Pop Culture’s Effect on 2016 Trends
By Sloane Byrd
Reminiscing over the years and the fashion trends I have lived through, there is one year, in particular, that draws my attention the most: 2016. Like every other year, there were trends that took over and ruled pop culture such as the mannequin challenge, Snapchat filters, and the saying made popular by Danielle Bergoli, “Catch me outside how bout that”. Everyone was rocking the Superstar Adidas shoes and the resurgence of the ’90s had just started. There have been many changes since then and a few things have stayed the same such as how pop culture still has the power to carry out how we dress and how we see ourselves.
In 2016, the ‘90s craze had just begun with the influence of chokers, flannels, and mom jeans which leaned more into the grunge aesthetic.
Along with the old also came the new introducing a spin-off of luxury and over-branding. Street brands were very popular with the use of large logos with center placement. Brands in particular that followed this were Thrasher, Bape, and Supreme. A lot of this originated from once again pop culture and one of the biggest words of 2016: Clout. Defined as having power and influence, this created a whole mindset that flowed into social media and was the basis of many Youtube groups such as Team10 and the Clout House. Not only did this influence street brands but carried on in designer brands including Gucci.
During this period Gucci released items that normally wouldn’t have fit into the brand’s classic aesthetic.
Collections included gaudy pieces that were bejeweled with rhinestones or spray-painted over. No matter how it may have looked, those who could afford it ate it up. Though I may have not been a fan of this era of Gucci, I would have to applaud the brand for catering to the trends of the time with the purpose of catering to a younger demographic. Many of the fashion trends mentioned before have come and gone, with the exception of ‘90s fashion, it is still fascinating how much trends really affect us and how they contribute to our lives in general.
Looking at the current trends of 2021 it is apparent that fashion has moved in the direction of individuality and the craze of micro-trends, along with finding the newest piece that sets us apart from the rest.Fashion is always changing and will continue to do so. We as humans are constantly evolving and will forever be the driving force of pop culture.
