Mermaidcore, Cottagecore, Barbiecore, and Coastal grandmother style–these are simply the trends of our lives
Have you ever wondered why some fashion trends go viral and others don’t? Why do some items become must-haves for millions of people, while others fade into obscurity? And how do brands cope with the unpredictable and fast-changing nature of viral fashion?
Viral fashion trends and pop songs have a lot in common: Both catchy, short-lived, and emotional, viral fashion trends and pop songs also share challenges such as saturation, competition, and imitation, as well as demand creativity and agility from brands and consumers. This piece will explore these similarities and differences in detail while also providing some useful tips on how to spot, follow, and create viral fashion trends in the digital age.
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What are viral fashion trends?
Viral fashion trends are items or styles that become extremely popular in a short period of time, thanks to the power of social media and word of mouth. They usually start with a small group of influencers or celebrities who wear or endorse them, and then spread to a wider audience through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest. They also get amplified by media outlets, blogs, podcasts, and magazines that cover them.
Some of the most viral fashion trends of the past few years include the Dior saddle bag, a curved and logoed accessory that was popularized by celebrities like Beyoncé, Bella Hadid and Jennifer Lawrence in 2018; the Jacquemus micro bag, a miniature and colorful creation that charmed fashion lovers with its whimsical design in 2019; the Bottega Veneta pouch, a soft and sleek leather clutch that epitomized minimalist luxury and elegance in 2019; and the Harry Styles cardigan, a cozy and patchworked knitwear that sparked a DIY craze among fans of the singer in 2020.
How are viral fashion trends like pop songs?
Viral fashion trends are like pop songs in many ways. They have a catchy hook. Just like a pop song that has a catchy chorus or melody that sticks in your head, a viral fashion trend has a distinctive feature or detail that makes it stand out and memorable. The Dior saddle bag has a curved shape and a logo buckle, the Jacquemus micro bag has a miniature proportion and a bright color, the Bottega Veneta pouch has a soft leather and a magnetic closure, and the Harry Styles cardigan has a patchwork pattern and a cozy texture.
They have a short lifespan. Just like a pop song that can rise and fall in the charts in a matter of weeks or months, a viral fashion trend can peak and decline in popularity in a short time. This is because they are exposed to a large audience that can quickly get bored or saturated with them. They also face competition from other trends that emerge and vie for attention. The Dior saddle bag lost its hype after two years, the Jacquemus micro bag was overshadowed by other novelty bags, the Bottega Veneta pouch was copied by many brands, and the Harry Styles cardigan was replaced by other knitwear trends.
They have an emotional appeal. Just like a pop song that can make you feel happy, sad, angry, or nostalgic, a viral fashion trend can evoke different emotions in you. They can make you feel cool, trendy, confident or creative. They can also connect you with other people who share your taste or style. The Dior saddle bag made you feel glamorous and sophisticated, the Jacquemus micro bag made you feel fun and quirky, the Bottega Veneta pouch made you feel chic and refined, and the Harry Styles cardigan made you feel cozy and inspired.
How to spot, follow, and create viral fashion trends
To spot them, you need to be observant and curious. You need to follow influencers, celebrities, brands, and media outlets that are relevant to your style and interests. You also need to look for clues and signals that indicate something is becoming popular or trending. For example, you can look for hashtags, comments, likes, views, or shares on social media posts. You can also look for mentions, reviews, blog features, podcasts, or magazines.
To follow them, you need to be flexible and adaptable. You need to be open to trying new things and experimenting with different styles. You also need to be aware of your budget and preferences. You don’t have to buy every viral item or follow every trend blindly. You can choose what suits you best and what makes you happy. For example, you can opt for a similar-looking item instead of the actual one. You can also mix and match different trends to add your own twist to them.
To do so, you need to be creative and original. You need to have a unique vision and a personal style that reflects your personality and values. You also need to have a platform and an audience that can help you spread your message and influence others. For example, you can create your own content on social media that showcases your style and ideas. You can even collaborate with other creators or brands that share your vision and goals.
Viral fashion trends are like pop songs. They are catchy, short-lived, and emotional. They can also be fun, exciting, and rewarding. They are not necessarily bad for fashion, but they require brands and consumers to be more agile and creative. They also offer opportunities for expression, connection and innovation.
Next time you see a viral fashion trend, don’t be afraid to give it a try. You might discover something new and amazing—you might even create the next big hit.
Featured Image: NEW BOTTEGA (via Instagram)
