From Boochier's new-gen fine jewellery to D'Accori's gravity-defying platforms, we were truly spoilt for choice when it came to compiling our line-up of new fashion brands for 2022, and this is saying something considering the devastating effect the pandemic has had on small brands and young talent over the last two years. While each brand is unique in its innovations and design aesthetic, there were a few themes that wove their way through this year's shortlist.
Upcycling and the use of vintage fabrics was a key attribute, seen in Connor Ives's patchwork dresses and Chopova Lowena's pleated skirts, pointing to the younger generation's concern with the industry's environmental impact. We also cannot ignore the storming return of noughties fashion, with diamanté-studded accessories, cheeky cut-outs and crop tops present in the collections of Marshall Columbia and Benedetta Bruzziches. Both are sure to be a hit with the Gen Z crowd.
For those who prefer their fashion a little more minimalist, there was also a good dose of elevated basics. We recommend you check out Interior, one of Net-a-Porter's Vanguard brands, for clean-lined tailoring and stylish separates. Mirla Beane is also worth a mention for its affordable and versatile approach to sustainable style. The brand's short-sleeve shirred midi dress has shot right to the top of our spring wish list. Ready? Scroll down to see and shop the lesser-known brands we're loving for 2022.
1. Connor Ives
Graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2020, Connor Ives creates innovative designs using vintage, deadstock and recycled fabrics. The result? Everything from eclectic, printed trousers to contemporary patchwork dresses.
2. Boochier Jewelry
Bringing a fresh approach to fine jewellery, Boochier is all about creating quirky and colourful pieces that are embedded with diamonds, gold and precious stones—heirloom pieces with a Gen Z twist.
3. Interior
Interior is one of Net-a-Porter's much-heralded Vanguard designers, specialising in elevated wardrobe basics and impeccable tailoring. Think cashmere blazers, oversized shirts and two-tone tailored trousers.
4. D'Accori
If you're looking for shoes with serious impact, then D'Accori is the brand for you. Designed in London and handcrafted in Florence, the brand's sky-high platforms caught the imagination of the A-list crowd and have been snapped on Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa.
5. Mirla Beane
On the more wearable end of the spectrum is Mirla Beane, the new Brit brand bringing sustainable style to your summer wardrobe. We instantly fell in love with the brand's graphic-print separates and throw-on, colourful trenches, but we have a particular soft spot for the S/S 22 shirred dress.
6. Benedetta Bruzziches
Benedetta Bruzziches's bags are instantly recognisable by its dazzling, diamanté-studded bags, which have been making the rounds of Instagram over the last 12 months. Perfect for both Friday-night cocktails and spring weddings.
7. Marshall Columbia
After minimalism's long-held reign, we're enjoying the return of colour and print, and you don't get much more colourful than Marshall Columbia. Based in Brooklyn, the collections draw inspiration from the designer's early childhood, manifesting in tank tops, accessories and minidresses in feel-good hues.
8. Chopova Lowena
Announced as one of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2022 recipients, Chopova Lowena is a brand on the rise. Based in London, it uses recycled fabrics and deadstock materials to create folkloric pieces using traditional craft techniques.
9. Romani
There has been a new wave of designers reinventing party-wear over the last couple of years, and Romani is one of the brands leading the charge. A hit with the influencer crowd, Haya Jarrar, the Dubai-based Jordanian founder and creative director, is all about embellished minidresses and diamanté-studded blazers.
10. Feben
Another Central Saint Martins graduate, Feben is a designer based in London who explores Black identity through surrealist designs that have been worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Erykah Badu and Michaela Coel. This is definitely a brand to watch this year.
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