10 It Pieces That Are Already Defining 2022

The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space to explore everything from craftsmanship deep dives to the little-known details to consider when buying fine jewelry.

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(Image credit: @josefinehj)

Each year, fresh It pieces arrive on the fashion scene that are scooped up by all of the insiders. The year ahead is no exception. While we're still just getting started in 2022, there are already some major designer It items that have arrived at cult status and will define fashion this year. Here, I'm focusing on pieces that are having a moment but also have serious staying power.

Just because they're trending doesn't necessarily mean they're brand-new, so I've included the just-dropped designer pieces everyone's talking about and luxury heritage pieces that are now more popular than ever. Ahead are the 10 It pieces that are already defining fashion in 2022—from the designer sneakers that are nearly sold out everywhere to the platforms that are about to be huge to the iconic bag that's somehow cooler than ever.

Celine Triomphe Sunglasses

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(Image credit: @filippahagg)

Celine's Triomphe logo has won me over in all of its forms, from bags to belts to loafers, but I can't stop thinking about the sunglass version. Designed with an oval silhouette with the Triomphe motif on the arms, it's the perfect pair to wear every single day.

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Prada Cleo Mini Bag

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(Image credit: @aminamuaddi)

In 2020, Prada released its Cleo bag to immediate success, and it has since solidified itself as a must-buy designer piece. Newer on the scene is the mini version, adding a smaller size to the Prada Cleo bag family that's the perfect piece to pair with an evening look.

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Valentino Platforms

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(Image credit: @josefinehj)

Have you heard? Platforms are the shoe trend to own in 2022. While there are many designer versions on the market, I'm putting my money on this ankle-strap style from Valentino. 

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Nensi Dojaka Pieces

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

As 2021 was the year Nensi Dojaka went viral, 2022 is the year the pieces will carve themselves out as absolute cult items. Finished with barely-there straps, sheer fabrics, and revealing silhouettes, they're the exact opposite of the sweatpants we've been living in.

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Hermès Kelly Bag

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(Image credit: @leiasfez)

It doesn't get more iconic than an Hermès Kelly bag—it just doesn't. That being said, the classic bag is trending now more than ever. My hunch is that fashion people are interested in investing in pieces they know they'll have in their closets forever.

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The Attico Mules

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(Image credit: @handinfire)

The Attico's Devon mules have solidified themselves as key fashion-person shoes and are now being introduced in new colorways each season. I'm specifically a fan of the hot-pink satin variety, but you truly can't go wrong with these showstoppers in any version.

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Rolex Watches

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Similar to Hermès bags, Rolex watches are a timeless piece that will always be in style and will appreciate over time. Right now, we're seeing more and more fashion people investing in the iconic watches. The great news is that you can easily find brand-new versions or vintage styles, so the options are limitless.

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Saint Laurent Toe-Cap Heels

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(Image credit: @jen_wonders)

Saint Laurent has been releasing new versions of its toe-cap heels for a few seasons now, and they seem to be getting cooler and cooler. Whether you're in the market for black patent or pink tweed, there's something for everyone.

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The Row Everyday Bag

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(Image credit: @mvb)

This bag by The Row is named the "Everyday Bag" for a good reason. Its simple lines and sturdy leather make it the ultimate shoulder bag to wear every single day. The Row truly can do no wrong.

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Khaite x Adidas Sneakers

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(Image credit: @sophiaroe)

Speaking of brands that can do no wrong, Khaite is at the top of that list. While it has plenty of incredible pieces in its latest collection, the Adidas sneaker collab deserves special mention. The brand takes a classic shape from the sneaker house but reimagines it in tan and navy suede, making the shoes the subtle luxe upgrade every fashion person wants in their closet.

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Next up: 29 Stunning Pieces I'm Eyeing That Are Peak Luxury

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.