10 It-Pieces That Are Already Defining 2022

The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space to explore everything from craftsmanship deep dives to the little-known details to consider when buying fine jewelry.

Each year, a fresh set of It-pieces arrive on the fashion scene that are scooped up by all of the insiders. For the year ahead, that will be no exception. While we’re still just getting started in 2022, there are already some major designer It-items that have arrived at cult status and will define fashion this year. Here, I’m focusing on pieces that are having a moment, but also have serious staying power.

Just because they’re *it* doesn’t necessarily mean they’re brand new, so I’ve included everything from the just-dropped designer pieces everyone’s talking about to luxury heritage pieces that are now more popular than ever. Ahead, the 10 It-pieces that are already defining fashion in 2022—from the designer sneakers that are nearly sold out everywhere to the platforms that are about to be huge to the iconic bag that’s somehow cooler than ever.

Celine’s Triomphe logo has won me over in all of its forms from bags to belts to loafers, but I can’t stop thinking about the sunglass version. Designed with an oval silhouette with the Triomphe motif on the arms, they’re the perfect pair to wear every single day.

In 2020, Prada released their Cleo bag to immediate success and it has since solidified itself as a must-buy designer piece. Newer on the scene is the mini version, adding a smaller size to the Prada Cleo bag family that’s the perfect piece to add to an evening look.

Have you heard? Platforms are the shoe trend to own in 2022. While there are many designer versions on the market, I’m putting my money on this ankle-strap style from Valentino. 

2021 was the year Nensi Dojaka went viral and 2022 is the year the pieces will carve themselves out as absolute cult items. Finished with barely-there straps, sheer fabrics, and revealing silhouettes, they’re the exact opposite of the sweatpants we’ve been living in.

It doesn’t get more iconic than an Hermès Kelly bag, it just doesn’t. That being said, the classic bag is trending now more than ever. My hunch is that fashion people are interested in investing in pieces they know they’ll have in their closets forever.

The Attico’s Devon mules have solidified themselves as a key fashion person shoe and are now being introduced in new colorways each season. I’m specifically a fan of their satin hot pink variety, but you truly can’t go wrong with these showstoppers in any version.

Similar to Hermès bags, Rolex watches are a timeless piece that will (a) always be in style and (b) appreciate over time. Right now, we’re seeing more and more fashion people investing in the iconic watches. The great news is that you can easily find brand new versions or vintage styles, so the options are limitless.

Saint Laurent has been releasing new versions of their toe-cap heels for a few seasons now and they seem to be getting cooler and cooler. Whether you’re in the market for black patent or pink tweed, there’s something for everyone.

This bag by The Row is named the “Everyday bag” and for good reason. Its simple lines and sturdy leather make it the ultimate shoulder bag to wear every single day. They truly can do no wrong.

Speaking of brands that can do no wrong, Khaite is at the top of that list. While they have plenty of incredible pieces in their latest collection, it’s the Adidas sneaker collab that deserves special mention. They take a classic shape from the sneaker house, but reimagine it in tan or navy suede, making them the subtle luxe upgrade every fashion person wants in their closet.

Next up: 29 Stunning Pieces I’m Eyeing That Are Peak Luxury.