In the third quarter, in-person fashion shows made a comeback, while star-studded events including the Met Gala, the Emmys and the VMAs generated buzz. Consumers attended more social gatherings and sought dressier styles, as well as resort wear. Despite travel remaining constrained, demand for fashion was strong. As we enter the final and key commercial quarter of the year, brands will be hoping that consumers opt for a ‘revenge’ holiday season of increased spending on fashion and luxury.

 Lyst’s Q3 (Jul-Sep) 2021 data reveals that:

• Balenciaga is the world’s hottest brand for Q3. The house returned to haute couture after 53 years, launched a Fortnite collaboration, and teamed up with Kanye West on the launch of his Donda album. Balenciaga’s presence at the Met Gala catalysed countless memes and social posts, causing searches for the brand to spike 505%. The momentum continued after the quarter ended with The Simpsons show at Paris Fashion Week.
• Both Versace and Fendi, which unveiled their surprise “Fendace” collection together at Milan Fashion Week, climb two places in The Lyst Index hottest brands ranking, taking 8th and 9th places respectively.
• Dolce & Gabbana re-enters the hottest brands list for the first time since 2019, having climbed five spots to close the hottest brands list in 20th place. Celebrities including Jennifer Lopez attended the Alta Sartoria show in Venice and the brand organised workshops for students in collaboration with Istituto Marangoni.
• Bags were particularly popular this quarter with Prada’s raffia tote bag topping the women’s hottest products list, while Balenciaga’s new Le Cagole bag is in 6th place. And having been in the women’s hottest products list twice previously, Telfar’s shopping bag makes this quarter’s men’s list in 4th place.

Read the whole report here

The Lyst Index Methodology: To compile the results, Lyst analyses the online shopping behaviour of more than 150 million shoppers a year searching, browsing and buying fashion across 17,000 brands and stores online. The formula behind The Lyst Index takes into account Lyst shopper behaviour, including conversion rates and sales. It also includes Google search data, as well as social media mentions and engagement statistics worldwide over a three month period.