Balenciaga Remains the World's Hottest Brand for Q4 2021

Lyst Index Q4 2021 has once again named Balenciaga as the world’s hottest brand. In the previous Lyst report, Balenciaga took the top spot, taking the world by storm with Demna’s Met Gala unveiling and The Simpsons collab for Spring/Summer 2022.

Demna continued to take the fashion world by storm dropping technical, chunky boots that have solidified the designer’s footwear aesthetic. In December, the fashion house dropped its square-toed Trooper silhouette, which was later seen worn on the likes of Kanye West and Future. Demna also recruited international superstar Justin Bieber, to appear in its latest campaign as an ominous figure. Not only did the fashion brand make waves in the physical world, but in the digital universe as well. Balenciaga recently announced that it was entering the metaverse with a new business unit, exploring commerce and marking opportunities in Web3. With the unveiling of its Fall/Winter 2022 VHS-style video for its collection, Balenciaga continues to stay ahead of the game in the world of fashion. Additionally, Balenciaga’s Neo Classic Bag, a re-issue of its classic style, was listed as the top hottest women’s product, emphasizing the house’s grasp on the Y2K aesthetic.

In the final quarter of the year, Prada enters the top three brands, moving up one spot to No. 3, the highest it has ever placed in the Lyst Index. Gucci took second place with the unveiling of its Love Parade show on Hollywood Boulevard and the second drop of its The North Face collaboration. Across footwear, Prada’s Nylon Slip-On Boots proved to be majorly popular for both men and women. adidas YEEZY NSTL boots and The North Face’s NSE III Tent mules also placed as the top ten hottest men’s products in the final quarter of the year.

There was much to celebrate in the final quarter of 2021. In Q4, the fashion world mourned the death of Virgil Abloh, founder of Off-White and creative director of menswear at Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton climbed up to No. 4 as the brand presented Virgil Abloh’s Miami collection, just days after his death. The brand also appointed Squid Game‘s Jung Ho-Yeon as its house ambassador. This year, Off-White was not included in the rankings of the hottest brands. For the 18 quarters that the Lyst Index has reported on, Off-White has taken the No. 1 spot five times.

Check out The Lyst Index for more information on 2021’s hottest brands.

In case you missed it, Men’s Paris Fashion Week FW22 street style is a commentary on understated elegance.