A ton of fashion communities exist, but if you’re looking for a subset of people with their finger on the pulse, it’s undoubtedly the edgy, experimental dressers. In their world, sheer tops and dazzling sequin are as much of a staple as a black blazer and a white tee, and they’re always game to try out something new. What they’re wearing is also a useful gauge to tell which brands and cult pieces are bound to make a bigger splash later. Call them the earliest of early adopters. And from the looks of things, it’s bound to be a colorful summer. After some research, I’ve narrowed it down to the five names setting the tone this summer. Keep scrolling to read them all.
It’s a tall order to make a heritage brand feel fresh and new, but somehow Loewe always steps up to the plate. Courtesy of creative director JW Anderson, Loewe has churned out a stream of cool handbags and accessories that have become cult hits among edgy fashion girls. The must have pieces for this season? It’s vibrant printed pieces, and of course the straw tote bags.
Louisa Ballou emerged as the new kid on the swimwear block last year, and the designer has only expanded from there. Her edgy tropical prints are constantly in high demand (it definitely helps when you count Dua Lipa as a hardcore fan). Ballou’s bikinis and beachwear is unlike the delicate pretty florals that you’re used to, which is why they so easily stand out.
Experimental knitwear seems to be a growing microtrend among designers (you’ll also see that with another name on this list, Isa Boulder), and no one quite does it like A. Roege Hoeve. Founded in 2019, the Copenhagen-based label has carved out a name by creating delicate knitwear pieces that push the boundaries. It falls right in line with the current sheer trend popping up right now, so expect to see even more of the brand this summer.
If any brand’s accessories have singlehandedly ruled 2022, it’s Balenciaga. Just when you thought creative director Demna Gvaslia couldn’t pull out any more exciting fashion hits, he reinterpreted the brand’s signature city bags into a line of flashy accessories that became instant favorites. With the Cagole boots and bags singlehandedly taking over my feed, it’d be fair to say the Balenciaga reign continues.
Instantly recognizable knitwear is how Isa Boulder became a brand to know in recent years—from its argyle knit sleeves and dresses to its whimsical knit tops, the Indonesian label is basically a staple of any It-girl. But it’s not just eccentric knits that are worth checking out—the brand’s line of romantic satin swimwear has also been seen everywhere.
