Best of Latex 2022

It’s hard to believe it’s the end of the year, and although there’ve been some highs and lows for many, it was a good year for latex. Before we say goodbye to 2022 we’re taking a look back at some of the year’s best latex moments.

Loss of Legends

The year started off on a sad note with the loss of legendary designer Thierry Mugler, who was known for designs that fused S&M with high fashion, featuring exaggerated extremes like big shoulders and nipped waists. His aesthetic managed to be sexy, high fashion that pushed the envelope without making women look dirty or slutty. His designs were influential not only within the fashion industry but also to Vex’s own, Laura, who was inspired to pursue her design dreams after viewing Mugler’s Spring/Summer 1997 haute couture show. You can read our full recap of Mugler here.

Sadly, the fashion world lost not one but two icons this year. In the summer, Japanese designer Issey Miyake passed away, leaving behind a legacy spanning more than 50 years. Miyake gained traction for his avant-garde looks, which were regarded more as works of art. In fact, many of his pieces were featured in museums and, to this day, some of his designs are preserved at institutions including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Some of his designs of this time even featured latex, including a head-to-toe latex ensemble and a red latex corset, featured at The Met Museum.

Ruling the Runway

Latex was a theme on the runways in 2022 and there was no shortage of looks at both the Spring and Fall fashion week shows globally. Earlier in the year, designers such as Dion Lee, Richard Quinn and Gucci featured latex in their runway shows. In the second half of the year, Prabal Gurung, Hari and Victoria Beckham were among those featuring latex in everything from leggings and opera gloves to voluminous balloon pants. One designer who played with latex throughout the year was Moschino, who used latex to accentuate their signature, eye-catching designs. 

Silver Screens

This year, latex also ruled the small and big screens in some of the year’s most buzzed about content. Early in the year the Hulu seriesPam & Tommy recreated some of Pamela Anderson’s best known looks, some of which featured latex. The resemblance of the actress & costumes to the real life Pam and her looks was striking.

Later, one of the biggest movies of the year,The Batman, prominently featured latex on Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman. Not only did the movie revive one of latex’s best known on screen moments, the publicity for the film included centerfolds featuring Kravitz wearing some very sexy latex pieces.

Finally, at the end of the year the latest season ofAmerican Horror Story, which has historically embraced a kinky vibe, launched with BDSM-inspired promotional photos, featuring characters wearing accessories such as latex collars, a studded latex hood and harnesses. 

Centerfolds

Latex was also front and center of multiple print campaigns in 2022, gracing everything from the pages of Vanity Fair to gin ads. Throughout the year, a number of brands used latex in their advertising for a fetishy, sexy vibe while stars like Lizzo and Gigi Hadid sported latex designs in centerfolds and red carpets, which were eventually featured in magazines. 

Here are a few of our favorites from the past year:

Isamaya Beauty:

Sweet Gwendoline Gin:

Heretic Parfum:

Lizzo inVanity Fair:

We’re excited to see what 2023 brings for latex!