There are many ways to predict what could be a smash hit each season, but for all the runway shows, lookbooks, street style images and viral Instagram trends that present themselves, one thing is always certain: The people whose job it is to decide what pieces will be in store (or online) know best. These are the talented buyers who are attuned to understanding what you want before you even know you want it, and for that reason, we think it’s imperative to check in with our It item–hunting friends making those major decisions behind the scenes. The pieces they fell in love with way back in February—when designers offered up their autumn/winter 2018 collections—are now coming into play. So which trends and key items did they put their business behind? What has already captured the interest of keen shoppers? Keep scrolling to find out.
We found out by tapping the top brains in the business at Net-a-Porter, Browns, Gang of Earlybirds, Couverture & the Garbstore and Harvey Nichols to bring you the inside track. Get your Notes app ready—we’re about to get so far ahead of autumnal trends that you’ll feel like harvest festival has already come and gone.
Both Browns and Gang of Earlybirds agree: Staud’s Shirley tote is going nowhere. This has been a popular buy for many retailers and now comes in a selection of new colourways.
“It’s all about vintage shapes, and this dress by Les Reveries ticks all the right boxes. It’s so versatile. You can wear it in either a pretty way with sandals, or with a hoodie and chunky ankle boots to make it feel grungy. It launched just two weeks ago and it’s already sold out in most sizes,” says Net-a-Porter’s Lisa Aiken.
“Our customers are losing their minds over the Prada Flame sandals. Both colours are nearly sold out via waiting lists. Not only is the style hot, but neon was also a huge trend for A/W 18,” says Hollie Harding, footwear buyer at Browns. These beauties will be landing at the end of this week, so stay tuned.
“For me, this is the biggest bag since Chloé released the Nile,” says Aiken. “It’s got that slightly ’70s feel that’s is signature to the brand but also feels polished. I have no doubt we’ll be seeing it all over Instagram come September. It only just launched on our site last week, and the stock is already selling fast. Keep an eye out for the other versions and colourways launching soon.”
Celenie Seidel, market editor at Farfetch, has a strong feeling about this knit being a runaway success: “The Calvin Klein 205W39NYC x Warner Bros. collaboration saw beloved Looney Toons characters reimagined in knitted form. These sweaters feel like future collector’s items and are joyfully nostalgic.”
Related: These 6 New Bag Trends Will Make You Want to Start Writing Your Christmas List
“One of our fastest sellers of last winter, the Hide jacket will still be a successful item this year. The puffy jacket trend is still on trend, and the vegan leather developed by the brand is the best alternative to leather I have ever seen,” explains Gang of Earlybirds founder Fanny Airault.
“We are all about the socks, and these metallic-coated silk socks from Maria La Rosa have been flying off the shelves,” says Couverture & the Garbstore’s buyer Akiko Takamura.
“The leopard-printed pieces from Rixo proved hugely popular with our customers, and the whole collection sold out within a couple of weeks. The next delivery in black, is due to land in-store in the next few weeks,” says Hazel Catterall, head of womenswear buying at Harvey Nichols.
“This item has all the features of a big hit: It’s an accessory, it’s fun, the pricing is excellent, it’s distinctive, it’s an influencer favourite and it’s everywhere on Instagram. We’re one of the first retailers in Europe to carry it and the first in France. We’re expecting a restock in mid-October,” says Airault.
“The trend for the latest designer sneakers continues, and, as with any highly anticipated launch, Chloé’s Sonnie sneakers are in hot demand. We’re already running a waiting list for the next delivery,” says Tina Lamb, buyer for Harvey Nichols.
“It’s pretty hard not to obsess over something that’s Gucci, Bambi-printed and baby pink, no? Perhaps predictably, our customers were obsessed with these sweatshirts, which sold out the day they were delivered,” says Octavia Bradford, a womenswear buyer for Browns.
“I predict we’re going to see a lot of these sandals during fashion month. We’ve already had such a great reaction to them—they’ve sold out in nearly all colourways and sizes, and we’ve reordered more for the new season. Add them to your wish list now to avoid disappointment, as they’re currently one of our best-selling styles in our shoe category,” says Aiken.
“This is another one to watch. Trademark is one of our new hero contemporary bag brands, and I’m really into their wristlet style. They’re minimal, elegant and timeless. Priced at £300, they’re the perfect combination of compelling price point meets interesting design,” says Aiken. These will be coming to Net-a-Porter very soon, so sign up for updates.
“There’s a huge customer demand for this new arrival, for those seeking a bit of end of summer sparkle for their wardrobes,” Takamura says. “It looks beautiful paired with a silky camisole or teamed with a chunky knit for a winter take on sequins.”
Related: My Not-So-Capsule Capsule Autumn Wardrobe Looks Like This
“In line with the equestrian trend, we’ve seen high demand for the Loewe Gate saddle bag,” says Lamb. “The black-and-maple colourways have proven such a hit that we’ve been running a waiting list to keep up with demand.”
The Browns team reports that this industrial belt sold out yet again when it recently restocked. The unusual accessory continues to be popular, and so does the brand, with many retailers divulging that they’re still seeing a huge demand for anything Virgil Abloh’s brand, Off-White, creates.
“We all loved the vintage references seen at the A/W 18 shows, and one of my favourite pieces from this trend has to be the faux-fur coat. I love the options from Stand and Common Leisure. We launched Stand last week and we’ve already sold out of half the stock in just three days,” says Aiken. Stand’s faux-fur coats are already selling out, so don’t wait around.
“Spalwart is the best indie sneaker brand on the market. The design and materials are excellent, and our customers are always happy to discover them in our store,” says Airault. “The vintage feeling makes them fashionable enough for the city without the risk of seeing them on everyone’s feet in Paris, which is refreshing after the overwhelming trend of Stan Smiths.”
Danse Lente’s Phoebe bag continues to be a big seller for Browns and is now arriving in more autumnal shades.
“We’ve sold over a 1000 units of the Tohum puka shell necklace, and our reorder has just been delivered. That’s selling fast too,” says the team at Browns.
“The next step on from trainers mania comes via Gucci’s Flashtrek trekking boots. A footwear trend that can legitimately withstand winter in the northern hemisphere? Refreshing!” says Seidel of the new trainer-boot hybrid from Gucci that everyone’s talking about.
Next up: the autumn outfit ideas worth copying.
Opening Images: @lisa.aiken, Gang of Earlybirds, @louloudesaison and Net-a-Porter
