8 designers to watch in 2022

A new year has begun. And, along with it, new expectations have arisen, and we are eager to find out which are the most promising designers to watch. Those that will make the headlines in 2022. I have selected 8 designers – and only the future of fashion will decide if I put my bets correctly. So (according to me :), here are the 8 designers to watch in 2022…

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Nensi Dojaka – @nensidojaka 

Of course, my list begins with the Albanian designer Nensi Dojaka, 27, based in London, who just won the 2021 LVMH Prize. Of course, as long as this prestigious prize put their money on (now well acclaimed) Jacquemus, Marine Serre or Marques’Almeida. Now, with her items on Farfetch and mytheresa.com, Nensi Dojaka is all over the Instagram, with her layered, deconstructed designs with intricate cut-outs and strings, her lingerie-inspired dresses and cutout pieces that reference ’90s aesthetics.

CAES – @caes_store 

Established in 2019 by Helen de Kluiver, the Dutch label is already on the first row of slow fashion movement. The collections are consciously made, and include minimalist basics – soft organic cotton bodysuits, dresses in neutral shades, sweatshirts soft and cozy. “Each fabric is chosen with great care and consideration of its quality and durability. Limited styles mean that every piece receives high attention to ensure quality and fit: clothing essentials to be rediscovered season after season”.

Lukhanyo Mdingi – @lukhanyomdingi

If the name sounds familiar, it has to be said that is LVMH finalist Lukhanyo Mdingi, one of three winners of this year’s Karl Lagerfeld Prize.  He’s work has been featured on prestigious platforms such as New York Fashion Week, Vogue Italia and I.D., just to name a few. The Cape Town-based designer (with pieces now on shop at Net-a-Porter) collaborates with local artisans to create pieces with an intricate attention to detail, wonderful bright colours like sunshine yellow, orange, green and red. 

AERON – @aeronstudio

Founded in 2012 by Eszter Áron, the Hungarian brand AERON has a modern definition of craftsmanship and continuous innovation. The designer honours her family heritage of master tailors in her atelier, while the AERON pieces (now on Farfetch) stand for a timeless collage of impeccable quality and comfort, equally empowering the community making, and wearing the garments. 

D’Accori – @daccori_ 

The designer Mo D’Accori is behind the fabulous party platforms you’ve seen all over Instagram. Mo D’Accori grew up between Amman and London, studied Fine Art at London College of Fashion and graduated in Fashion Design at Istituto Marangoni. His first pair of high heels was worn by the iconic Lady Gaga, and his previous work (look for Belle sandals on web) has also been worn by Beyoncé, Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande. “I chose shoes as my art form of expression with the hope that one day, the future generations would look up to my brand and be able to relate to it in one way or another”, he said in an interview for Nylon. 

Colm Dillane & KidSuper – @kidsuper

The young American designer took Paris Fashion Week by surprise with his new collection for spring/summer 2022. But it was not his first hit: the Brooklyn-based creative was in high school when he first conceptualised KidSuper. Ten years later, the label has become a cult-favourite amongst New York City creatives. He was, also, one of the finalist of LVMH Prize last year and one of the Karl Lagerfeld Prize winners. And if you want a little bit more interesting facts from him… he studied math. “Math is just problem solving, and creativity is just problem solving,” said Dillane in an interview for Forbes.

Chopova Lowena – @chopovalowena

In her “about” story, it is written that the Bulgarian designers from Chopova Lowena (Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena) juxstaposes folklore and sportswear with a concentration of sustainability and craft. And, indeed, tehir designs has something old, something very new and… something crazy. But, in a serious note, the materials used are recycled or came from dead-stock textile, pillowcases and aprons. “Humor and glamour” are the two spirits of Chopova Lowena’s spring 2022 collection. 

Rui Zhou – @ruiofficial.me 

One of the most commented names at the end of 2021, Rui Zhou, 26, is a Shanghai-based Chinese designer behind the brand Rui (genderless fashion). She was one of the finalists of LVMH prize and one of the modt interesting designers to watch this year. The designer of Rui explores body-garment interactions beyond the typical silhouettes, redefining the idea of everyday garments, such as the bodysuit, the tank top or the stocking. 

Photo: pages of the brands mentioned.

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