Never Forget These 6 Nostalgic Runway Shows
From Christian Lacroix to Todd Oldham, join L'OFFICIEL with a look at some of the most iconic designers and runway moments from the mid-'90s and early 2000s.
There's no denying that the '90s and 2000s have been making a comeback into our recent fashion vocabularies. From punk rock grunge to avant-garde couture, Betsey Johnson to Christian Lacroix, this era birthed defining runway collections that forever changed the way we view fashion. As fashion month kicks off with New York Fashion Week, L'OFFICIEL rounds up some of the most iconic designers and brands who made giant waves in the fashion industry during this period. In fact, for these designers who sadly closed their doors later on, the '90s and 2000s runways became the golden era that they will forever be linked to.
Christian Francis Roth Spring/Summer 1993
For Spring/Summer 1993, designer Christian Francis Roth displayed a collection that highlighted the punk/grunge era, using Sonic Youth front woman Kim Gordon as his muse. While he shuttered his high-end label in 1995, Roth's impact on the fashion industry is to be noted, as he helped to bring grunge-inspired fashion to the runways.
Todd Oldham Fall/Winter 1997
Todd Oldham's impact on the fashion industry is one that remains unmatched, as he entered the '90s fashion scene with vibrant colors and loud prints that spoke for themselves. After a booming decade under his own label, he closed his fashion house in 1999 to focus on other creative endeavors.
Betsey Johnson Fall/Winter 2001
Betsey Johnson's iconic and flamboyant designs were absolutely legendary, with her signature "pretty and punk" aesthetic being a staple for women everywhere. In her memoir, Johnson recounts the loss of her business after finding themselves in millions of dollars in debt. Steve Madden eventually scooped up both Johnson's debt and her name for an undisclosed sum, but Johnson eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2012.
Isaac Mizrahi Fall/Winter 1994
Isaac Mizrahi's simple yet glamorous designs were heavily embraced by the fashion industry after his first successful runway show in 1988. He took inspiration from Hollywood glamour and American pop culture, oftentimes translating that into his clothes. Despite his critical acclaim, the designer shuttered his business in 1998.
Marithé et François Girbaurd Spring/Summer 2000
The iconic French denim brand Marithé et François Girbaurd was extremely popular from the mid-'90s to the early 2000s among the hip hop scene. Girbaurd eventually declared bankruptcy in 2012 and liquidated itself in 2013 due to the financial crisis, but its cultural impact remains cemented.
Christian Lacroix Spring/Summer 2000 Haute Couture
French designer Christian Lacroix opened his Haute Couture house in 1987 and made headlines for his frilly and flirtatious designs. His background in historical costume and clothing paved the way for his magnificent fairytale-style clothes that were celebrated all over the world. Unfortunately, Lacroix's business folded in 2009 after filing for bankruptcy.
