The New Age of Individuality - Accessorized!
It’s no surprise that sales are down everywhere. People aren’t buying new clothes, but still want to update their wardrobe. In an article from Reuters, watches and sunglasses are “shopping’s bright spots.” Knowing this, and also knowing about the “upcycling” trend, we could be headed to a new era in personal style. As people shun the large chains, people are opting to maximize what they already own - or recreate them into something brand new.
In the ’80s and early ’90s personal style was so important for teens. Trying to get a sense of individuality came in the form of thrift store shopping, hairspray, accessories, you name it. With pop-culture icons like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Siouxsie Sioux, girls were not afraid to wear whatever they wanted. Eventually, around the time that alternative became corporate rock, was when the homogynized chain store look took over. Sure, the new kids had Gwen Stefani and Shirley Manson, but the sense of individuality just wasn’t as pronounced.
Now, we are in another recession and clothing chains are suffering. People shop in their own closets, but really want to create something fresh and new. Even pop culture has a new DIY princess of pop, Lady Gaga who is a new source of inspiration for teens to really take charge of their look (but maybe not as risque - no hotpants and bodysuits to school, please).
Not only will watches and sunglasses do well - other accessories and costume jewelry items will be big sellers. In NYC, there are tons of “junk” jewelry stores that sell accessories as low as $1 - so earrings, necklaces, makeup, belts, gloves - you name it - will become more and more popular with girls yearning to carve their own look. As much as we hate to admit it, we are echoing the era of “bigger is better” - ie, the ’80s, and that will certainly show in the fall, when teens head back to school.
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