The HYPEBAE Best: The Top Brands and Trends of 2019 According to our Editors
Bottega Veneta, Marine Serre, Jacquemus, Dior and more.
With only one day left of 2019 and the decade as we know it, we’ve rounded up all the best trends, brands and emerging labels that have stood out throughout the year. Ranging from Bottega Veneta’s rebirth, to the catalyst of the tiny bag trend, the Jacquemus Le Chiquito, we’ve put together all the best moments, names and pieces from the past year in our HYPEBAE Best roundup.
For more from the year in review, visit our category here, and keep reading below to learn more about this year’s best fashion.
TOP BRANDS
Bottega Veneta
It goes without saying that 2019 was Bottega Veneta‘s year. With Daniel Lee at the helm of the luxury label, Bottega managed to become one of the most sought-after labels through iconic pieces like the Pouch bag, luxury leather coats and quilted pumps and boots. Experimenting with leather, Bottega Veneta oozes both luxury as well as contemporary design, and became a favorite amongst fashion’s elite as well as influencers and celebrities around the world. All eyes are on Bottega Veneta going into 2020, and we can’t wait to see what Daniel Lee will do next.
Marine Serre
Marine Serre’s eponymous label has grown immensely over the past two years. With only four runway collections deep, Serre has already established herself as one of the biggest names to watch, and has created a signature aesthetic that has been received with open arms by the fashion industry. Her whimsical creations and modern techniques combine sustainability with design, and are unlike anything else on the market right now. Most recognizable is the designer’s crescent moon graphic print, which we’ve spotted in our streetsnaps, on celebrities and in the biggest magazines. Her success this year will be carried into the new decade, and we know that this is only the beginning for the French fashion designer.
Jacquemus
This year Simon Porte Jacquemus celebrated the 10-year-anniversary of his eponymous label, Jacquemus, with a bright fuchsia runway show in the middle of a field that spread all across the internet. Despite having been in the industry for a decade, this year Jacquemus saw huge success as his designs were worn by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and more on the regular, as well as through the introduction of pieces like the now-iconic Le Chiquito bag. Jacquemus acted as the catalyst for the ever-growing “tiny bag” trend, and the petite accessory was seen in the hands of fashion’s elite, in our street style shots and more – and we couldn’t get enough. The designer even took the trend to the next level by debuting a bag the size of a coin at his Fall/Winter 2019 show, as well as small accessories that wrapped around the wrist.
There’s no doubt that Jacquemus will bring his riviera-influenced aesthetic into 2020, but our question is, will the bags get smaller?
sacai
From Nike collaborations to must-see runway shows, sacai’s Chitose Abe owned 2019. Collaborating with the Swoosh on some of this year’s most sought-after sneakers, the LD Waffle and the Blazer Mid, sacai became a big name within not only the high fashion industry, but in the streetwear community as well.
Staying true to her signature de-constructed and layered aesthetic, Chitose Abe’s has defined the label and has created a clientele that consists of celebrities and influencers alike. Showing at Paris Fashion Week, the sacai show has become one of the most anticipated dates on the schedule, with models like Kaia Gerber and Binx Walton walking the runway. In 2020, we hope to see even more collaborations from the Japanese label.
Dior
2019 is the year that Kim Jones harnessed the power of collaboration, and turned Dior’s menswear collections into spectacular shows and social media gold. With celebrity support from Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid and ASAP Rocky, to name a few, Jones created luxury apparel and accessories tapping into Dior’s archive, merging it with modern and contemporary trends that applied to both the luxury and streetwear markets.
For his latest collection, Kim Jones collaborated with Shawn Stussy, and has previously worked with artist KAWS, Hajime Sorayama, Yoon Ahn of AMBUSH as well as 1017 ALYX 9SM‘s Matthew Williams, and also tapped Nike for an exclusive take on the Air Jordan 1. Dior Men’s has become a favorite both in terms of apparel and accessories and showmanship, and we can’t wait to see who Kim Jones will turn to next for his upcoming collections.
TOP EMERGING BRANDS
Richard Quinn
If you weren’t familiar with Richard Quinn going into 2019, there’s no way you aren’t familiar with the British designer going into 2020. Worn by Kendall Jenner at the Emmy Awards, by Lizzo on the cover of LOVE Magazine and by Cardi B on the streets of Paris, his eye-catching designs have been in the spotlight all year. Frequently featuring bright floral patterns, delicate materials and exaggerated silhouettes, Richard Quinn has become a favorite when it comes to statement pieces, and we know we’re about to see a lot more of Quinn in 2020.
FENTY
No one has missed that Rihanna launched her luxury label FENTY under LVMH this year, and after 2019, we know that there is lots more to come from Riri’s brand. We’ve seen statement eyewear, elevated silhouettes, feminine suits and killer footwear, as well as campaigns showcasing the luxury pieces, and we know that Rihanna has a lot more to bring in the new year. We’re expecting even more launches, as well as the label’s first-ever runway show in the upcoming year, so stay tuned and see what’s in store.
Christopher John Rogers
2019 CVFF Winner Christopher John Rogers’ eponymous label has been in the spotlight lately, with celebrities like Lil Nas X, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lizzo and Rihanna wearing the designer creations. With only two seasons under his belt, the Brooklyn-based designer has managed to create a name for himself through his unique aesthetic and drool-worthy designs, as well as land a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. The eclectic pieces set out to add color and bold dressing to the everyday, and according to the designer, “the customer considers her wardrobe to be a reflection of her maturity and endorsement of her womanhood, appreciating the brand’s modern approach to sensual dressing.” It goes without saying that Christopher John Rogers will be one to watch in the new year.
Sandy Liang
This year, Sandy Liang has seen a lot of exposure for her eponymous five-year-old label. Her most recognized piece has become the fleece jacket, which has become a signature style seen throughout her eight seasons. The designer has also landed a covetable collaboration with Spongebob Squarepants, which featured a graphic T-shirt that spread across the internet like wildfire. Her dreamy and retro-inspired aesthetic have defined the label, which has amassed nearly 100K followers on Instagram, and will continue to establish the designer throughout 2020.
LaQuan Smith
Worn by Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, Cardi B, Winnie Harlow and more, LaQuan Smith’s body-hugging designs and party-ready dresses have become some of the most recognizable pieces of the year. Frequently using animal prints like cheetah and zebra graphics, as well as mixing and matching of delicate materials like silk and velvet, Smith’s designs are all about expressing femininity with an edge. Since debuting his brand in 2013, LaQuan Smith has grown into a household name, which will continue to gain even more recognition.
TREND ITEMS
Bottega Veneta The Pouch
There’s no doubt you’ve missed Bottega Veneta’s dumpling-shaped bag this year, as it has been under the arm of every celebrity and influencer in streetsnaps all over the world. Marking one of Daniel Lee’s signature creations, the pouch brought Bottega Veneta into the spotlight as one of the most sought-after brands, and The Pouch was sold out almost everywhere. The silhouette is now one of the house’s most recognizable pieces, and will continue to shape the future of the fashion house.
Bottega Veneta Square-Toe Pumps
In addition to The Pouch, Bottega Veneta also brought back the square-toed pumps trend. Through its quilted design, Daniel Lee created a new trend that quickly transitioned to the feet of fashion’s elite, arriving in multiple colorways and designs. The shoe is another new signature piece from the house, and will continue to be a staple piece in Lee’s future collections.
Jacquemus Le Chiquito
The Jacquemus Le Chiquito back birthed the ever-growing tiny bag trend, and made the French label known not just in the fashion industry, but to the mainstream as well. Many were questioning what could fit in the tiny accessory, and it caused a lot of conversation and gathered a lot of attention across social media. Designed by Simon Porte Jacquemus, the piece was also spotted on some of our favorite celebrities including Kylie Jenner, and was everywhere at fashion weeks across the world.
Marine Serre Crescent Moon Shirt
Despite having only been around for two years, Marine Serre’s crescent moon print has become one of the most recognizable pieces in the industry. The graphic has defined the label, and has been turned into shoes, bags and apparel in multiple colors and designed, and was even adapted for the designer’s collaboration with Nike earlier this year. The crescent moon shirt will without a doubt be one of this year’s most memorable pieces.
Hair Clips
2019 saw the hair clip trend resurface, with brands like Ashley Williams, Gucci and Prada all debuting their own take on the chic accessory. Big and bold was the keyword, with glitter, sequins and pearls covering the pieces and logos being front-and-center. Hair accessories will be carried into the new year, and we’re looking forward to exploring the trend further.
