Vivienne Westwood needs no introduction. The queen of punk, who passed away in December, redefined fashion over her incredible 50-year career. Her boutique, SEX, which she shared with Sex Pistol’s manager Malcolm McLaren, created looks that defined the punk movement, and Westwood was the first to create a relationship between a brand and a subculture. Her designs - which merged French couture with Saville Row tailoring and subversive styles traditional English heritage looks – are just as relevant today as they were fifty years ago. Think lots of leather, high-energy tartan and renaissance-style corsets. Her brand will continue with her husband Andreas Kronthaler at the helm, and her vision, rebellion and style will keep defining the fashion industry.

Bright, playful and experimental, JW Anderson knows how to deliver. And the past year has been big for the Northern Irish designer as his fun-loving designs have been setting the fashion set on fire. From the frog clogs and goldfish bag dress to the bike handle t-shirt and viral Bumper bag, to his pillow-prince runway looks and of course, the Carrie Bradshaw-approved pigeon clutch, JW Anderson is having a lot of fun right now. To date, his legion of celebrity fans includes the likes of Charli XCX, Emily Ratajkowski and Harry Styles. His next move? It can’t be predicted. But we’re certain we’ll love it.

Big things are happening at Burberry. AW23 marks the brand’s first show with Daniel Lee as Chief Creative Office, and the fashion world is waiting with bated breath to see what the brand will look like under Lee. So far? The first campaign has been unveiled, starring the likes of Skepta and Shygirl, and featuring a revamped logo that marks a return to old-school Burberry. A refresh the logo has been unveiled, as has the first campaign staring the likes of Skepta and Shygirl. The Bradford-born designer has a vision for the brand, and it’s an ode to Britishness. In his words, his intention is “to write an iconic chapter,” (Vogue) and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Stella McCartney has always been ahead of the game. Rock royalty, she’s long been a pioneer of a more ethical approach to fashion, creating conscious, environmentally minded pieces that you really want to wear. Alongside engineering responsible fabrics and being awarded a CBE, McCartney has been one of the designers at the helm of the Y2K revival. Her SS23 show saw her revisit her archival collections and subsequently decking out the Hadid sisters in ultra-noughties looks – think low-rise trousers, a cargo suit and lots of rhinestones.

One of the coolest brands in London right now? It’s a big claim, but it’s one that Aries has earned. Founded by Sofia Prantera in 2010, Aries has established itself as one of the hottest names on the streetwear scene. The appeal? Aries was made for the underdog. The brand has reached cult status thanks - in no small part - to its signature attitude. Think low-key, punk cool. Case in point? The latest Aries girl, Mia Khalifa, who starred in the brand’s most recent Photo Zine. Their ready-to-wear styles are a non-negotiable in any good wardrobe, from their easy sweatshirts to cargo trousers and signature t-shirts. For 2023? Their headline-making collaboration with Juicy Couture – which is the embodiment of Y2K energy - is a must.

High energy, feminine and dripping in sex appeal: these are the pillars of David Koma’s designs. The Georgian-born designer founded his namesake brand in 2009, launching at London Fashion Week as a Central Saint Martin’s graduate. Since then, the brand has achieved It status thanks to its body-contouring silhouettes, form-fitting dresses and elevated LBDs; following in the tradition of brands like Mugler and Laquan Smith to become a partywear heavyweight. Today, members of the ‘Koma Club’ include the likes of Dua Lipa and Jennifer Lopez. The key picks this season? The cult flower mini dresses, tulle corset gowns and barely-there mini dresses with OTT draped detailing.

Into statement-making fashion? Alexander McQueen is the one. The late designer, who earned a reputation as the ultimate bad boy in the fashion world, got the world talking. And in 2023, his eponymous label continues to make waves. Gritty, raw and bold, Alexander McQueen has always felt rebellious. Provocative and experimental, this is a brand that doesn’t play by anyone’s rules. Archival pieces like the notorious Bumster pants are just as relevant today as they were in the early ‘90s. And with Sarah Burton at the helm, the brand continues to make waves. This season, the new-romantic, gothcore dresses are making a big impact, as are the brand’s deconstructed denim looks and signature skeleton embellished styles.