Lyst Unveils Its Hottest Brands Ranking For Q1 2026

The Lyst Index has been revealed, and for the first time in a while, Chanel debuts at number one. The quarterly ranking, which now measures “Desire, Demand, and Discovery,” reflects a fashion world where shopping is no longer driven by straightforward intent but by AI prompts, cultural moments, and mood-led browsing. Matthieu Blazy’s latest designs — particularly the pumps and Maxi Flap bag — fuelled sustained demand for the house throughout the quarter, while Gucci’s return to the top five marked its strongest performance since 2022, with a 12% demand spike the day after Demna’s polarising show. Dior landed straight in at third, Versace posted 17% quarter-on-quarter growth, and high-street names like COS and Massimo Dutti held their own among luxury giants on the back of steady appetite for everyday staples.

Beyond the top tier, the quarter belonged to others like Zara, who broke through as the period’s standout name, powered by a Super Bowl moment with Bad Bunny and a viral John Galliano partnership. Vivienne Westwood saw corset dress demand jump 86% and its Long Fond Gown trigger an extraordinary 890% surge in searches, largely credited to Margot Robbie’s press tour wardrobing. Saint Laurent’s stand-collar jacket topped the hottest products chart after a 5,550% month-on-month spike, and Calvin Klein searches rose 43% off the back of a hit TV series. The message from Lyst is unambiguous: in 2026, heat is built on story, speed, and cultural relevance, not category or cost.

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PHOTO CREDIT: @Lyst