Whether you’re into streetwear, gorpcore, or high fashion, 2022 has been a great year for style overall. Brands like Supreme, Aimé Leon Dore, and Awake NY have maintained their freshness. Meanwhile, heritage luxury labels like Gucci have released exciting collaborations that continue to draw new consumers in. Nigo’s Human Made collaborating with Lil Uzi Vert, Tremaine Emory’s Denim Tears presenting a runway show in Egypt with Dior, and Billie Eilish wearing Rick Owens to the Grammys were just some of the memorable moments.
Here are Complex’s picks for the best brands of 2022.
Standout Moments: Union x Air Jordan 2, Union x Nike Dunk Low “Passport Pack,” Union x Supervsn “SuperUnion” capsule, Mr. Morale and the Big Stepperspop-up
Fresh off of a busy 2021 that saw Union celebrating its 30th anniversary, Chris Gibbs and Beth Birkett have kept up the momentum in 2022. Gibbs isn’t just stamping a Frontman on T-shirts to channel some nostalgia from streetwear OGs. Instead, Union’s in-line offerings go beyond graphics such as workwear tops that fuse a poplin shirt with a chore coat or liner vest made out of boiled wool.
Union’s steady stream of collaborations throughout the year prove that Gibbs still has his finger on the pulse of streetwear at every level. Just look at Union’s booth at ComplexCon 2022—an art installation that positioned a growing brand like Crenshaw Skate Club beside established names like Fear of God and clean merch for Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers. Other projects saw Union use its platform to aid the youth communities in Haiti and spotlight fellow Los Angeles streetwear brands Supervsn and Camp High. And don’t forget about its sneaker collabs like the “Passport” Nike Dunk Lows or duo of Air Jordan 2s that also made some noise. The accompanying campaigns, like this short directed by Birkett, also deserve praise. Your Future Is Now highlighted various small business owners of color in the Los Angeles area who are helping create our “future utopia” to model the collection. Union, the streetwear boutique, has solidified its status by being at the forefront of the culture for three decades. Union, the brand, also needs its recognition. —Mike DeStefano