Timothée Chalamet Is the Most Influential Man in Fashion

Chalamet wearing Louis Vuitton at the premiere of The KingPhoto: Getty Images

Harry Styles might have won your heart—and convinced you to buy a Sex T-shirt and some Sara Lee Bread on Saturday Night Live this weekend—but according to Lyst’s Year in Fashion index, Timothée Chalamet is the most influential man in fashion. The annual report tracks search, social media, sales, and news, ranking designers, brands, and fashion-world stars for a snapshot of the year’s biggest trends. According to the 2019 report, Chalamet was the second most influential celebrity—Meghan Markle was number one—with Zendaya, Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Kylie Jenner, Lisa from Blackpink, Lizzo, Billy Porter, and, yes, Styles rounding out the top 10.

What makes the actor so important? Experimental styling—remember his mid-layer garment?—and a penchant for new brands like S.R. Studio LA. CA., for starters. Then there’s the fact that Chalamet doesn’t use a stylist and develops each of his red-carpet looks himself. That authenticity resulted in a 192% spike in searches for men’s hoodies after he wore a sequined black one from Louis Vuitton to the premiere of The King. Even more astounding, his Venice Film Festival ensembles, mostly by Haider Ackermann, resulted in an 806% increase in searches for the designer. (The love is mutual: Ackermann calls the actor “beloved Timo bro” on Instagram.) No other celebrity tracked by Lyst, not even Markle, created that much interest in a designer this year.

With great power comes great responsibility, of course, but Chalamet seems up to the task of being menswear’s most visible champion. He continues to ply the boundary between traditional masculinity and femininity, often choosing slim, soft tailoring over traditionally bold cuts. He can also wear a blouse better than almost anyone—and will do so willingly if his Ackermann tops and Entertainment Weekly cover are any indication. The best news, though, is that before the clock ticks to 2020, we will be blessed by another Chalamet film and press tour. Little Women comes out on December 25; expect some of the actor’s best looks yet.