The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, exploring cult items from heritage brands, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space, and doing deep dives into the investments pieces that are worth it.
Hot off the heels of fashion month, we have a fresh set of looks spotted on the best-dressed celebs and insiders that are shaping cool style right now. Naturally, everyone brought their A-game to the front rows and street style scene, dressed in the buzziest buys of the moment and their interpretations of the latest trends. Cool It items quickly rose to cult status and there is a set of must-know pieces that everyone is trying to get their hands on.
I’m here to get into the investment-worthy designer buys to know, including the bags and shoes that are nearly impossible to track down to the most talked-about launches in recent memory. From Hailey Bieber in Tiffany & Co.’s show-stopping diamond-embellished lock bracelet to Zendaya in Valentino’s major Toile Iconographe print to Kaia Gerber in Celine’s padded leather Matelassé bag, and more, I want to get into the shortlist of pieces have on your radar. Ahead, the biggest designer It items to know right now.
Miu Miu’s satin ballet flats are easily one of the most viral designer pieces of the season that were snapped up by editors and insiders the moment they dropped. They helped kick off the Balletcore trend that picked up a lot of steam this year, but you can also rest assured that they are a sound purchase because we’re seeing ballet shoes continue to be one of the biggest footwear trends from the S/S 23 collections.
Valentino’s new Toile Iconographe printed pieces are major. A ’70s-inspired pattern with an interlocking monogram “V” pattern, the new drop covers everything from hats and belts to the head-to-toe looks spotted recently on Zendaya and Nicola Peltz. While all of the pieces are stunning, I’m specifically placing bets on the printed tights, which I already predict will be one of the most in-demand items on the holiday party circuit.
While Khaite’s Western-inspired Dallas boots aren’t new this season, they’re in their moment and carving themselves out as a new classic designer shoe. A modern take on the cowboy boot, they’re finished with a sleek, tapered toe, topstitching details, curved heels, and materials ranging from glossy leather to soft suede. If you’re looking for the ultimate ankle boots to pair with jeans, these are them.
With iconic pieces including the padlock bracelet and key ring, the lock motif is a defining symbol in the history of Tiffany and Co. In one of the buzziest jewelry launches recently, the house debuted their new Lock bracelets earlier this year. The bracelet functions like a padlock, but is set in different iterations of fine metals and hand-set diamonds. Celebs including Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie, and Florence Pugh are among the A-listers spotted wearing the modern bangle.
When Vogue revealed the most-viewed S/S 23 runway collections of the season, Nensi Dojaka took the #1 spot out of all of the designer shows, so it isn’t surprising to see that the rising brand pieces are in major demand. The key item to buy? Their signature dresses designed with floss straps, sheer panels, and cutouts.
Timepieces are gaining momentum as investment purchase in the luxury space and Chanel’s Première Edition Originale watch is the piece to have on your radar right now—a reissue of a design that originally debuted in 1987. The reimagined version is designed with an octagonal face and leather and chain strap, making it a piece that feels like a hybrid of a bracelet and a timepiece.
Recently, I’ve had so many friends asking for tote bag recommendations. Perhaps it’s because so many people are heading back to the office, but the designer style I’m recommending is the Polo Ralph Lauren ID bag. A cool, yet classic, take on the hobo bag the tote is the ultimate piece to carry to the office or wear with an off-duty look on the weekend.
Rosettes are one of the micro-trends our editors can’t stop talking about from the S/S 23 runway collections. If you want to get an early start wearing flower-embellished pieces, head over to Magda Butrym, a brand that masters floral pieces that are the perfect blend of pretty and sexy. With the rosette trend primed to take over in 2023, the designs are in more demand than ever.
Again and again, Celine introduces bags that become go-to styles for fashion people looking for cool, low-key, and timeless. Such is the case with the new Matelassé bag—a padded leather shoulder bag finished with a chain strap and brand name written on the side in graphic gold lettering.
Many of the cult designer I’ve discussed are new this year or this season, but I need to highlight a classic piece that has surged in popularity recently: Cartier Tank watches. Though they are timeless investment pieces that have been around for over 100 years, they are suddenly a key buy among fashion people right now. With a rising interest in investing in luxury pieces that hold their value, it’s easy to see why these iconic watches are in huge demand.
With Matthieu Blazy at the helm of Bottega Veneta, the creative director is infusing fresh ideas into the brand. With the new direction its taking, there are plenty of cool cult buys to have on your radar, but it’s the Drop earrings that are topping everyone’s must-buy list. They’re selling out everywhere, so add yourself to the restock list if you aren’t able to order them right away.
This year, we’ve seen “pretty things” emerge as one of the biggest trends, including anything covered with bows, all things pastel, and sweet details like florets. A micro-trend within the category? Hearts. While we’re seeing the shape across the board, Alaïa has the coolest buy of the season with their Le Couer bag that every fashion person is wearing right now.
