Bottega Veneta is a powerhouse in the world of luxury fashion. Over the past few years, the brand has been taking the fashion world by storm. From a series of viral celebrity moments (read Kendall Jenner stepping out in a tights-as-pants look and Kate Moss in an all-leather jeans and check shirt look at their SS23 show) to re-inventing green and a host of cult bags, Bottega Veneta is one of the hottest brands in the world right now. To say their AW23 show was hyped, would be an understatement. And creative director Matthieu Blazy did not disappoint. The 81-look collection featured the brands signature leatherwork that’s made to trick the eye with tank tops, cable knit socks and striped pyjamas all made from leather. All eyes were (as always) on the accessories. The highlights? Jelly pumps, knee-high intercciato boots and handbags complete with glass handles. Blending the extravagant with the understatement, it was pure perfection. Or in other words it was pure Bottega.

200,000 condoms. That’s what Diesel, aka, the brand with the biggest D in the fashion industry, set their AW23 show around. In collaboration with Durex, the show was all about promoting a culture of safe sex and sex positivity. And for a brand that’s known for its free, subversive style, it’s a move that’s pretty archetypal of the Diesel we know and love. One of hottest brands in the world - having appeared in Lyst’s top 20 index for the first time ever last year - with Glen Martens at the helm, Diesel has witnessed a stratospheric rebirth. And with a legion of celebrity fans including the likes of Julia Fox, Megan Thee Stallion and Bella Hadid, they’re not slowing down any time soon. As for the key picks this season? Where do we begin. Their cult 1DR bag, rough-and-ready denim, logo tanks and form-fitting dresses are all firm non-negotiables.

It’s Prada’s world, we’re just living in it. Recently dubbed the hottest brand in the world by Lyst, Prada are truly, the fortune tellers of the fashion industry i.e. whatever they do, will become the next season defining trend. Their greatest hits as of late? The viral white tank top, heavy-duty trench coats and chic Mary Janes. Their FW23 collection was all about rediscovering beauty. The result? A heavy dose of that quiet sophistication that could only be Prada. And while their MFW show saw the brand stripping things back lately, it’s the puff-ication of Prada that’s got everyone talking. Their cult picks (think loafers and handbags) have been getting thicc, with OTT padding. Whether it’s bigger and bolder or minimal and paired back, if it has Ms. Prada’s seal of approval, we’ll be getting involved.

Gucci are entering a whole new area. Since the departure of Alessandro Michelle back in November, the fashion world has been waiting with bated breath to see Gucci’s next move. Ahead of the debut collection from new creative director Sabato De Sarno, Gucci’s design team has been taking the reins. And the brand is taking a moment to reflect. Opening the show with a look that felt like a homage to the Tom Ford era, comprised of a barely-there bra complete with interlocking G detailing, paired with a low-rise slip skirt, the show felt like a journey through the Gucci archive. The highlights? Chic, relaxed tailoring complete with slash detailing, gaudy faux fur in discoloured hues and all-out sports club cool via ski-boots and basketball sneakers.

Romantic lace, vibrant prints and pure luxury appeal? It’s got to be Dolce. Since 1985, Dolce & Gabbana – aka Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana – have been the masters of creating season-defining pieces. Hot on the heels of viral moments (the Kravis wedding and the SS23 collection that was co-designed with none other than the Kim Kardashian), for AW23, the pair shut down MFW. Their latest collection was focused on exploring the brand’s essence. Sticking to a neutral palette (think soft greys, deep blacks and pale whites), the collection was more subdued than some of their recent work, but needless to say, it hit the spot. And as for the detailing? The brand stuck firmly to their DNA, delving into their archive and drawing inspiration from their AW99/00 show. The result was a pure production of corsets, micro shirts and double-waist trousers. Carrie Bradshaw once said that the only Italian she needed to know was Dolce, Dolce, Dolce. And In 2023, we’re not arguing.

Back in the ‘90s, Gianna Versace created a cultural sensation, showcasing the OG supers on the runway as they walked as a collective, fresh from their stint on George Michael’s Freedom video. Thirty years later, a lot has changed, but Versace is still one of the most important names in the game. In 2023, it’s all about goth-girl glam, high-octane looks and big energy. It girl Emily Ratajkowski took centre stage in their SS23 campaign, making the ever-elusive title of Versace Girl all the more covetable. The key picks for the season? Their sky-high platforms, tailored sets and cult corset tops. Living legend Donatella designs what she wants, and she does what she wants too. Meaning, the brand doesn’t play by anyone’s rules, which is why for AW23 they’re showing off schedule with a show in L.A. in March.

2022 belonged to Mamma Miu Miu. From their mini skirt that spawned a million memes to TikTok’s favourite ballet flats, Miu Miu has conquered the fashion world – and we just can’t get enough. Famed for being Prada’s playful younger sister, the brand’s exuberant approach to design has won the hearts of a new generation, and as the Y2K and ‘90s aesthetics continue to rein supreme, Miu Miu’s vice-like grip on fashion is showing no signs of loosening. And it’s all down to Ms Miuccia Prada. There are few guarantees in the fashion world, but one thing we can always rely on is that anything Ms. Prada puts her hand to is destined to become a cult classic. Case in point: their nearly naked co-ords, feathered party pieces and the most toted bag in the business: the Miu Miu matelassé.

Glamour, heritage and style, Valentino has been one of the most influential brands in the world for over five decades. And they’re not slowing down. Last year, Pierpaolo Piccioli painted things pink with a 48-look collection that was a homage to the power of pink. The collection ignited the Barbiecore movement, which would go on to be named trend of the year by Lyst. Valentino’s influence on the fashion world is eternal. Some key Valentino styles to know? The cult V monogram, slick streetwear shirts, chic tailored sets and of course, all the PP pink you can get your hands on.