ushering in an era of fantastical fashion shows, it-girls and classic styles. His legacy is being continued by his right-hand woman, Virginie Viard, who is the first female designer to take helm of the brand since Coco Chanel herself.

Calvin Klein Exits Collections Business – March 2019

After creative director Raf Simons left the company and the 205W39NYC brand shuttered, Calvin Klein announced it would shutter its collections business, meaning the brand will no longer be a fixture at New York Fashion Week or on the red carpet. The company laid off 100 employees and saw the departure of president Michelle Kessler-Sanders and ceo Steve Shiffman. The brand has since signed a licensing deal with G-III to design, produce and distribute a jeans collection for a five year period.

Tom Ford Named Chairman of the CFDA – March 2019

Tom Ford is the latest fashion designer to be tapped as chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, succeeding Diane von Furstenberg, who served as president and then chairwoman since 2006. As chairman, Ford has introduced a shorter NYFW schedule, added four new designers to the CFDA board and announced the CFDA calendar will be streamlined into two conferences, one in New York and one in Los Angeles.

Elizabeth and James Strikes Deal with Kohl’s — April 2019

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen struck a deal with Kohl’s Corps. in April to revive their Elizabeth & James contemporary brand, making Kohl’s the new, exclusive retailer for the label. The brand will be entering Kohl’s for the holiday season with its apparel, handbags and accessories collections aimed at a Millennial consumer. The Elizabeth & James Nirvana fragrance will remain at upscale retailers.

Rihanna Launches Fenty Fashion Label With LVMH – May 2019

Already proving her business prowess with Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, Rihanna furthered her dominance of the fashion world with the launch of her fashion label, Fenty, created in partnership with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Her first spring 2019 collection focused on tailoring, cinched waists and corsetry details and debuted at a pop-up shop in Paris.

Keren Craig Exits Marchesa – June 2019

Sixteen years after cofounding the brand with Georgina Chapman, Keren Craig announced she would be leaving her role to pursue new creative ventures. The news comes after a tumultuous 20 months for the brand following the sexual assault allegations against Chapman’s ex-husband, disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein. Many celebrities had stopped wearing the brand following Weinstein’s charges, but some have begun working with Marchesa again for their red carpet appearances, including Scarlett Johansson, Constance Wu and Chrissy Teigen. Marchesa is set to debut its spring 2020 collection at this New York Fashion Week.

Stella McCartney Partners With LVMH – July 2019

Parting ways with Kering last year, Stella McCartney announced a partnership with France’s other luxury giant, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Through the partnership, McCartney continues as creative director and ambassador and holds majority ownership of the brand. She is also bringing her mission of sustainability to LVMH, assuming an additional role of special advisor on sustainability to chairman and chief executive officer, Bernard Arnault, and the executive committee members.

Barneys New York Files for Bankruptcy – August 2019

Luxury fashion retailer Barneys New York filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after months of scrambling to find financing, marking the second time in the retailer’s 96-year history. Barneys revealed it has over 5,000 creditors, including Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen’s The Row for $3.7 million, Celine Inc. for $2.7 million and Yves Saint Laurent America Inc. for $2.2 million. The retailer won final approval for its full $217 million deal in bankruptcy court and is moving forward with its goal of securing a buyer by late October.

Demna Gvasalia Leaves Vetements — September 2019

After fueling streetwear’s popularity among the masses with Vetements, designer Demna Gvasalia announced in September that he’d be stepping down from the brand. During his five-year tenure at the brand, Gvasalia produced a number of memorable fashion pieces, including the lighter-heel boots, his $300 DHL logo t-shirt and reworked, second-hand denim. As he leaves Vetements, Gvasalia will remain as the creative director of Balenciaga.

Forever 21 Files For Bankruptcy — September 2019

Fast-fashion retailer, Forever 21, joined the lengthy roster of fashion brands and retailers that filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this year. The retailer announced it will close roughly 178 doors in the U.S. along with most of its international locations in Asia and Europe. The news comes at a tumultuous time for the retailer, which was sued earlier in the month by Ariana Grande for $10 million, claiming that Forever 21 misused her name and image in an ad campaign.

Gigi Hadid Stops Catwalk Crasher at Chanel Runway Show — October 2019

Chanel’s spring 2020 runway show had an unexpected visitor this season, as French comedian and YouTube personality, Marie Benoliel — better known as Marie S’Infiltre — stormed onto the runway as models took their finale walk. Model Gigi Hadid took it upon herself to escort out the catwalk crasher, placing a stern hand on Benoliel’s shoulder as she ushered her off-stage.

Zac Posen Shutters Business – November 2019

News of Zac Posen shuttering his business rocked the fashion world in November, with the beloved designer describing the closure to WWD as “horrible,” “pretty intense” and “surreal.” Posen stated that the brand was in a sale process, but ran out of time to get funding as of Nov. 1. His spring 2020 collection, which was photographed by Steven Sebring in a 360-degree photo studio and modeled by Winnie Harlow, will not be shipped to retailers and his staff of about 60 employees were let go.

LVMH Acquires Tiffany & Co. – November 2019

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton made history in 2019 with its largest transaction ever: acquiring Tiffany & Co. for $16.2 billion.

The deal doubled the size of the conglomerate’s watches and jewelry division, giving it a stronger position to compete with rival Compagnie Financière Richemont, which owns Cartier. 

With the deal, LVMH has plans to build out specific product pillars and focus on the Asian consumer. The conglomerate is drawing experience from its ownership of Bulgari, which it acquired in 2011 for $5.2 billion.