One Of Our Favorite Black-Owned Fashion Brands Is Having A Rare Sale

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From chic wardrobe staples to thought-provoking articles and resources, Nappy Head Club is a site we could peruse for hours. Co-founders Rachel Topping and Rikki Michelle started the lifestyle brand on Instagram and transformed it into an online business with the help of a bold streetwear-focused unisex clothing line plus a few lifestyle goods. And it just so happens every item is up to 40% off from now tonight.

A sale this good on a brand this unique is a rare one. Chic bucket hats (that can even fit over braids) are going for $25, statement-making tanks are 30% off, oversized sweatshirts are under $50. Scroll below to see our top picks, add some goods to your R29 cart, and sleep well knowing you supported a Black-owned business with some bomb Black representation.

Nappy Head Club Definition Of A Black Woman Tee, $42 $29.40

In the pocket of this 100% cotton tee, you’ll find Nappy Head Club’s definition of a Black woman: “What occurs when the sun and the earth make love.” Are we tearing up? A tad. But we’re also obsessed with the way the top’s subtle design pairs with a statement so beautiful and complex.

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Nappy Head Club Bucket Hat, $42 $25.20

We’d say Nappy Head Club’s bucket hat is a poster child of the brand. It currently comes in olive, black, and cream. We especially appreciate the diverse selection of hairstyles featured on site, so we know how the hat works with different Black hairstyles. At Nappy Head Club, our nappy hair can live comfortably beneath a stylish cap.

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Nappy Head Club United Afros Of The World Hoodie, $74 $44.40

The United Afros Of The World hoodie is a call for community, but it’s also simply a cozy unisex sweatshirt that you can strut around the town in. It comes in a soft polyester-cotton blend and goes up to size 4XL.

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Nappy Head Club Nappy Cross Tank, $54 $37.80

Plop this statement tank on, and we guarantee many a compliment will fly your way. On the front, you’ll find “Nappy” embroidered across a stretch ribbed polyester blend fabric that hugs your torso in all the right places.

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Nappy Head Club Good Hair Scarf, $38 $28.50

We don’t think this oversized scarf references Chris Rock’s famous documentary. Instead, we assume it’s all about protecting what lives atop our head. Right now, the 100% georgette crepe layer — shown here styled as both a top and a headwrap — is available in both black and antique white.

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The Bonnet For Everywhere, $20 $16

Not scarf gal? Opt for the brand’s high-quality satin bonnet instead. According to Nappy Head Club, it’s meant for “outside, inside, anyside.” Why? Because “that’s you business.” The protective cap is designed to accommodate up to 27.5″ worth of head circumference and let your hair have some room to breathe.

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Nappy Head Club Protect Black Women Bodysuit, $69 $41.40

You may be wondering what this figure-flattering, peek-a-boo bodysuit has to do with protecting Black women. Give it a click and see for yourself — the powerful phrase comes embroidered across its polyester fabric on the back neckline. Sometimes it will be hidden, other times it will be on display, but you’ll always know it’s there for when you need a reminder.

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Nappy Head Club Warped Logo One-Piece, $89 $66.79

Whether you’re sporting it at the beach or flaunting it at brunch paired with your favorite pair of high-waisted jeans, this allover-print maillot is a statement-making stunner. And did we mention it’s reversible? Turn it inside-out to find a solid black bodysuit for those nights you’d rather keep a low profile.

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Nappy Head Club The Black Without Apology Tote Bag, $36 $27

A bag that speaks for you is a bag worth buying. It’s 100% cotton, a substantial 20 inches by 24 inches, and will compliment any casual outfit with an unapologetic statement.

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At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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An Urban Outfitters Guide To The Best Y2K Trends

It seems as though the once polarizing Y2K fashion trend of 2021 is still going strong for 2022 — and it has only picked up steam since low-rise jeans and tube tops wriggled their way onto TikTok last year. Heck, Y2K trends are now even embraced by millennials who already lived through these shudder-inducing styles during their actual teen years — which really means one thing: Y2K fashion is back because the clothes reviving these turn-of-century looks are better than ever and more wearable than they used to be.

For instance, we’re seeing low-rise jeans that actually cover the booty, slip dresses with structured corset details, and baggy cargo pants that don’t drag on the ground (it was a thing back then, don’t ask). The Y2K fashions of today are fearless, cute, (and, yes) nostalgic — and forever-young retailer Urban Outfitters happens to be a goldmine for all the best Y2K clothes in the game. Ahead, we put together a guide to navigating the millennium-defining trends at UO you may want to incorporate into your own 2022 wardrobe — that is, if you’re feeling fly like that.

Low-Rise Denim

Long ago, low-rise jeans often meant that your whale tail might be on display — so it’s godsent that these hip-hugging pants have since evolved to include full butt coverage. Plus, you now have several options: opt for a V-front button closure if you’re feeling brave or have your pick of a mid- or low-rise, depending on how midriff you’re feeling.

Colorful Pants

Candy-colored clothing defined the 2000s, from bubble-gum pinks to fluorescent neons to psychedelic prints. Pandemic life can be a drag but your wardrobe doesn’t have to be — so grab a pair of “fun pants” that are guaranteed to quickly brighten your mood.

Babydoll & Slip Dresses

Truth be told, slip dresses are always in style for their versatility, minimalist design, and ease of wear — it’s a perfect frock to include in your capsule wardrobe collection. That said, take a gander at the slips of 2022: Early-aughts grunge florals, babydoll empire waists, and corset details make the timeless slip more trend-forward.

Cargo Pants

The cargo pant is probably the second-most polarizing Y2K trend to come back (after low-rise jeans, of course) — likely because the bagginess of the leg is often contrasted with baby tops (which we know isn’t a look that everyone loves to wear). But what makes these parachute-like pants more wearable in 2022 are the reasonable inseam lengths, high-rise fit, and smaller, less bulge-y pockets. One could even say it’s all cargo, no bulk.

Band Tees

Very good vintage band tees are expensive. So scoring a very good “fake” vintage band tee affordably is deserving of a prize. (And the prize is looking legit without actually being legit.) Urban Outfitters has a whole selection of yester-year artist tees, like this distressed Sublime top or a “…Baby One More Time”-era Britney keepsake.

Halter Tops

Next stop: Decolletage city! The halter tops of 2022 are not for the reserved — they’re cropped at the ribcage, fit like sports bras, and are all kinds of strappy across the chest or around the neck. Poor spaghetti tanks never had a chance.

Track Pants

Athleisurewear and “leggings as pants” have finally paved way for looser-leg track pants (or velour pants) that can be worn in place of jeans, or with a sports bra and a matching track jacket for a sweet taste of Sporty Spice.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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8 Size-Inclusive Jeans From H&M To Break You Out Of Sweatpants Fatigue

Let’s take stock of where we’re at: It’s year three of the pandemic, it’s two months into winter, and the number of sweats we’ve accumulated since 2020 has skyrocketed from zero to oh about a billion. But as comforting as it is to cocoon in super-soft velours and fleeces, it’s hard to ignore the unmistakable, ever-increasing fatigue from haphazardly slapping together a hoodie with leggings and calling it an “outfit” after the millionth time (writing in hyperboles is evidently also a symptom of said fatigue).

That brings us to a rather apt (and very achievable) resolution: to actually get dressed in 2022. And it all starts with reacquainting ourselves with non-sweats — specifically, styles from H&M’s size-inclusive denim drop (all are available up to size 18; H&M+ sizes range from L to 4XL online) that are designed to meet everything we’re looking for in our jeans. We broke down eight denim goals, from finding jeans that actually fit to experimenting with new silhouettes, so that perhaps this might just be the year we finally take a (temporary) break from our sweats. 

To find jeans that are basically leggings in denim form 

The denim: A body-hugging style that’s woven from an innovative super-flexible, cotton-blend stretch fabrication that’s designed to fit your body. 

To embrace the ‘90s but in a more polished way

The denim: A 1997-meets-2022 hybrid jean that unites the slouchy, devil-may-care attitude of the grunge era with a thoroughly modern high-waist silhouette. 

To prove to Gen Z that skinny jeans aren’t going anywhere

The denim: The ultimate closet mainstay — a classic skinny jean in a versatile, goes-with-anything inky shade that would outlast any trend. 

To find plus-size wide-leg jeans that don’t feel baggy 

The denim: A unicorn of a jean (sizes go up to 4XL online) that boasts a wide leg without any excess fabrication or frumpiness.

To find jeans that are as comfortable as my sweats

The denim: With its super-relaxed, loose fit, this ultra-high-waist style is like your sweatpants but better.

To branch out and experiment with a new silhouette 

The denim: A vintage cut featuring cool, retro-inspired flares but with a sleek, contemporary (and size-inclusive) design. 

To find a pair of worn-in jeans without actually having to break them in

The denim: A vintage-y, ‘90s-inspired straight-leg denim with the perfectly imperfect faded wash that you didn’t have to dig through countless bins to find.

To find jeans that 1) actually fit and 2) mold to my curves (read: no back gaps) 

The denim: As part of H&M’s “True To You” line, this plus-size jean (whose size range goes up to 4XL online) adapts to fit your body on a daily basis. 

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Inside The 2022 Comeback Of Y2K’s Favorite It-Bag

Over the past two years, fashion TikTok has become a one-way ticket to the Y2K era. From micro-mini skirts and tube tops to low-rise jeans and Bratz-approved platform shoes, the app — hand-in-hand with the secondhand market boom — has brought back many nostalgic trends. Among them is one of the era’s signature designer bags: the Fendi Baguette.

Currently, the hashtag #fendibaguette has over 2.4 million views on TikTok. And the views are translating to retail demand. According to Rebag, the Fendi Baguette bag was one of 2021’s most searched items on the resale site. Meanwhile, on the luxury consignment site The RealReal, searches for the bag have grown by 63% from 2020 and sales rose by 40%. “The Fendi Baguette has had a significant resurgence over the past several years, as demand for iconic ’90s fashion surges,” says Kelly McSweeney, merchandise manager of womenswear at The RealReal. 

While the comeback initially started when Fendi re-issued the Baguette in 2019, its It-bag status in 2021 was cemented by an intergenerational phenomenon that saw Gen X unearthing their vintage style and selling them, to the millennials ready to take them off their hands. “Gen X was the generation that originally purchased Baguettes back in their heyday,” says McSweeney. “As the original Gen X owners see them rising in resale value, it’s motivating many to sell theirs forward, and millennials are jumping on the chance to finally live out their Baguette dreams.” According to The RealReal, demand for vintage Fendi Baguette bags has grown six times faster than the new versions of the bag from the brand, with the average resale value reaching four times more than in 2017.

For millennial influencer Caroline Vazzana, this latest wave of popularity prompted her to expand her Fendi Baguette collection. While she got her first one six years ago for $200 at Beacon’s Closet, today, she says, getting her hands on both vintage and re-edition Baguette bags is much harder — not to mention expensive. 

“I honestly wish I got more [back then] because now they go for so much money,” Vazzana, who currently has five, says.

Like many other millennials, Vazzana first got acquainted with the Fendi Baguette bag when she watched Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw parade it around New York City in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. Frequently described as one of the original influencers, Bradshaw’s predilection for the style — a phenomenon credited to the show’s costume designer Patricia Field — made it a must-have back in the day. 

First launched in 1997, the Fendi Baguette bag was conceptualized by Silvia Venturini Fendi, who was inspired by French women and wanted to create a purse that could be held like a loaf of bread under the arms. But it is the bag’s versatile rectangular shape, recognizable double F-logo clasp, and a wide variety of colors, textures, and materials that cemented its popularity as one of Y2K’s most iconic handbags. 

Fashion commentator and jewelry designer Carla Rockmore, who is part of the Baby Boomer generation, remembers the bag at the height of its popularity. Back in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, she says that “everybody under the sun tried to knock [Fendi Baguette bags] off.” She adds, “I remember thinking at the time, ‘Gee, this bag is becoming a canvas, almost a moniker of your style.'”

And though the Baguette’s It-status waned for a few years — as handbags like the Louis Vuitton Pochette, Balenciaga City, Celine Luggage, and Saint Laurent Sac Du Jour skyrocketed in popularity — Fendi re-issuance of the style in 2019 inspired a second coming. When re-introducing the purple sequin version, which was first launched in the house’s fall 1999 collection and popularized by Sex And The City, Fendi tapped no other than Sarah Jessica Parker, who played Bradshaw, for the ad campaign. In the commercial, Parker is followed by a group of younger girls who are lusting after her bag, screaming, “Ma’am, I need that bag!” She then turns around, replying: “Oh, this isn’t a bag. It’s a Baguette!” 

The interaction alludes to the first time the purple sequin Baguette bag made an appearance on Sex And The City, in a scene from Season 3, when Bradshaw gets robbed and corrects the mugger, saying: “It’s a Baguette.” Three years after the commercial aired, photos of Parker wearing the same bag in the show’s reboot And Just Like That… made rounds on the internet, prompting Fendi to re-launch it once again. The current iteration of the style is selling for a whopping $4,300. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 17: Sarah Jessica Parker seen on the set of “And Just Like That…” the follow up series to “Sex and the City” at Webster Hall on July 17, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)

But fans aren’t deterred. According to global fashion search platform Lyst, searches for the bag have jumped by 47% since the show premiered in December 2021. The bag also climbed to Rebag’s top five most-selling styles after the show’s premiere, according to the site’s CEO Charles Gorra. 

Though popular handbags of eras past have a tendency to come back in style (see: Balenciaga’s City bag or Lady Dior bag), the Fendi Baguette is currently defining Y2K’s return, both in fashion and pop culture. Will it last despite today’s short-lived, TikTok-fueled trend cycle? Rockmore thinks so. “When something is functional besides being fashionable, it has longevity,” she says. “[The Baguette] is never going out of style.”

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So, How Is It Really? Wearing A Balaclava With Big Hair

Welcome to Refinery29’s So, How Is It Really? where we take a look at all of the topics that have the internet talking. In studying them up close, we answer the question of what it’s really like to try out a trend, a viral product, or an unexpected TikTok hack.

In the last six months, there’s been no bigger winter trend than the balaclava. The cozy accessory has been spotted on runways —  with designers ranging from Miu Miu and Raf Simons to Marine Serre — and has flooded search queries. Really: Searches for “crochet balaclava” are up by 1000% according to Google Trends. The balaclava is also this season’s most sought-after item as reported by global fashion shopping platform Lyst. Miu Miu’s crochet hood and face covering and Stone Island’s ribbed wool balaclava landed on the top 10 hottest products list for women and men, respectively. 

On Instagram, we’re seeing the winter-weather accessory on the feeds of fashion influencers everywhere. Meanwhile, on TikTok, #balaclava has over 132 million views. Style aside, the one thing a lot of these posts have in common is they’re often modeled on people with straight or wavy hair. So, it got me thinking, What’s it like to wear a balaclava as someone with big natural hair? If I put it on, would it mess up my hair the minute I took it off? Would I have to either blow out or slick back my 3C/ 4A curls into a bun in order to pull off this trend? To find out what it’s really like, I enlisted the (now-sold-out) Aritzia Sunday Best Frederick Balaclava in “Guava Pink.” 

My first impression was there couldn’t be a way to fit all of my hair in all of its voluminous glory into the balaclava without looking like Megamind. But, I went ahead even though it pained me (and my freshly styled hair) to put a fabric other than satin directly on my curls. To my surprise, as I began to put it on, the material compressed my hair down enough to create a hooded shape. I paid more attention to the backside and neck to even out the bumpy areas of tucked hair that NGL tickled. I left some of my curls peeking out the front to frame my face as a styling choice.

With my balaclava on, I was ready to take on one of Toronto’s coldest days. I wore an all-black outfit made up of cargo pants, a fleece quarter-zip, thick-framed sunglasses, and a puffer jacket sans hood to go out for a walk and run some errands. I was toasty even in a negative temperature and treated the balaclava as the star of my outfit. It was comfortable until I had to put on my face mask to enter stores which became a bit of a hassle, especially as I tried to maneuver the mask ear loops through my tangled hair. If all the back-and-forth is not for you, then I’d recommend trying a ski mask-like balaclava that covers your nose and mouth for ease. 

When the time came to remove it later that day, I pulled the balaclava off by stretching the sides as wide as possible to minimize frizz. My hair was flattened but it was nothing a little zhoosh couldn’t fix. The only downside was the fabric soaked up some hair product which left my curls feeling a bit dry. I went into this experiment fully sure that I would have to slick my hair back (you know, “tone” it down). Instead, I made the trend work for me and the natural state of my hair. My hair grows sideways and upwards, and not every style may be worth hopping on, but the balaclava made me love on my curls just a little more. 

Overall, I can definitely see myself wearing the balaclava more often. It’s a cute accessory that also works as an easy way to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank on new winter gear. 

Ready to give it a try? We got you:

Know how to knit? Check out these options:

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This Under-$40 Clog Boot Only Looks Expensive

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If you’ve been following our footwear coverage for some time, you already know that we’re unrepentant fans of the clog. And though it may seem like the “clog trend” is perpetually on a two-year cyclical cadence, its clockwork-like resurgence is a testament to how the clompy wooden-soled shoe is actually as timeless as, say, the oversized blazer or the white button-down. You may as well consider it an essential piece in your capsule wardrobe.

But, we also acknowledge that the clog is polarizing for myriad valid reasons: They can be frightening to walk in (we shudder at the thought of crossing cobblestone streets), they’re fug-licious (in a good way, we would argue), and they’re generally going to cost you some decent coin (especially if they’re handcrafted by authentic Swedish clogglers). That last pain point is probably the toughest hurdle to overcome — prices that can clock in at a few hundos aren’t exactly conducive to a trend trial run.

So, what’s a clomp-curious person to do if they’d like to test-drive a starter clog? Well, we’re going to reveal a secret that’s hiding in plain sight — as it turns out, Target has a shearling-lined ankle clog (which appears to be a dead-ringer dupe for a way higher-end style) for only $39.99.

Universal Thread Women’s Maisie Clog Boots, $39.99

If the price-to-style ratio already has your head spinning, it’s time to sit down — the jaw-droppage continues. The shoe boasts a cushy memory foam footbed (which, as clog truthers know, is a rarity), there’s a side zip for effortless on-off wear, the bottom sole is tracked with skid-free rubber, and the wooden sole has a glow-up of 2.25″. With these types of features on the menu, it’s really no wonder that this clog currently rates a 4.7 out of 5 stars and boats 111 reviews. “I can’t say enough about these boots,” writes one target.com reviewer. “They are shockingly comfortable and somehow go with everything. They elevate every outfit. I’ve wanted clog boots for years and I’m thrilled to have found these at such a low price!”

Universal Thread Judith Clog Boots, $39.99

For the uninitiated, an under-$40 clog could be a gateway purchase, but it seems that even the most experienced clog collectors have found a place in their closets clog-sets for Target’s take on the luxury look. Of the Judith silhouette — an oxblood-toned ankle boot with a rubber-treaded sole — one reviewer writes: “I have legit Swedish clogs, expensive as all get out, yet I’ve been stopped by strangers and asked about these Target clogs more often. … I then find myself whispering (why whispering, I’m not sure) like it’s a top secret: I actually got them at Target.” According to the reviewer, (one of 38 who helped this style rack up a 4.7-star rating), the faux-leather exterior means that no tears need be shed if inclement weather comes calling. “Love these clogs for kicking around in life and not worrying about ruining them in salt, snow, mud, etc.” Something tells us that we’ve landed on another strong contender for the High End Vibes Award. “Doing a little dance of happiness,” added the reviewer of the shoe. “Great clog.”

If you’re finally ready to give the ‘ol clog trend a knockity-knock, click here to utilize our brand-new straight-to-cart shopping feature so you don’t suffer from any sellout FOMO. And once you reached clog-convert status, we’ve got a whole roundup of the best clogs that are ready for hours of hoofing around.

Shop all ankle boots at Target

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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House Paint Is The New OOTD With Madewell’s Recent Capsule Collection

We’re not saying we called it, but just a few months back the R29 Shopping team dubbed house paint “Instagram’s new hottest accessory” after swooning over Backdrop‘s aesthetic oasis of user-friendly pigments. Today, the stylish house paint brand took it one step further with a dreamy, monochromatic “Studio Hours” capsule collection collab with Madewell. In short, trendy house paint isn’t just a must-have backdrop, it’s now part of your OOTD.

This $150-and-under launch features 12 wardrobe essentials dipped in Backdrop’s custom-made warm taupe hue, Studio Hours. The matching premium paint is also available for purchase as half ($45) and one gallon ($69) cans on both sites. Scroll on for a glimpse at Madewell’s soon-to-sell-out capsule collection that looks equally good on you and your apartment.

Madewell x Backdrop Court Sneakers in Studio Hours, $68

Meet Backdrop

For those out of the loop, Backdrop is your one-stop-shop for all things house paint, designed especially for those of us who dread the idea of sifting through hundreds of paint chips at Home Depot. Married couple Natalie and Caleb Ebel founded the brand back in 2016 after jumping through too many hoops trying to paint a nursery for their first child. Fast-forward to 2022, and you can find a myriad of influencers showcasing the brand’s paint in mirror selfies, aesthetic bedroom shots, and DIY painting all over social media. 

While the brand’s unintimidating approach to home improvement may be its biggest selling point, its popularity on social media also points to the curated and trendy selection of colors you can choose from. Backdrop also offers color consultations and sticker swatches for mess-free sampling.

Backdrop Studio Hours One Gallon, $69

The Studio Hours Capsule Collection

Starting today the Madewell x Backdrop Studio Hours capsule collection is officially up for grabs. It includes a relaxed-fit Softfade cotton tee, pair of suede court sneakers, cozy unisex hoodie, canvas bucket hat, some DIY-ready cotton overalls, and other wardrobe basics. According to Backdrop, the collection took inspiration from “the endless hours artists spend in the studio and their workwear like overalls, chore coats, and more.” The founders also noticed room in the fashion world for painter-centric clothing after its paint shirt piqued the interest of numerous Backdrop customers. To top it off, many pieces are crafted from upcycled cotton and the premium house paint is Green Wise certified. 

The capsule collection is a first for the brand, but from the looks of it, there are some speedy “out of stocks” in our forecast. So head over to Madewell’s site now to shop the full collection, and make a pitstop at Backdrop for all your painting essentials — since, you know, a monochromatic taupe OOTD photographed in front of a matching wall in your living space might just be the serve of the century.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Chanel’s Latest Show Featured Wedding-Worthy Dresses & Horse Girl Fashion

‘Tis the season to observe pretty dresses, as Haute Couture Week continues in Paris. And Chanel’s latest runway show delivered just that. On Tuesday, the French house unveiled its spring 2022 couture collection, filled with juxtapositions between structured and flowy garments. 

“These geometric shapes made me want contrasts, a great lightness and a lot of freshness,” Chanel’s creative director Virginie Viard said in the collection’s notes. The designer explained she wanted the dresses to look as if they were “floating.” 

Socialite Charlotte Casiraghi rode on horseback to open the show. The horse girl moment was conceptualized by French artist Xavier Veilhan, who was in charge of the show’s decor. “His artistic universe is full of horses and Charlotte is a skilled rider,” said Viard. It all set a precedent for what the collection later proposed: a contrast between the unabashedly fanciful and utilitarian. 

While the show opened with a series of structured tweed jackets, a hallmark of the label, Viard deconstructed the seriousness of these garments by pairing pocketed jackets with light maxi skirts that appeared to be levitating on the runway. Then, the collection delved into a series of blazer dresses with frilly details and, later, a slew of skirt suits (with much longer hemlines than the house’s spring 2022 ready-to-wear lineup) and wide-leg pantsuits.

For the show’s finale, Viard showed ethereal dresses that would make for stunning wedding looks for any non-traditional bride. Take, for example, a black bubble dress with a one-shoulder bow-tie sleeve or a white slip dress with a ruffled peplum and twee-approved bow in the front. In true couture tradition, the showcase wrapped up with a bridal dress, a simple slip adorned with a delicate, beaded layer of fabric over top. 

Viard’s lineup offered women the chance to be all things at the same time: a practical horse girl by day, an elegant party attendee by night. 

Watch Chanel’s spring 2022 couture show below.

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Last year, when Pyer Moss’s Kerby Jean-Raymond became the first Black American designer to show during Couture Week, it signaled the beginning of a new — and belated — era for the craft. Instead of showing the expected red carpet-worthy tulle ball gowns and bridal looks, Jean-Raymond sent out playful, over-the-top fashion inspired by inventions from Black entrepreneurs — like the Super Soaker, the bottle cap, and the traffic light — at Madam C.J. Walker’s mansion in New York.

Alongside Jean-Raymond, a new generation of designers are redefining the craft by breaking couture’s tradition of exclusivity and making their own rules in the process. With diversity, sustainability, and technology in mind, they are showing creations that don’t lack in crafts in places ranging from New York to the metaverse. And democratizing the art form along the way. 

One of the oldest customs in fashion, couture — by definition, fashion that uses handmade skills and technique — has long maintained its status as a space for the elite, marked by high prices, bespoke clothing, and dresses fit for special occasions most of us will probably never be invited to. While any high-fashion brand can create collections made up of delicate lace and intricate embroidery, only those that meet strict regulations — which include designing made-to-order clothes for private clients and employing 20 full-time technical staff members in their workshop — from the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France can show during the official calendar that, this season, takes place from January 24 to 27. 

But emerging couture designers are stepping away from these standards. Back in October, fashion insiders took notice when Vietnamese-American designer Bach Mai presented his debut collection. An alum of Oscar de la Renta and John Galliano’s Maison Margiela, Mai’s resumé gives a hint of what his work looks like: full-skirted gowns in high-low hemlines, peplum strapless tops, and metallic slip dresses that drape over the body like liquid paint. “It’s irreverent, glamour and unabashed femininity that just has always been a part of my universe,” Mai told Refinery29 of his brand. “It’s not only about the aesthetic, but also this appreciation for the craftsmanship to come back.” Impeccable technique aside, what makes Bach Mai’s work innovative is the versatility that allows his designs to bring couture into the everyday. See: the bomber jackets that are paired with full, skirted gowns and leather pencil skirts featuring a too-open-to-walk-in middle slit. 

The Texas-born designer has had a lifelong appreciation for couture, one that started when he saw John Galliano’s spring 2004 couture collection and then took a history of couture class in high school. Later, as a student at Parsons The New School For Design, he explored the practice further by delving into the role of technology and the digital age in fashion design. Ahead of his second collection, debuting during New York Fashion Week in February, Mai hopes his work can bring people a deeper appreciation for the work in our increasingly digital and fast-paced industry that churns out trends and clothes in an accelerated cycle. “The role of couture is to preserve the craft, the art of making clothes,” he says. Mai is also emphatic about the ways in which custom-made clothes can help empower its wearer, a phenomenon he says he witnessed growing up in Houston: “There’s something about Texan women and Texas glamour; it doesn’t have to be a Met Gala moment. It can be just a beautiful dress that they feel amazing in and they can have fun.”

For other new-gen designers, sustainability is an essential part of redefining this centuries-old tradition. 

Take, for example, London-based Sohee Park who is utilizing deadstock and upcycled materials to create the fantasy-fueled for her eponymous brand Miss Sohee, which will be showing in Milan Fashion Week for the first time in February. Or Johannes Warnke, a Central Saint Martins alum who makes couture-level clothes with textiles dyed by hand in his own garden. In the process, they’re proving that sustainability doesn’t have to mean minimalist clothing. Instead, both Park and Warnke are using color and playful elements and eye-catching techniques — like butterflies, leather gloves, drapery, and asymmetrical designs. “Sustainability should never compromise your designs, but the design shouldn’t compromise sustainability either; it should all be in harmony,” Warnke told Vogue. 

The conversations around sustainability in fashion have also brought up the need to reduce the production of real-life clothing, with more brands and designers jumping into the metaverse, where they can operate with a zero-waste model. While many would argue that it’s not craftsmanship in the traditional sense, brands like Tribute — a digital fashion label creating clothes people can only wear on the internet — are on a quest to prove that artificial intelligence and computer-based design should be considered a couture-level skill. “The principles that are in physical fashion, they work in a digital fashion, too,” Gala Marija Vrbanic, co-founder of Tribute, told Refinery29. “We are a fashion brand that is mainly using technology to create a totally new fashion language, so you can compare our pieces to couture.”

Vrbanic says there are many parallels between the way couture brands and Tribute make their clothes, including the long hours it takes to create the voluminous, larger-than-life garments, which have included a digital version of a Jean Paul Gaultier couture look created in collaboration with the house last year. And much like couture, there is a limited number of garments sold for each piece created. They’re just much more affordable, though. While a couture dress might reach six figures, a Tribute gown can cost $150. 

By innovating couture practices, new-gen designers are bringing the world of couture into modern day. While the tradition, history, and highly-skilled craftsmanship of haute couture will always have a place, other creatives are proving how the industry can evolve.

“Couture has so many purposes and uses, and one has to think of it as a creative laboratory,” says Mai. “Part of that is preserving craftsmanship, but also highlighting it and elevating it.”

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Plus-Size Sets To Get Matchy-Matchy With

Do you ever have those days where doing mundane tasks like brushing your teeth, doing laundry, and even getting dressed feel like a chore? I can relate. But when my mental battery is near empty, I can still manage to serve looks and take names — and my secret hack for looking fly no matter the color of the sky is throwing on a matching, coordinated set. A head-to-toe outfit takes the brain work out of getting dressed — and on top of that, you have a sleek, cool look that’s automatically well-coordinated.

As far as plus-size retail options go for matching sets, many online retailers have been stocking unique looks more often than ever before. Whether you’re in favor of a billowy, oversized satin look or a body-hugging dress and duster cardigan combo, there’s a special — and highly coordinated — set out there for you. Just because life is overwhelming doesn’t mean you can’t throw together a great ’fit.

Nasty Gal Satin Set, $144

If you’re feeling luckier than usual, then this clover-hued satin set might be the perfect look for you. The oversized billowy button-down provides a great contrast to the fun twist-front cropped top. You can also play with tying the button down in a few different ways to change up the look.

Rebdolls Hot Pink Wrap Top and Trouser Set, $78.98

The month of love is fast approaching. Snatch up this magenta number for your single’s appreciation, Valentine’s, or Galentine’s plans. Wrapped tops look good on just about everyone who wears them too.

PrettyLittleThing Blazer and Cropped Trouser Set, $143

There’s something eternally powerful about a blazer — and add a dose of striking cobalt blue, and you’ve got a boss b*tch ’fit. Throw this on for when making a strong first impression is everything.

Boohoo Plus Bandeau Dress and Duster, $60

Who said hot and sexy meant uncomfy? This look is a perfectly uncomplicated date night outfit with a high-low blend of comfort and curb appeal.

Fashion to Figure Cordelia Set, $159.85

Multi-hyphenate influencer and fat fashion icon Gabi Fresh has partnered with Fashion to Figure to come up with a collection of highly coveted designs. This sweater set in sage green is so calming and comfy while looking sophisticated.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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