Whether you liked it or not, 2024 was an exceptionally eventful year. I often found myself overwhelmed and on the brink of drowning in the turbulent sea of politics, college applications, social media, and various other distractions. However, while these events are important to understand and use to grow from, I believe that 2024 was not all that bad. As a constant consumer of all types of media, I often use them as a distraction from the usual harsh reality of the outside world. I find that art and expression are always a safe escape, whether it be music, movies, or fashion, a constant source of comfort and inspiration was waiting for me this year. With that being said, here are my favorite media moments of 2024:
FASHION:
Since I was a little girl, fashion has been a major interest of mine. Every year, collections are created and new designers emerge, creating showstopping, never-seen-before pieces of wearable art. While fashion can often be misused and abused, there are a few celebrities whose style I never get tired of.
Starting with two people who need absolutely no introduction; A$AP Rocky and Rihanna. The two artists have impeccable styles individually, but together, they create the quintessential power couple. Bomber jackets, vintage jerseys, chunky accessories, unique sunnies, and mismatched colors are just the beginning of these two. They take 90’s streetwear and elevate it by implementing modern materials, textures, silhouettes, and styles to their outfits. The duo has created their own genre of fashion, and continues to constantly raise the bar for couples everywhere.
Next, a man who is raising the standard for men’s red carpet fashion; Domingo Coleman. Nowadays, red carpets are filled with perfectly tailored suits, and while it was nice for a while, with the emergence and evolution of the fashion industry, men need to step up their game. Domingo is doing just that. Satin sashes, flared dress pants, creative shoes, crystalized jackets, bright bling, flower bouquets as accessories, and more that he brings to the table. He is constantly taking the boring, thoughtless black-and-white suit and adding color, texture, and patterns, always impressing the public with his impeccable style.
Among other things, 2024 has unveiled a new style of press; method dressing. After the pink craze that followed Barbie, actors dressing for their movies significantly increased in popularity and relevance. One artist who has absolutely nailed the concept is Zendaya. In my opinion, she is one of, if not the best-dressed celeb out there. While her street style is exceptional, I am drawn to specifically her incredible press tour looks. She has the power to take a fictional movie and bring it to life through fashion. Robotic and sandy structures for Dune 2, and mini skirts and knit vests for Challengers, she knows her character inside and out which is displayed with her cross-style dressing for each of her roles. This was seen again this year with a balance of green and pink in Wicked, corsets, and pastels for Bridgerton, leather jackets for A Complete Unknown, gothic chic for Nosferatu, and many more.
MOVIES:
As some may know, movies are my love language. There are few things I love more than going to the movie theatre with a bucket of popcorn and Junior Mints while being submerged in a new world for 2 hours. Although I typically watch old movies for the sake of their comfort, there were a few new movies this year I loved.
After the blockbuster Dune Part 1, I had high expectations for the sequel. These expectations were squashed, thrown out the window, and replaced with spellbound awe. With the soundtrack by Hanz Zimmer (incredible on its own), directing by Denis Villeneuve, insane costumes, cinematography, set design and production, and a stacked cast, this was the movie of the year for me. The entire time watching I was endlessly impressed by the acting and overall look of the film, and I was completely absorbed and transported to the world on the screen, everything a movie should do.
Another movie that particularly struck me was Gladiator II. I think it is very difficult to create a sequel to such a beloved movie as Gladiator, but this one was well done. Although it essentially copied the plot of the first, it was still a fun time. Particularly the dazzling acting by Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pescal, constantly proving their commitment to their craft and understanding of what their audience wanted to see.
MUSIC:
Where would all high schoolers be without music? It’s a question I frequently ask myself, as the constant plea for AirPods to be removed by teachers is for good reason: music makes the world turn. That being said, tons of albums were released this year, many of which had massive cultural impacts.
One of my top albums to come out of 2024 was hands down Kansas Anymore by Role Model. This album facilitated me through every season. From melancholy “Something, Somehow, Someday” and “Frances”, to the upbeat “Superglue” and “The Dinner”, this album has songs for every vibe and was on constant repeat for me throughout the entire year. Role Model’s upbeat take on pop-folk creates the perfect album; balanced, fun, and cute.
The next album I love from this year comes from one of my favorite artists of all time. Unreal Unearth by Hozier is an absolute lyrical masterpiece, taking the listener through the nine stages of hell and the afterlife. While this album inspired by Dantes Inferno may not be his master opus to me, the lyrics, production, placing, vocals, and storytelling are out of this world, proving that he is the best lyricist and artist out there right now. “First Time”, “Abstract (Psychopomp)”, “Unknown/Nth”, and “First Light” are the tip of the iceberg of my favorite tracks on this album.
This last album was released in late 2023, but I think it deserves a shoutout because it doesn’t get nearly enough credit. Cuts and Bruises by Inhaler in addition to their entire discography has taken over my mind. After seeing them in concert, I quickly fell in love with their sound, and I believe they are bringing 80’s type rock back. To put it simply — they are rock stars. The entire album is perfection. Electric and exciting, their music is FUN! While the entire album is no skips — my favorites are “The Things I Do”, “Valentine”, “Dublin in Ecstasy”, “ These Are the Days”, and “Love Will Get You There.”
There were plenty more movies, albums, and fashion moments released that I didn’t have enough words to express my love for, I am looking forward to 2025 and the many more reviews and content still to come.
