Lyst is a fashion-focused tech company that utilizes user behavior, sales data, and search analytics to compile a list of the top growing brands every quarter. Employing technology as a tool, Lyst monitors social media engagement, activities, and trends of all the top brands for three months before publishing its ultimate list. In addition to identifying the hottest labels, Lyst also showcases breakout brands and standout products in various categories.

The Q1 2023 results have been released, and Prada has emerged as the leader among luxury fashion houses with a search volume of 22%. Following closely behind is Miu Miu, largely due to the popularity of its viral micro-mini skirt.

The most popular brands of 2023

Prada retains its top spot, but Miu Miu has moved up to second place, climbing two spots from the previous quarter. Moncler, the après-ski and streetwear brand, comes in third, maintaining its ranking from the last quarter.

Valentino, the catalyst of the Barbiecore trend, has moved up from fifth to fourth place, while Loewe has returned to its previous position, having climbed from seventh place at the end of last year. Notably, Rihanna wore the Spanish brand during her viral Superbowl halftime show, where she revealed her second pregnancy.

Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabanna, and Versace ranked sixth, seventh, and eighth, respectively. In a significant drop, Gucci fell to ninth place from the number two spot last quarter. The Italian brand had a successful 2022 financially, reporting €10.5 billion (over AU$17 billion) in revenue. However, the departure of beloved creative director Alessandro Michele from the House in November was met with controversy. Michele was largely credited with the brand’s positioning as a “cultural house,” with his instantly recognizable garments frequently worn by celebrities such as Harry Styles, Florence Welsch, and Måneskin. At the time, some speculated that this marked the end of Gucci’s widespread supremacy. However, we have yet to see a collection from new creative director Sabato De Sarno (which will debut this September), and the brand’s recent autumn/winter 2023 show was envisioned by the Maison’s design team.

Saint Laurent maintains its previous ranking, rounding out the top ten after an acclaimed autumn/winter show in February. The brand is also set to be the first luxury label to show at the Cannes Film Festival next month, debuting the Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal-fronted film A Strange Way of Life under their new film production banner, Saint Laurent Productions. It will be interesting to see if this influences their impact in the next Lyst Index.

Dior, Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Diesel follow in the next four spots, in that order. Diesel’s ranking has risen by two spots, and it continues to hold its place as a cult favorite label among Gen Z. Burberry claims the 15th spot, rising from number 18 last quarter. The heritage house’s new creative director, Daniel Lee, unveiled his vision at London Fashion Week, imbuing the brand with a youthful edge and signaling a new era of cool Britannia. Fendi rounds out the list at number 16.

Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims makes its debut on the list, landing at number 17. Balenciaga, despite last year’s controversy, remains on the list and follows Skims as Kardashian’s former favorite label. Jacquemus ranks at number 19, and another newcomer, JW Anderson, rounds off the list at the twentieth spot.

The trendiest products of 2023 so far

The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag has emerged as the most sought-after product of the season, followed by Rick Owens’ futuristic Kriester Sunglasses in second place. Kim Kardashian’s Skims Sculpt Bodysuit and the popular cartoon-inspired MSCHF Big Red Boots claim the third and fourth spots, respectively. In keeping with our prediction on EW, the Diesel Denim Maxi Skirt confirms the resurgence of the trend, landing in fifth place.

1. UNIQLO Round Mini Shoulder Bag

Designer brands mostly claimed the top spots for Lyst’s hottest products in 2022. Saint Laurent and Miu Miu took out Q4 and Q3, respectively, with the latter’s ballet flats. In Q2, Diesel emerged as the winner in women’s fashion, although it’s worth noting that Naked Wolfe’s knee-thigh heeled boots were ranked first in Q1 of 2022. However, it’s worth mentioning that a high-street bag has claimed the top spot this time.

Uniqlo, a Japanese brand known for its value for money, offers quality staples at high street prices. This nylon bag has been particularly popular on TikTok and, at $19.90, is the most affordable product ever featured on the Lyst Index.

2. RICK OWENS Kriester Sunglasses

According to Lyst, demand for designer sunglasses has increased by 57 percent over the last three months alone. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Rick Owens’ Kriester Sunglasses, which have been spotted on various celebrities and influencers, claimed the second spot on the list.

3. SKIMS Scult Bodysuit

Following its ranking as one of the hottest brands, Skims continues to dominate with one of its beloved bodysuits making an appearance on the product index. The comfortable and influencer-approved staple can be worn as both shapewear and regular clothing, making it a versatile essential for any wardrobe.

4. MSCHF Big Red Boot

The most controversial product of the year so far may be MSCHF’s cartoonish Big Red Boot. Upon its unveiling, the giant shoes went viral and sparked a debate about the state of fashion and the types of products that consumers are interested in wearing. Although they sold out almost instantly after their official release, you can find out more about the boots and the reasons behind the commotion they caused.

5. DIESEL Denim Maxi Skirt

As denim maxi skirts have been dominating the trend cycle, it’s no surprise that one has made it onto the Lyst Index. It’s only fitting that the choice comes from Diesel, the favorite brand of Gen Z, offering a classic option.

6. BOTTEGA VENETA Drop Earrings

The rise of interesting accessories is evident in Bottega Veneta’s drop earrings, which serve as an example. Although these earrings are not currently available for purchase in Australia, you can turn on notifications to stay informed and snag a pair when they become available.

7. ADIDAS Gazelles

Adidas is truly having a moment, with its previous sneaker styles ranking in both Q2 and Q3 last year. This year, the classic Gazelle sneaker is getting its time in the sun. Loved by models and street-style enthusiasts alike, this iconic shoe is a go-to option that never disappoints. Although the exact green options displayed on the Lyst Index may be difficult to find, there are plenty of other options available for purchase online.

8. WEEKDAY Astro Jeans

Weekday, a Swedish streetwear brand, offers another denim option with its Astro Jeans, which embody the Scandi-cool trend sweeping social media with their wide leg and relaxed cut. Although the exact wash featured on the index is unclear, this light blue option is available for shipping to Australia.

9. ALAÏA Le Coeur Bag

Love seems to be in the air this year, as Alaïa’s heart-shaped Le Coeur purse is the only handbag on the Lyst list. Made of sculptural buffed calfskin, this shoulder bag is sure to add a touch of sweetness to any outfit.

10. MM6 MAISON MARGIELA x SALOMON Cross High Sneakers

Salomon has been on the rise lately, with their classic hiking styles transitioning from workout wear to certified street shoes. Naturally, a sneaker created in collaboration with MM6 Maison Margiela was destined to become a cult favorite.

Discover the Lyst Index’s full Q1 2023 report here.