Whether frittering away our funds on the finest fashions or bankrupting ourselves to cop the best beauty products, nothing brings us quite the same joy and levity as shopping, whether IRL or URL. Over the course of this annus horribilis, shopping has therefore become something of a lifeline — a necessary act of self-care, even! And knowing you as well as we do, we guess that shilling your pennies for new garments and glam has played just as important a role in your lives, too.
So, in what we guess is sort of like the fashion equivalent to a Spotify Wrapped, we decided to hit up the style savants — SSENSE to MATCHESFASHION, Vestiaire Collective to Browns — behind your favourite fashion and beauty destinations to find out what the products and styles that brought light to this godforsaken year were — and to pick their brains on what we should all have on our radars for the year ahead. Plastic at the ready, girlies!
Isamaya Ffrench, Creative Director and member of the Farfetch Beauty Global Collective
What are the most noteworthy trends that you’ve noticed this year?
I think right now, we’re in one of those moments of transition. There’s been a big return to early 00s make up, but it’s already had its run. It’s hard to seize the zeitgeist at the minute because individuality is pushed, so it’s going in every direction. There might be a big dark, goth beauty trend — gothic minimalism.
What have been the standout beauty products this year?
There seems to be a strong interest in things you can stick on your face. Lots of piercings – everywhere! Gems and rhinestones, holographic liners, face lace etc. Probably a lot of brow bleach too thanks to the Gabbriettes and the Amelia Grays of the world! FARFETCH have the perfect Party Edit filled with all the bits you’d need to bring your party look alive, the submission face and body glitter is a personal favourite.
What do you think people should have on their radar for 2023 and why?
There’s a lot of great products out there, and all brands have their own philosophy, so I think it’s great to do a bit of research on that topic when buying something because the products on offer are overwhelming. You should go for a brand that you share the same values with, whether that’s an aesthetic sensibility, brand ethics, commitments, or representation. We’re in an era that’s more “what do I stand for as a consumer?” than “what products do I buy?”.
That said, some products I definitely have on my radar are Eve Lom balm cleanser, Submission Beauty face and body glitter, Sam McKnight Lazy Girl hair spray, Alpha H retinol serum and Isamaya Rubberlash mascara.
What’s caught your eye on the fashion side of things?
Well, this Prada faded miniskirt is everything. It’s so easy to throw on and makes any outfit 100x cooler. Leather was a huge trend for FW22 and this skirt is the perfect way to get involved. These Courrèges thigh-high boots are a vital statement piece for this party season. I’ve been wearing them with a cut-out mini dress, paired with a statement lip. And finally, this Ottolinger mesh top — it’s one of my favourite brands; their pieces are all so versatile and this top is no exception. I love the tie details on the shoulders and the sheerness of it, it’s just so subtly sexy.
Federico Barassi, Vice President of Menswear Buying for SSENSE
What have been your standout brands this year?
2022 was an impressive year for emerging menswear designers at SSENSE including great collections from newer talent such as Edward Cuming, Kusikohc and Central Saint Martins graduate, Aaron Esh. Another brand-to-watch includes Lu’u Dan, by Kwaidan Editions designer Hung La, who explores and reframes Asian masculinity with aesthetic touchpoints informed by his Asian-American experience. Lu’u Dan made its debut launch exclusively at SSENSE in January 2022.
Other notable brands at SSENSE this year include some womenswear heavy-hitters making compelling forays into menswear for FW22, which we launched exclusively at SSENSE including Anna Sui and Isa Boulder (online exclusive only).
Last but not least, the Y/Project x Jean Paul Gaultier collaboration was a huge hit this year.
What excelled your expectations this year?
The most surprising product is, without a doubt, the humble tank top — including the famous Bottega Veneta white crewneck tank top and other contemporary takes such as Dion Lee’s white double loop tank top and the SSENSE Exclusive Black Sculptural Tank Top by Aaron Esh.
What do you think people should have on their radar for 2023 and why?On the emerging designers front, the following are certainly ones to watch: Olly Shinder, Gerrit Jacob, Charlie Constantinou, Berner Kühl and Strongthe. And, on the more established front, we would recommend keeping an eye out on the luxury houses with new Creative Directors at the helm including Rhuigi Villaseñor for Bally and Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo.
Sophie Hersan, Co-Founder and Style Director, Vestiaire Collective
What have been your standout brands this year?
It was a successful year for Prada, since they created many of the most popular pieces. Diesel was also one of the standout brands this as the Y2K denim trend continues. Rising brands of 2022 were Courréges and Khaite, whose popularity and cool positioning is increasing. Lastly, we predict Rotate is a potential brand to keep an eye on for next year!
What products surprised you the most with their success?
The stable popularity of the Cagole Balenciaga is definitely a success — ‘cagole’ was among the most searched keywords on Vestiaire Collective during 2022. The Mini Chiquito by Jacquemus also became incredibly popular, which could be considered surprising given the size of the piece!
What should people have on their radar for 2023 and why?
As for hot trends, Courrèges should remain popular with leather jackets, and also the increasing performance of Chloé due to its sustainable initiatives and achieving B-Corp certification. People should keep an eye on Gucci items by designer Alessandro Michele next year, as those products will inevitably increase in demand following the recent announcement from the brand. Diesel is worth following, especially with the low-waist denim pants trend. Lastly, Y2K will remain trendy in the form of Dior Y2K handbags like the Gaucho mode.
Ida Petterson, Buying Director, Browns Fashion
What are the most noteworthy trends that you’ve noticed this year?
This year our customers have been going all out, keen to invest in statement pieces in their everyday dressing as much as their going-out wardrobe. For womenswear, this meant extravagant details like sequins, feathers and bright colours across ready-to-wear and accessories — the overall theme was the sexier the better. The trend was similar for men, too, where print silk shirts were on fire. We also noticed a subtle shift back to a more tailored look. Key trends crossed over between both womenswear and menswear; if you didn’t buy cargo pants this autumn you need to invest for spring! Finally, denim in general is having a real moment, very much thanks to Glenn Martens at Diesel.
What have been the standout sellers of 2022?
In men’s ready-to-wear, Arcteryx jackets, Namacheko knits, Prada re-nylon, Versace shirts and dressing gowns, Amiri sweatshirts and denim, Palm Angels tees, Moncler puffers, Casablanca silk shirts, as well as Homme Plissé trousers have all done really well. And on the womenswear side of things, it’s been all about Mugler dresses, KNWLS leggings, Jean Paul Gaultier everything, Diesel denim, Frankie Shop’s shirts and tailoring.
On the accessories front, winners have been bags from Celine, Fendi mini bags, Prada re-nylon bags, Loewe bags, Dior bags and Bleue Burnham rings. And for beauty, it’s been Barbara Sturm serums, Augustinus Bader face cream, Westman Atelier foundation, highlight and contour sticks, Melyon body lotion, Isamaya mascara and Simihaze eye stickers.
What excelled your expectations this year?
At Browns, supporting new designers is at the forefront of our buying strategy, so seeing those designers be in our top-performing brands is incredible. The standout brands from the year across womenswear and menswear are Nensi Dojaka, KNWLS, Louisa Ballou, Jade Cropper, Acronym, Rhude, HELIOT Emil, Poster Girl and Santa Brand.
Lori Legaspi Moores, VP of Merchandising, EVERYTHING ELSE TM for SSENSE
What are the most noteworthy trends that you’ve noticed this year?
There’s been an interesting dichotomy of shopping behaviour within the EVERYTHING ELSE TM department at SSENSE. Customers are drawn to decorative statement pieces that are unique and showcase their personality and aesthetic. We’ve also done well with statement rugs, mirrors and vases that play into trends like Y2K (bright colours, mixed patterns and wavy forms). This includes brands such as Okej, Mush Studios, Gustaf Westman Objects, Dusen Dusen and Lola Mayeres.
Our customers have also been drawn to highly functional items that elevate the everyday. Nearly everything that we use on a daily basis can be chosen with intention and displayed with pride, which is something our team considers during the buying process.
What have been your standout sellers of 2022?
The Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh book from publisher Assouline was a very hot item for us this year that immediately sold out through our personal shopping team even before debuting on our site. Subsequent drops have also sold quickly. This particular book was perfect for our audience given Virgil Abloh’s impact on fashion and culture, and was deeply meaningful to our community. It also happens to be the perfect gift for the holidays.
Our Anza Espresso Maker also continues to be a top item since we launched the EVERYTHING ELSE TM department at the end of 2020. This is an iconic item for us with its distinctive, concrete form that recalls Brutalism. SSENSE is the exclusive retail partner for Anza, and this coffee maker is the ultimate indulgence to elevate the everyday ritual of coffee.
What should people have on their radar for 2023 and why?
Vases are becoming the home decor statement piece du jour, and designers have been exploring unconventional materiality to set themselves apart in a crowded space. In 2023, you can expect to find vases made from metal, raw stone and marble, cork, tufted rugs, and even 3D-printed corn starch from Vienna-based Sheyn.
Statement mugs are also set to make waves. The most immediately identifiable mug at SSENSE has always been Niko June, but as the category expands, we are seeing success with artisanal brand drops from ceramicists such as Lolly Lolly Ceramics, Gustaf Westman Objects, Dum Keramik, and Soft Skills. Another brand to watch at SSENSE is Handle With Care by Christian Moses, which will debut in early 2023.
Damien Paul, Menswear Director, MATCHESFASHION
What are the most noteworthy trends that you’ve noticed this year?
‘Hard shoes’ — formal shoes are back and are the new everyday norm. Fashion standouts include Our Legacy, Toga Virilis, Camperlab and Stefan Cooke. For a true formal shoe, Louboutin, Crockett & Jones, Edward Green, Tom Ford and Brunello Cuccinelli.
What have been your standout sellers of 2022?
Across menswear, we have seen anything trompe l’oeil fly this season, whether it’s Our Legacy Denim or the Y/Project x Jean Paul Gaultier collaboration. It’s all about true active trainers, combining technicality with lifestyle – particularly from Salomon, Asics and New Balance.
What should people have on their radar for 2023 and why?
Customers will discover an exciting roster of emerging global talent steering trends, including Peter Do and Meta Campania Collective. We’re delighted to welcome 2022 LVMH Prize finalist Winnie New York to our Innovators Programme, too