You likely laughed when, early this year, reality TV star-turned-beauty mogul Kylie Jenner proclaimed 2016 the year of “realizing stuff” — but there’s no denying that we all got a little more woke over the last 12 months. For much of the fashion world, that included the names of new creative directors or the cost of shifting production cycles. Others mastered strategies for engaging with audiences everywhere from Instagram to Facebook Live. For details on the lessons the industry learned, we asked eight influential insiders — including editors, fashion directors and designers — to reveal their biggest revelations of 2016.
Ken Downing, svp and fashion director, Neiman Marcus
“The greatest lesson learned in 2016 was a lesson I had long assumed: In-season fashion shows create immediate excitement, giving the customer a reason to shop! Buy-now-wear-now is real and the future of fashion’s relevance in today’s world!”
Jess Pels, digital director, Marie Claire
“2016’s volatile social-media landscape taught me that, while digital strategy will always be important, it’s plain-old compelling content that cuts through the noise.”
Erin Kleinberg and Stacie Brockman, co-founders, Métier Creative
“Never let the fear of trying something new deter you from starting. Fear is the best motivator you can have. If it feels insanely uncomfortable or unbelievably terrifying, it’s probably right. You have plenty of time to make mistakes and fail — no one is counting, only you.”
Ikram Goldman, owner, Chicago boutique Ikram
“Instead of shattering the glass ceiling, we need to pop the bubble we are living in.”
Julie Wainwright, Founder and CEO, The RealReal.com
“2016 was a year where sustainability became conscious. While The RealReal has always been a very green company and an innovator in the circular economy, this is the first time we have heard this was a prime buyer/consignment reason. Also, The RealReal got even more real this year with our NYC pop-up store, and we saw first-hand how important our experts and authenticity are in the sales cycle.”
Becca McCharen, founder and designer, Chromat
“I learned that a focus on inclusivity on the runway and off is more important than ever.”
Carmen Busquets, e-commerce investor and entrepreneur
“What I learned this year was the importance of having a digital voice. I joined social media this year and changed the name of my website to carmenbusquets.com, and learned that when we can bring something of value, we have a responsibility to raise our voices about what we believe in so that we can make a positive impact towards those who’ll benefit from the advice. For me, it’s the insights gained from over 30 years in the business of luxury, fashion and technology, but much more importantly, in my personal quest to promote freedom and equality, as well as a dedication to mind-body discipline.”
Nikki Ogunnaike, senior fashion editor of ELLE.com
“This year I learned that fashion doesn’t have to be the shallow, superficial industry everyone thinks it is. Runway shows can raise awareness about mental health issues, brands can push the conversation around size-inclusivity to new frontiers and Super Bowl costumes are so powerful, they can launch nationwide debates.”
Pictured: Erin Kleinberg and Stacie Brockman, co-founders of Métier Creative
