The Data Is In—These Are the Designer Items People Are Actually Buying Right Now

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Slowly but surely, we're making our way through 2023, and by this point, we can safely discuss what people are buying in 2023. And the best way to find out is to go straight to the source and ask the retailers. One of my favorite secret sources for finding designer goods for much less than the retail price is Italist. In case you're not yet familiar with it, Italist is a Los Angeles–based company that sells luxury items at Italian retail prices, which are typically much lower than what you'll see in the U.S. 

On the site, you'll find a mind-blowing number of luxury brands, including Prada, Loewe, Miu Miu, Valentino, and Bottega Veneta. I've shopped on Italist and can confirm that it's a seamless experience from start to finish. In fact, some of the most-worn pieces in my closet were Italist purchases. So you can see why I chose it for a story about the designer items people are actually buying.

Italist CEO Diego Abba shared five popular items that people are shopping for in spring 2023, and they include one of the biggest shoe trends of the year and an It bag from one of the top luxury brands right now. So without further ado, scroll on to find out what he has to say about the aforementioned buzzy items and shop them for yourself.

Metallic Sandals

"Sparkle and shine this summer season in the best Italian-made strappy sandals from the best names in luxury fashion: Tom Ford, Jimmy Choo, and Christian Louboutin. Flats are okay too!"

Valentino Garavani Locò Shoulder Bag

"Valentino never disappoints with its bold accessories. The Locò Shoulder Bag is the one to have this season. It comes with two different strap options [and] simple lines, and we have it in a variety of signature Valentino colors."

Niche Eyewear

"The eyewear to have this summertime is special eyewear—the top names, the best materials, something different and unique. Enter Jacques Marie Mage, L.A.'s premier luxury optical label; Chrome Hearts with its Celtic cross details; and Cartier eyewear. It's fine jewelry for your eyes."

Balmain Double-Breasted Blazer

"If ever there was a closet staple for the luxury minded, a Balmain blazer is it. Versatile, perennial, and always polished, it gets reimagined each season in new colors and textures."

Zimmermann Dress

"Headed to a warm-weather gathering or destination? Pack a Zimmermann dress to look effortlessly chic and as beautiful as the blooming flowers and tropical landscapes."

Next up, 30 Pairs of Quiet-Luxury Shoes You'll Never Regret Buying

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.