In terms of aesthetics alone, Michele’s and Gvasalia’s visions are drastically different. But both offer a little bit of rebellion in that they champion types who a decade ago probably wouldn’t have held the main spotlight in fashion, including those who don’t see gender as the defining factor in how they dress. While the questioning of gender barriers in clothing started before 2016, it picked up this year. Louis Vuitton, for instance, dressed actor Jaden Smith in a skirt for an ad campaign. Calvin Klein cast gender non-conforming rapper Young Thug in one of its campaigns.

New York label Hood By Air has been flipping, twisting, and inverting notions of gender for years. But this year happens to be the one that its founder, Shayne Oliver, got a lengthy profile in the New Yorker.

The rest of the industry has taken note. Coach is showing fringed sneakers and flared trousers for guys. H&M has replicated the extra-long-sleeved look. Chiara Ferragni, possibly the world’s most influential style blogger, can be spotted wearing platform-shouldered t-shirts that say “You Fuck’n Asshole” at fashion week. (She hasn’t committed to the mullet yet).

Nothing in fashion lasts forever, but in 2016 at least, the cool kids took their cues from the unconventional ones.

📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief

Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.