7 Fashion Trends for Fall/Winter 2022

Despite the world being upended by a global pandemic and the rise of international crises in the last few years, 2022 is looking a bit brighter. Designers from all walks of life have grappled with the question: “How do we make clothes that’s reflective of the current state of the world?” As society begins to normalise, so too does the fashion industry. 

This year’s Fall/Winter Collections of 2022 presented at New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week has taken the world by storm. From Saint Laurent’s sophisticated tailoring and re-imagined vision of the modern woman to Hermès’ construction of leather and fine knitting to convey the growth of femininity, as well as the strong personality in Christian Dior, this year’s runways made a way for classic fashion trends to re-emerge, this time with an audacious sense of new-age femininity. Featuring a cross-section between retro and modern patterns and traditional suits with a sprinkle of risque details, the Fall/Winter Collections of 2022 has got a whirlwind of edginess, 90’s throwback, festive colours, classy knits, oversized suits, and a whole lot of sequins. 

Without further adieu, here are the 7 Fashion Trends for Fall/Winter of 2022. 

 

Knits 

Knitwear is far from novelty, but the Fall/Winter Collections of 2022 have added some fresh and surprising elements. Feminine and sensual or classic and timeless, knitwear has been redesigned and crafted to express elegance with a pop of colour. Knubby, hand-knitted outerwear and oversized knitted coats have graced the runways in sophistication while other designers like Zoe Champion and Wei Lin have demonstrated a multitude of ways to play with the texture of this versatile material. 

Sweater weather has never looked better. From Dior’s striped sweaters, Ulla Johnson and Bevza’s lengthy and cozy sweater dresses to Fendi’s maxi knitted skirt, knitwear is back with more to accessorise than before and with a perfect opportunity to play up layering. 

 

Leather 

Designers have showcased their Fall/Winter Collections for 2022, and it’s clear that leather (and faux leather) is coming back in all forms. Hermès, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and all of our staple designer brands have utilised leather in a myriad of ways. 

From mini skirts and versatile leather jackets to handbags and leather boots, our favourite designers have highlighted the authenticity of the essence of leather while reconceptualizing this timeless material into modern-day pieces. New York Fashion Week has seen leather jackets and trench coats dominate the stage, a reminder that you can never go wrong with leather.

 

Chain Belts 

Although we’ve come a long way in 2022, the 90’s best of the best are still lingering with us. Hence, chain belts are going to be the queen of accessories this coming Fall/Winter, and Chanel is leading the way. 

Pair it with a high-waisted trouser and box-cut jacket or dress it down with low-cut pants, accentuating the midriff, and you’ve got a confident, bold statement on the scene.

 

Low-rise Pants 

While high-waisted pants have been dominating the market in the new era, low-rises are making a comeback. From designer brands like Bottega Veneta to Balenciaga, low-rise bootcut, cargo pants, and denim jeans are all hitting the runway in full force this season. 

The runways have demonstrated the versatility and class of exquisite low-rise trousers and denim, made loosely to sit along the hips, exposing a little midriff for our everyday, modern woman.

 

Sheer & Shiny 

Nothing says sultry and sexy more than a little shiny and sheer. Or in this case, a lot of sheer. Christian Dior, Tom Ford and Givenchy are spicing up this Fall/Winter season with elegant silhouettes and embellished sheer pieces. From metallic sheer dresses and colourful sheer tops to sheer black tights inspired by Blumarine and embroidered by Gucci, shimmery sheer and classic sheer accessories have broken through the barriers of Spring and Summer and made its way to our Fall/Winter collections. 

Trench Coats 

You can never go wrong with a statement trench coat, certainly not with the many iterations of trench coats featured in the Fall/Winter Collections. From its history of practical, military wear, the trench coat has transformed its way into our hearts as a simple, elegant, and functional piece that transcends gender lines. 

With classic felt material, the Christian Dior Fall/Winter collection of 2022 has made its mark in this year’s lineup. You can expect to see more of the casual, chic look pairing various types of trench coats. 

 

Bra Tops & Bralettes 

Bralette in the Fall or Winter? You might think we’re crazy, but that’s what the runways are cooking up this season. From Fendi’s neoteric cuts to Versace’s elegant patterns, bralettes are the microtrend for Fall/Winter 2022. 

Infuse a little sexy into your wardrobe by pairing bralettes and bra tops with oversized suits, suit jackets, or a pencil skirt, or you can dress it down with a baggy button-up worn open, or a pair of loose jeans. Best worn with loose, slouchy clothing, an embellished bralette is sure to make a statement. 

2022 will be the year for fashion’s comeback, and this time, with a sprinkle of nostalgia. We can expect to see brighter colours and unique textures recreated from vintage pieces as we head into the Fall and Winter, an indication and reflection of what designers and consumers alike are hoping for as we enter a new era.

 

Bvlgari- The classic icons in contemporary design

The evolution of jewellery dates back to more than 25,000 years ago when jewellery pieces were worn for protection against demons, bad luck, and illnesses. Over time, the purpose of jewellery evolved to symbolise love, wealth, and status. Now, Haute Joaillerie continues to thrive despite financial insecurities and fluctuating global markets in 2022.

From powerhouses like Cartier and Dior to Bvlgari and Piaget, high jewellery has revolutionised luxury into a timeless elegance. In this modern age, we’ve seen the transformation of high jewellery in all forms to reflect the progression of the everyday, modern woman. Gold body chains adorning bare midriffs and layered necklaces to accentuate a pristine décolletage, jewellery has evolved as women have — with nothing but confidence.

The most expensive jewellery in the world is not only measured by its materials or branding but by the craftsmanship that comes with each signature piece. High-end jewellery is an art that inspires imagination and strives for the symbol of success. What was once an object of beauty has long been extended to expression and status, more of the latter than the former, especially when we’re talking about luxury jewels. True haute joaillerie can withstand the test of time.

Sotirio Voulgaris’ origins of an exceptional silversmith in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece expanded to opening his first store in Rome in 1884, creating what we now know as one of the most influential brands in luxury jewellery, watches, and fashion; BVLGARI.

From the 1970s to the 2000s, the exponential progression BVLGARI allowed the brand to compete on the world’s stage in the high-end jewellery industry. With celebrity devotees like Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, and a lineup of retail stores opening internationally, BVLGARI became the trailblazers of haute joaillerie, and is now known as one of the best watchmakers in history.
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton acquired BVLGARI in 2011 for $6 billion USD, the highest the company has ever offered any other company. Known for its impeccable craftsmanship and vibrant gemstones and diamonds, BVLGARI continues to create unforgettable, timeless accessories that are sought after by those with wealth and status.

One of the most expensive and timeless collections of BVLGARI would have to be the Serpenti collection. A vision inspired by Greek and Roman mythology, the Serpenti collection is an iconic representation of wisdom, life, strength, and seduction, much like the serpent in these folklores. Preserving the mythological sentiment of the serpent, the brand created iterations of this magnificent collection to be dangerously alluring, attracting the most famous celebrities around the world.

Over the years, the Serpenti collection expanded to include watches, rings, bags, and more. Despite the fast-approaching modern era, the BVLGARI Serpenti collection remains true to its core, safeguarding the symbolic serpent in every design while redefining the aesthetics and style to not only reflect the evolution of women but also transcend the bounds of high-end jewellery in the modern era. With each gem intricately cut and crafted to fit the detailing of the jewel and specifically designed with glamour and comfort, the BVLGARI house makes every piece feel like a subtle and glorious second skin.

Using only the best cut gems and 18-karat gold for its collection, BVLGARI powers through a new age with contemporary and sophisticated designs while preserving the root of its traditions. Inevitably, it continues to be one of the most well-known and prestigious luxury brands in history.

 

Inspiring Greatness from Rolls Royce

“Take the best that exists and make it better.” 

This statement became an iconic pillar of Rolls-Royce as it became a household name in luxury since its conception over 100 years ago. Symbolising a work of art, each piece is hand-made exclusively for its customers which includes not only the most famous and wealthy but the most prominent leaders of the world. Comprised of the most highly skilled craftspeople, goldsmiths, and designers, Rolls-Royce’s exclusive and luxury reputation lies in its unique mission to bring your vision to life with every motor car. 

But understanding the history of how Rolls-Royce came to be is essential in appreciating the brand’s success. The early 20th Century marked a new beginning for the Honourable Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce when they joined forces in a successful partnership to create the future of motoring, and what will come to be the most luxurious and expensive brand in the history of motor. 

In 1907, Rolls-Royce built the 40/50-horsepower six-cylinder model, now known as Silver Ghost, which was later coined the Best Car in the World. Coated with aluminium paint and silver-plated fittings, the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost’s name change derived from its ghost-like movement; silent and powerful. For the next 20 years, there would be upgrades in the engine from a 7.0- to a 7.4-litre, a strengthened chassis, brakes fitted to all four wheels, and the transformation of the gearbox from a four-speed overdrive unit to a three-speed box with a direct drive top gear. 

The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost remains a classic and longest-produced Rolls-Royce in the company’s history, with 6,173 cars built between 1907 and 1924 and another 1,703 cars expanding to the United States until 1926. 

It goes without saying that the most iconic and expensive bespoke Rolls-Royce ever made are the original Phantom, the Wraith, the new-age production of the Celestial Phantom and its latest creation, the Boat Tail. Constructed by hand at their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Goodwood, England, Rolls-Royce is known for its royal and loyal customers. The true cost of a bespoke Rolls Royce has no limits as the foundation of its wealth does not lie in the price tag but rather the boundless possibilities of upgrades and customizations, each car made individually to meet each customer’s needs and desires. 

Remodelling the distinguishable parts from their flagship car, the New Phantom was born in 1925 with a larger engine than the Silver Ghost and used pushrod-operated overhead valves. Years later, the development of future versions of the Phantom featured a full aluminium interior, body and engine while encompassing 453-horsepower and a V12 engine. Now, in its eighth generation, the Phantom VIII is one of the most iconic cars of the brand. 

Preserving its classic and sleek design, the Phantom VIII includes a short front overhang and upright front end, a long bonnet, spacious passenger compartment along with a long wheelbase and flowing rear end. In addition to the new specifications of this model, a new base known as the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ platform utilising an aluminium space frame chassis became a signature aspect of future models to come. The Phantom was also the first Rolls-Royce to be fitted with four-wheel steering and ‘Silent-Seal’ tires, which uses a layer of foam internally to reduce tire cavity noise, lowering sound levels in the cabin by up to 9 decibels. Finally, Rolls-Royce’s trademark ‘Parthenon’ radiator grille was embedded onto the body of the car as a symbolic token that will become recognizable by consumers and passerbys alike. 

Now, for Rolls-Royce’s latest creations. 

The Celestial, a variation of the original Phantom, was created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the company’s new factory and is one of the most extraordinary collections ever made. Inspired by the night sky over the Goodwood factory, this grandiose model embodies the opulence of the brand itself. With 400, 18-carat white gold diamonds carefully hand-crafted and embellished in the interior and the roof of the car, the Celestial is a proud representation and celebration of a decade of exquisite craftsmanship. 

 

The Finest of Haute Horlogerie 2022

With a new year comes new creations and new editions of the finest, luxury watches that iconic Maisons like Chopard, and Audemars Piguet have to offer. Despite the increasing fluctuations of the global market, watchmakers are continuing to strive for excellence through exquisite horological designs.

With Audemars Piguet preserving refined traditional watchmaking practices, and Chopard playing the perfect all-rounder, the world of watches has some exciting masterpieces coming its way.

Without further ado, here is a list of the best watches that are radiating the path of 2022.

Let’s kick off this list with one of the most powerful and reputable luxury brands in the world of watches,  Audemars Piguet. The luxury brand known for its legacy of greatness released a slew of creations, some brand new while others are iterations of the iconic classics. As the go-to choice of the world’s socialites, superstars, royalty, and A-list celebrities, Audemars Piguet remains the oldest watch manufacturer still run by its founding families, currently led by Jasmine Audemars. For these reasons, it’s no question why Audemars Piguet is one of the most sought-after and revered luxury watch brands around today. This year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak collection, Audemars Piguet released several new iterations of this classic masterpiece.

– Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra Thin

The jewel in the crown of Audemars Piguet's extensive watch catalogue, the Royal Oak collection, has gone through a makeover to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this quintessential model. The Swiss manufacturer has dropped a timepiece that features a new selfwinding, extra-thin movement, Calibre 7121. The timepiece intends to pay homage to half a century of Royal Oak design innovation, and its refined contrasts, materials, colours and dial animations are reminiscent of previous Oak designs since 1972. All of the Royal Oak models for 2022, with the exception of existing perpetual calendars, will come with a special oscillating mass, visible through the caseback with a cut-out that says “50 Years.”

It is the first time since 1972, that this model has a new self-winding hour, minute and date movement, replacing the Calibre 2121. The new iteration is slightly larger, measuring 3.2 mm, and is newly equipped with a rapid date-corrector. It now has a larger barrel with more power for more precise timekeeping over a longer period of time. Five years in development, it now has bidirectional winding, a balance wheel fit with inertia blocks to avoid unnecessary friction and comes with a patented extra-thin low-energy date-setting mechanism. Finally, it has been finished to high-horology standards with Côtes de Genève, Traits Tirés.

 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked 

The hand-finished Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked comes with an openworked movement, which is housed in a two-tone case impressively interweaving 18-carat white and pink gold. On the back, there is a double-curved sapphire crystal, which has an arched profile that in turn plays with depth, perspective and light, meaning the watch looks a little different from every angle. Audemars Piguet launched an openworked tourbillon for its 40th anniversary in 2012, so the company felt it needed to up the ante for the Royal Oak’s half-a-century milestone. With this new edition of Flying Tourbillon that features bridges both vertically and horizontally to create a beautiful 3D effect from all directions. So, how many will be produced? Bennahmias says they will make just 125 pieces this year and will follow with 80 pieces in 2023 and 45 in 2024.  

 

– Chopard L.U.C. Flying T Twin

For those who are unfamiliar, L.U.C. is the initials of founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard and is the designation given to watches produced at the brand’s high-end manufacture in Fleurier that opened in 1996. The L.U.C. Flying T Twin was originally released in 2019 with the brand’s first automatic flying tourbillon. Now, Chopard has unmasked a follow-up redesign of the original in a white-gold case with solid gold dial done in blue with honeycomb guilloché. The new Flying T Twin features an ultra-thin stop-seconds tourbillon and a movement that is both COSC-certified and bears the Geneva Seal. Limited to 50 pieces, this watch is a testament to the Scheufele family’s investment in Chopard’s L.U.C division. 

While the tourbillon and movement will initially garner the most attention, the dial warrants praise of its own. Since its inception, Chopard L.U.C has been making dials out of solid gold for select pieces by partnering with Metalem, who is among the top dial makers in the world. The dial of this L.U.C is done using guillochage, or better known as hand-done engine turning. The intricate, non-uniform honeycomb pattern here is drop-dead gorgeous, as is the very finely done circular pattern around the dial’s exterior circumference. The Chopard L.U.C Flying T Twin is an impressive timepiece of horology from a brand that has earned its place in Haute Horlogerie.  

 

– Chopard Happy Diamonds

Chopard has established a strong presence by changing the Swiss watchmaking industry’s jewellery watches division with the introduction of the Happy Diamonds collection originally released in 1976. Since then, this notable creation has offered an opportunity for the very first time to view moving diamonds between sapphire crystals. Famous for its meticulous craftsmanship, the watches that come from this Maison speak of rich heritage and quality while enabling the free expression of emotions with their extravagant watches that are made with the highest quality of standards and resources. Today, the Chopard Happy Diamonds collection lives on in the watchmaker’s catalogue and continues to make an impression on generation after generation. 

S&S Art Gallery: The Arrival of Contemporary Art & Pop Culture in Vietnam

The early 1990s prompted the revitalization of contemporary art and pop culture in Vietnam as Vietnamese exiles, ex-patriots, and Việt Kiều’s returned to an exciting and new generation of artistic endeavours in the heart of Saigon. While Ho Chi Minh City — better known as Saigon — has been permeated by glistening skyscrapers and limitless development projects brought in by foreign investments, the grittiness of the rising art scene occupies almost every corner of this metropolis.

Between confined alleyways, darting motorbikes, and a myriad of buildings, heavy French colonial influences are still prevalent throughout the streets, displaying the remnants of a tumultuous history ridden by conflict and wars. Nevertheless, young Vietnamese people are determined to redefine their artistic and cultural identities in a new era where art, culture, and history intersect.

Over the last few decades, Saigon has seen an increase in economic growth with international brands transitioning their manufacturing to Vietnam, local entrepreneurs pursuing their dreams, and foreigners flocking to this city. This explosive development has transformed Vietnam into an oasis for musicians and artists.

Now, amidst the historical Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Nguyen Hue walking street, art connoisseurs and enthusiasts can enjoy the latest installation of contemporary art and pop culture carefully curated for locals and visitors from every corner of the world nestled in the newly renovated Union Square Shopping Centre: S&S Art Gallery.

S&S Art Gallery was founded on the basis of a shared love and passion for art, bridging the gap between artists, the audience, and their love for art. It is a place of hope and healing, a place that inspires, and a place for Vietnam’s elites and socialites to merge and create. People love art for a myriad of reasons, but most prominently for the stories it carries and the wounds it heals. No matter one’s race, gender, background, socio-economic status, religious beliefs and any other distinguishing factors, S&S Art Gallery aims to be a peaceful retreat for all art lovers alike.

Currently displaying the works of two admirable, international artists — Cyril Kongo and Hom Nguyen — S&S Art Gallery is the newest exhibition and mecca for art lovers in Vietnam, bringing a dose of vibrancy after the looming shadows of the global pandemic.

Cyril Kongo, whose Vietnamese name is Phan Ngoc Suong, is a French painter and graffiti artist hailing from Toulouse, France. During his adolescent years, Kongo moved to the Republic of Congo with his mother, sparking his love for art, music, and culture, and following this newfound passion, the artist name ‘Kongo’ was conceived. Born to a Vietnamese father and French mother, Kongo’s works are a coalescence of Vietnamese and French artistic influences that is reflective of his cultural identity.

Over the last few decades, Kongo has gained global recognition through his paintings, murals, artistic graffitis, and collaboration with international artists. He launched Kosmopolite, the first international graffiti festival in France, and soon took over metropolitan art scenes like Amsterdam, Brussels, Casablanca, Sao Paulo, Santiago, and Jakarta. In 2009, two of his paintings were displayed in the Grand Palais museum in Paris, and in 2011, Claude Kunetz, a Parisian art dealer, organised Kongo's first solo exhibition "De la rue jaillit la lumière" (Light springing from the street). While Kongo’s fame has reached far and wide, he returns to his father’s home country with more love and compassion for his heritage and with an exciting vigor to put Vietnamese art on the world’s stage.

Kongo’s expressive techniques are a blend of Western artistic values and traditional, Vietnamese impressions. Utilising large brush strokes and bold letterings for his contemporary graffiti artwork, Kongo successfully brought street art into the galleries. His goal to shift the perspective of graffiti from a ‘vandalism’ standpoint to true artistry is complete.

After 30 years of trailblazing for Vietnamese and international artists, Cyril Kongo opened his first personal gallery in Hanoi and more recently, his second gallery at S&S Art in Saigon to not only share his inspirational story of a self-made graffiti artist but to also inspire a new generation of the local art community. And inspire he did.

Displayed at the center of the S&S Art Gallery is the 2-square meter art piece of ‘Horus Eye’, a symbol of power and aptitude to regenerate and restore. The ‘Horus Eye’ is considered a sacred amulet to protect the ancient Egyptians from devils and demons who walked the earth. Since its debut at S&S Art Gallery, this piece has astounded art lovers who admire Kongo’s intricate techniques and profound history.

More than a year after opening his first, personal gallery in Hanoi, Kongo introduces his dear friend, Hom Nguyen, a contemporary artist with a passion for portrait painting, to S&S Art. Entrusted with Kongo’s and Nguyen’s masterpieces, the S&S Art Gallery remains an extraordinary destination for artists and art enthusiasts.

Hailing from the ‘City of Lights’, Hom Nguyen has become one of the most acclaimed portrait painters of contemporary art. He was born in 1972 in France and lived in a modest apartment with his mother, who became a paraplegic after an unfortunate accident, leaving Hom as the breadwinner of the house. After his mother passed away, Hom, who was a shoeshine boy at the time to make ends meet, devoted himself to his passion for painting and drawing.

A self-taught artist who never took any formal lessons, Hom created a name for himself through his masterful paintings and large portraits of women and children that were reminiscent of his past. Inspired by his humble upbringing and dual East/West cultural identity, his works portray an introspective approach to conveying real struggles of real people, integrating contemporary styles to reflect his contemplative sense of imagination through the lens of gender equality.

Hom uses a plethora of mediums and materials such as oil, acrylic, China ink, Indian ink, gouache felt, charcoal, and a myriad of pastels to realise his creations on canvas. In 2016, Hom’s work was presented to the President of the Republic, François Hollande, at the contemporary Paris Art Fair organised at the Grand Palais in Paris. In 2019, he painted a portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama as a collaboration with La Monnaie de Paris and Vogue magazine. This masterpiece was auctioned off in a fundraiser to support gender equality and women’s empowerment led by United Nations Women.

For the first time in Saigon, Hom showcases ‘The Woman’ collection honouring the faces of Asian women in the style of free and bold strokes creating a dialogue between the heart and soul, which has garnered national attention. Hom Nguyen, ‘the holder of memory’, reflects the purpose of each of his creations: “I do everything so thoroughly that I quickly experiment with all the materials in my own way, from pencils, pens, pastels, charcoal, black chalk, watercolours, Indian ink, acrylic, oil painting… My work is done by instinct. I love the work that creates as many shapes as it removes the shape itself. I usually love patterns that emerge from a jumble of matter, made up of tangled, squiggly squiggles.”

Now, Saigon’s S&S Art Gallery is home to two powerful artists immersing themselves in the Vietnamese cultural experience while inspiring young, local artists to transcend the bounds of art.

S&S Art Gallery is more than just a space for art. It is the convergence of diverse, cultural identities and contemporary expressions of artistic quintessence. It is a contemporary and minimalistic, interactive space for young people to be inspired, to imagine, and to create. Creators and curators of S&S Art Gallery believe in the sentimental value of art and the story behind each piece. In cultivating a welcoming new home for artists, this free exhibit aims to be a fresh and soulful haven, putting Vietnam at the forefront of the international art world.