CULTED PICKS: OUR FAVOURITE SHOWS OF 2022

What a year for fashion! 2022 was somewhat chaotic, shooting new designers into the spotlight, sending old ones up in flames, and bringing some of the most random trends into the mainstream (See: goblincore). Following fashion is well-known to be fast-paced; sometimes its hard to find the time to look back and reflect when you’re constantly looking for the next best thing. In spite of this, we’ve dedicated the time to disclosing our ultimate list of the best shows throughout 2022, featuring only the most iconic, memorable, and influential. So, here’s the CULTED team’s favourite fashion shows from the last 12 months. Bring on 2023.

SAM – CELINE DYSFUNCTIONAL BAUHAUS (MENS)

Menswear this summer was probably one of my favourite fashion weeks of the whole year, if i had to choose. CELINE claimed the last spot on the roster, closing what had already been a phenomenal week for men’s fashion. Funnily enough, I was actually in the photography pit for the show – after a long week, I was exhausted and not exactly prepared for what I was about to see. The lights came on, and the models began to strut their stuff… and I verbally gasped.

Over the past year and a half or so, I’ve really gotten into the Rock scene – I love everything about the 60s / 70s / 80s Rock wave – and when I saw Hedi Slimane’s glam rock masterpiece strutting the runway my jaw dropped. I’d always been an avid CELINE lover, but seeing it in person changed everything. Through and through, I’m a CELINE boy (if i could afford it, it would be game-over for all of you). Fashion is supposed to inspire and let those involved embody any persona they desire, and CELINE did that for me this year. Top spot goes to you, Hedi.

ROBYN – BOTTER FALL 2022 READY-TO-WEAR

Back in March, Botter put on a show for their FW22 collection, featuring oversized tailoring, electric-blue embellishments, and of course fur lawn-chairs. I’m still thinking about it. Not only were the clothes divine – utilising thoughtful silhouettes, a hypnotising colour scheme, and an array of extravagant beading which swung as the models walked – but it also had a whimsical touch that transported the collection from our realm to another much more exciting one. Looking back at 2022 we’ve seen some breathtaking shows, but this is one I personally just can’t get over.

TIMOTHY – DIESEL SS/23 READY-TO-WEAR

Over the last two years I think it’s clear that Glenn Martens has put in an insane amount of work into reshaping the Diesel we all knew and for me it was a no-brainer that he won my pick. Not only were all the fits a favourite of mine but also the Milan venue was jaw-dropping. The fact that the inflatable sculpture won a Guinness World Record and that most of the tickets went to students and many aspiring designers, I think it would be fair to say that this wholesome show will not be forgotten anytime soon.

AVA – DILARA FINDIKOGLU SS23

I think “Venus was bored then she cut her hair then trapped them inside her dress” may be my favourite sentence ever. So, it’s only fitting that Dilara Findikoglu’s SS23 show is also my pick for most exciting of the year. The collection and its setting have been described as eerie – even uncomfortable, a descriptor that Findikoglu herself is surely comfortable with. While the Venus dress is not something you may go and grab some milk in – it is a piece which reimagines the idea of couture itself. Working with nothing but clear mesh and dark, curled hair – the design made me no longer want princess hair but a dress made of it. Simply put – the show gave chills, nothing but chills.

CHIOMA – FASHION EAST SS23

One thing I love about fashion is that buzz of excitement and mystery that surrounds the air when a relatively new or undiscovered designer showcases their first show. Now picture that hysteria but three times over and that’s what industry lauded incubator Fashion East do every year. This year was no different, with their Spring/Summer show featuring the graduation of Fashion East favourite Jawara Alleyne and the introduction of two new designers into their ranks; Karoline Vitto and Michael Stewart’s Standing Ground. Creating a cohesive exhibition that allows each designer the time and space to showcase their own contrasting art and design spirit while not discombobulating the audience is no small feat but Fashion East’s show this year captured each designer’s essence perfectly. From Standing Ground’s static architectural exhibition of gowns, to Vitto’s fiery and inclusive line to Jawara Alleyne bittersweetly setting sail, Fashion East’s SS23 show never fails to make me smile.