The 2008 Image Index: coups and snafus

Image 1 of 16

The 2008 Image Index: Britney SpearsThe 2008 Image Index: Unisex fashionThe 2008 Image Index: Rachel MaddowThe 2008 Image Index: The moustacheThe 2008 Image Index: "Mad Men"The 2008 Image Index: Marc JacobsThe 2008 Image Index: RedheadsThe 2008 Image Index: Christian AudigierThe 2008 Image Index: The iPhoneThe 2008 Image Index: Premium denimThe 2008 Image Index: "It" bagsThe 2008 Image Index: Older modelsThe 2008 Image Index: Gadget makeupThe 2008 Image Index: StonersThe 2008 Image Index: MadonnaThe 2008 Image Index: Chicago

Image is a slippery creature, and one months style sensation is the next months tasteless trend. For those keeping score, we offer the 2008 Image Index, a sliding scale of the people, places, ideas and trends that moved up and down the pop culture barometer this year.<br>
<br>
<i> The Image staff</i><br>
<br>
<b>UP: BRITNEY SPEARS</b><br>
<br>
At the beginning of the year she was a mess, having just lost custody of her sons and been hospitalized for mental-health issues. But all that melted away, thanks to a few well-chosen TV appearances, an MTV documentary, her new hit album Circus and a European comeback tour. Pop musics favorite fashion train wreck is blond again, and looking better than she has in years, thanks in part to über-stylist Marjan Malakpour, who has been dressing her onstage and in photo shoots. Were even digging Brits new ringmaster persona.

The 2008 Image Index: Britney Spears

( Peter Kramer / Associated Press )

Image is a slippery creature, and one months style sensation is the next months tasteless trend. For those keeping score, we offer the 2008 Image Index, a sliding scale of the people, places, ideas and trends that moved up and down the pop culture barometer this year.

 The Image staff

UP: BRITNEY SPEARS

At the beginning of the year she was a mess, having just lost custody of her sons and been hospitalized for mental-health issues. But all that melted away, thanks to a few well-chosen TV appearances, an MTV documentary, her new hit album Circus and a European comeback tour. Pop musics favorite fashion train wreck is blond again, and looking better than she has in years, thanks in part to über-stylist Marjan Malakpour, who has been dressing her onstage and in photo shoots. Were even digging Brits new ringmaster persona.

Comments are filtered for language and registration is required. The Times makes no guarantee of comments' factual accuracy. Readers may report inappropriate comments by clicking the Report Abuse link next to a comment. Here are the full legal terms you agree to by using this comment form.