The period in between Christmas and New Year is about sleeping, drinking, and reflections. Whilst you may be wondering what day it is, there’s also the looming pressure of the New Year – Will we stick to Veganuary? What are we doing for New Year’s Eve? Maybe most pressingly though, what will we wear for our New and Improved™ rebrand?
2021 in fashion was a big one, with a return to the runway and a playful exploration of maximalism. A new generation of designers came into the spotlight, producing acclaimed collections and driving the scene forward in their fresh interpretation of what it is to dress well in 2021. Arguably, the most exciting part of fashion is the emerging talent. As we enter 2022, we’re looking forward to some designers and brands that are set to have a big year.
FEBEN
CSM grad FEBEN’s use of colour brightened up 2021, and is set to continue rising the ranks next year. Her personal approach to designing is referenced in both her background, as an Ethiopian woman growing up in Sweden, and design outcomes which celebrate culture and community. Already showing at London Fashion Week and collaborating with Ib Kamara for Beyoncé, we’re looking forward to FEBEN’s world expanding in 2022.
LA MASKARADE
Straddling Paris and London, La Maskarade is known for its futurism: showcasing an array of neon, screen printed designs alongside one-of-a-kind airbrush pieces. Already spotted on CULTED favourite Lolo Zouai, expect to see a lot more of La Maskarade’s neon hues in the coming year.
FENG CHEN WANG
Feng Chen Wang is the Chinese-born, London-based designer making waves in the industry. Describing her aesthetic as “future-modern, authentic and multidimensional”, Feng focuses on technical deconstruction, creating unisex clothing that is both functional and personal, by drawing on her life experiences and Chinese heritage. With a focus on sharp tailoring and oversized silhouettes, we’ll be keeping a watchful eye on Feng for 2022.
JORDANLUCA
If 2021 was a year in which fashion embraced sex, JORDANLUCA was right at the forefront of this movement. Aside from presenting at LFW, the designer also joined OnlyFans to deliver an ‘entirely uncensored version’ of his SS22 collection. His designs focus on the exploration of a zone where sexuality and self-destruction overlap – a central concern that’s not going anywhere soon.
HANNAH JEWETT
Jewellery embraced maximalism this year, but it is the futuristic designs of Hannah Jewett which we think will be propelled into 2022. Created in limited editions and by hand in New York City, Hannah’s earrings have been spotted on a whole host of celebrities who look to the brand for its flame-like metalwork. Straight fire.
A.V VATTEV
With a focus on innovation, experimentation and a strong drive on sustainability, it seems likely that A.V VATTEV will continue to be popping up all over our 2022. The brand emphasises that 60% of their materials are upcycled, as well as sourcing local artisinal textiles from designer Vattev’s native Bulgaria. Within his designs, he aims to “redefine sartorial codes to create modern and, at the same time, timeless pieces”. More to come next year, please.
SAUL NASH
Bridging the gap between luxury menswear and activewear, Saul Nash produces unique contemporary technical garments doused with 80s nostalgia. Quickly becoming one of the most exciting names in sportswear, Nash focuses on the body and functionality; refreshing the usually mundane and transforming it with subtle embellishment. Already showing at LFW, we can’t wait to catch more from Nash next year.
XANDER ZHOU
Xander Zhou is the designer taking techwear up a level. From dystopian presentations at fashion weeks to a newly-teased line of what looks like a fashion-forward, digitally minded morph suit, Zhou’s upcoming collection is the perfect accompaniment to our inevitable ascent into the metaverse. See you there.
LIAM HODGES
London-based Liam Hodges’ luxury streetwear brand is built on the concept of serving the online generation. Fusing influences from modern subcultures with streetwear designs such as oversized silhouettes, Hodges’ work also uses upcycled materials to create less waste. Liam’s dynamic emphasis on texture is sure to be carried over into the new year, where we’ll be waiting in anticipation.
S.S. DALEY
S.S.Daley has quickly become one of the fashion industry’s most exciting young designers, with experience in the menswear design teams of Alexander McQueen and Tom Ford and two compelling collections of his own. Showing a fashion-theatre hybrid at LFW in 2021, it’s only natural that S.S.Daley will continue to question the boundaries of fashion throughout 2022. It’s S.S.Daley’s world, we’re just living in it.
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See also: FROM CUT-OUTS TO KIDCORE, THE BEST & WORST TRENDS OF 2021
