15 Pivotal Fashion Lessons We Learned in 2015

Raf Simons’ abrupt departure from his post as creative director at Dior in October after his critically acclaimed three-and-a-half year run shocked the fashion crowd. Many theorized that his farewell was due in large part to the industry’s breakneck pace and excess of seasons (six and counting!). Just days after Simons’ breakup with Dior went public, Alber Elbaz unexpectedly decamped from Lanvin after a successful 14-year run.

Let’s not forget Alexander Wang ending things with Balenciaga, two-and-a-half years after scoring the big gig. The breakup was speculated to stem from Wang’s desire to focus on his eponymous line and to take a much-needed breather from divvying his time between Paris and New York to juggle both brands. “Designers — by their nature sensitive, emotional, and artistic people — are being asked to take on so much. Too much,” esteemed critic Suzy Menkes wrote on British Vogue following Simons’ farewell. What will it take for the industry to chill out and slow down?