Lyst Index Q1 2026 shake-up: CHANEL takes the crown, this jacket’s search volume jumps 5,550%

Lyst has just released its report for the first quarter of 2026. This time, it used a new methodology that combines consumers’ purchase intent, actual demand, and AI search trends. The list is full of surprises, with major changes across the top 20. Choosing the right pieces from this list will definitely keep you ahead of the trend.

Lyst Index Q1 2026 brand rankings: CHANEL takes first place

This quarter’s biggest highlight is undoubtedly CHANEL taking the crown. Its new designs by Matthieu Blazy have sparked major discussion, especially the CHANEL Pumps and Maxi Flap Bag, which launched in March. As soon as they were released, they set off a buying frenzy in fashion circles. This proves not only the brand’s appeal, but its powerful cultural influence as well.

DIOR follows in third place, while GUCCI climbed four spots to return to No. 5. Demna’s avant-garde new direction for GUCCI has sparked polarized reactions, yet it successfully generated huge buzz on social media, with online search demand jumping 12% after the show. CELINE entered the rankings at No. 20, while FENDI returned at No. 19. Demand for VERSACE also rose 17% from last quarter under new designer Dario Vitale.

SAINT LAURENT’s stand-collar jacket takes the top spot

This season’s list of most popular items is especially exciting, pointing to very different style directions. Here are five breakout pieces worth watching this season:

SAINT LAURENT stand-collar jacket: the season’s undisputed hottest item, with monthly search demand soaring 5,550%. Its sharp, versatile cut makes it a statement piece worth owning. The brand’s bow sunglasses also came in at No. 7, with searches up 217%.

ADIDAS Chinese-inspired track jacket: demand continued to surge after Lunar New Year, jumping 960% in March. It perfectly combines sporty style with retro Chinese elements.

CELINE ballet lace-up flats: ranked No. 4 among the hottest items, with searches up 300% over the past three months. They’re elegant and comfortable to walk in, perfectly fitting the current relaxed styling trend.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Long Fond gown: ranked No. 5, with searches soaring 890%. It lends a glamorous yet rebellious air the moment you put it on.

TRADER JOE’S canvas tote: the most surprising dark horse, priced at just around HK$25/NT$100. Thanks to viral social media buzz and limited releases, this supermarket reusable bag has become a fashion item.

What’s behind the breakout success of ZARA and VIVIENNE WESTWOOD?

Beyond luxury brands, several labels have risen quickly this season. Thanks to its powerful marketing strategy, ZARA has become this season’s most talked-about fast-fashion brand. From Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl appearance and an unprecedented collaboration with John Galliano to a series of major partnerships, it has successfully built buzz around the brand.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD’s surge in popularity has been fueled by pop culture. Margot Robbie and Charli XCX wore the brand extensively while promoting the film Wuthering Heights, directly driving sales. Demand for the brand’s signature corset dresses rose 86%, while its bridal collection grew 79%. CALVIN KLEIN has also benefited from film and TV exposure: after appearing in Disney’s hit series Love Story, its search volume quickly rose 43%, while the KANGOL Tropic 504 flat cap featured in the same show also became hugely popular.

What the Lyst Index says about future shopping trends

The way people shop for clothes now is very different from before. Lyst’s data shows that we’re now more likely to imagine a specific mood or character before looking for the right pieces. For example, searches for ’90s minimalism’ have fueled interest in CALVIN KLEIN. As long as a brand can create an aesthetic world people aspire to, it can capture consumers’ attention.

Most interestingly, our views on status and value are changing. A CHANEL Maxi Flap Bag costing tens of thousands and a Trader Joe’s canvas tote that costs just HK$25/NT$100 can appear on the same hot-items list. This shows that popular items are no longer judged by price alone. As long as an item represents a moment, a story, or a community, it can become one of fashion’s most talked-about indicators.

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