A look back at the year in fashion for 2012

1. Still stylish at 175

Holt Renfrew celebrated 175 years in business.

2. New designers in the house

Two legendary fashion houses announced new designers. Raf Simons arrived at Dior and Hedi Slimane was appointed to Yves Saint Laurent — or rather Saint Laurent as it's now known. Then Nicolas Ghesquière, designer and creative director for the house of Balenciaga announced his departure. American designer Alexander Wang was appointed new creative director.

3. Demise of Fashion Television

After 27 years on air, Fashion Television is cancelled. The groundbreaking series, hosted by Jeanne Beker since April 1985, was instrumental in bringing high fashion to living rooms around the world.

3. Brad Pitt become the face of Chanel No. 5

Chanel selected world renowned actor Brad Pitt to be the face of the upcoming advertising campaign for Chanel N°5, the French fashion house announced on Twitter.

4. In her genes

Aerin Lauder, granddaughter of the late cosmetics doyenne Estée Lauder, launched her own lifestyle brand called Aerin, at Holt Renfrew.

5. Fashion Cares ends after 27 years

The legendary AIDS fundraising event that brought together celebrity culture, spectacular fashion shows and celebrities is over. Elton John belted out the final note.

6. Death notices

Legendary British hairstylist Vidal Sassoon died of natural causes at his home in Hollywood. He was 84. Anna Piaggi, legendary Italian fashion editor and style icon, died at 81. Helen Gurley Brown, an American author, publisher, and the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine for 32 years, died at 90.

7. Fast fashion went cerebral

H &M collaborated with avant guard designer Martin Margiela for a limited edition collection for the masses.

8. Designer stores flocked to our malls

International retailers beat a path to Canada including Kate Spade, Tori Burch, Express, Limited, Anne Taylor, Massimo Dutti and Ted Baker.

9. Seeing red

The colour red was the basis for a lawsuit, as Christian Louboutin and YSL battled it out in court over the use of red soles on fancy shoes.

10. The simple sweatshirt gained haute status

During the fashion collections in Paris many fashionistas were seen decked out in sweatshirts by Kenzo and Balanciaga.