As soon as a new year comes in, a lot of people find themselves swamped in a load of new labels which they don’t recognise. Suddenly, everyone’s hyping over a new name when you might not have even felt it was time to retire last year’s. The following is a beginner’s guide to luxury fashion designers 2012. If you’d like to be in-the-know with the year’s must-haves, the following will point you in the right direction, without reeling off a list of designers you’ll be unfamiliar with.

- McQ has faced a resurgence over the past couple of years, due in part to the passing of Alexander McQueen and also that an Alexander McQueen dress was worn at the most recent Royal Wedding. With A-listers all over getting involved too, it’s not difficult to understand why everyone wants a piece.

- Ralph Lauren’s elegant, yet rich-feeling designs are – again – turning out to be another 2012 essential. Whether it’s used to brighten up after the wintry designs over the cold months, or to shed a few layers, Ralph Lauren are back with a range of lines which bring the vintage to the modern day.

- Prada’s aim for 2012 is to bring the 1950s back. While trend-setter elsewhere look to the decade which followed it for inspiration, an era which soaked up Italian culture more than ever suits the direction Prada are heading this year. For a break from the norm, their new releases will match your mindset.

- At Jil Sander this year, purity is on the mind and it’s reflected effortlessly into the clothes. With lashings of whites and elegant neutral shades, Jil Sander strip back to provide a range which suits their image of one of the more sophisticated labels. Should this suit you, 2012 might just be the year when you turn to them.

2012 is to be another significant year for luxury fashion. There’s a lot of competition to sway the high street, by pushing for differing decades. Since 2011 was about the ‘70s, see what feels like a natural progression for you and run with it. The brands above will get you on your way.