To find out what’s trending during the early days of summer, just look to pop culture for clues. The latest report from Lyst points to another balmy season influenced by television, Gen Z celebrities and viral TikTok sensations.
Since its launch on Netflix almost two weeks ago, “Halston,” the mini-series about the legendary disco-era designer, created a 550 percent spike in searches for his pieces, according to the global fashion search platform. Dresses are the most wanted garments, especially the halter neck style that Ewan McGregor portraying Halston effortlessly drapes on Liza Minelli (played by actor Krysta Rodriguez) in the premiere episode. Page views for halter neck dresses spiked 132 percent and searches for halter neck tops jumped 60 percent, Lyst reported.
The renewing energy surrounding all things Halston may bode well for the number of brands channeling the many sides of ’70s fashion in their Fall/Winter 21-22 collections. Designers like Valentino and Celine have leaned into wider leg jeans, boho tops and slim blazers, while Missoni and Patou put their own spin on the decade’s leisure suit. The return of occasion dressing, meanwhile, has shined a megawatt spotlight on sequins, Lurex and feature trims—standard fare for regulars at Studio 54.
Retro fashion is capturing shoppers’ attention. Throwback tennis paraphernalia is gaining momentum, thanks in part to influencers like Kendall Jenner sporting the look and news of Wimbledon and the U.S. Open returning to the court.
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Though the Nike Court Victory tennis skirt became a must-have last summer, Lyst said searches for tennis skirts tripled in the past month. Searches for Jenner’s Alo Yoga tennis skirt spiked 328 percent on Lyst in the 48 hours after she was seen wearing it. The trend will likely have legs beyond summer, with hemlines rising to mini lengths for fall.
The release of the Casablanca x New Balance “Red Monogram” sneakers inspired shoppers to look for preppy tennis styles as well. Over the past few weeks, page views for silk polo shirts have increased 71 percent, while searches for vintage “tennis club” logo sweatshirts climbed 14 percent, Lyst said.
Pillow sandals are part of the après tennis movement. The shoe—defined by a voluminous outsole, upper or both—has been widely promoted across TikTok and worn by celebrities spanning Kanye West to Dua Lipa. Compared to the same time last year, searches for “puffy” and “pillow” sandals have increased by 129 percent in the past three weeks, with styles by Staud, Roam and Miu Miu most in demand, Lyst said.
Interest in pillow sandals echoes a recent WGSN report. The trend forecasting firm’s Trend Tracker called out “recovery sandals” (a.k.a. pool slides made with rubberized materials and “squishy” foam) as a summer ‘It’ item to watch.
And will 2021 be the year Gen Z hangs up its mini bags…in favor of a croissant? Maybe.
Croissant bags are giving the baguette bag a run for its money this summer. With celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and Irina Shayk tucking crescent-shaped handbags under their arms, the style is “set to become the hottest bag of the summer,” Lyst stated.
Since the start of the year, searches for bags including the term “croissant” have spiked 206 percent compared with the same period in 2020. Bags by Bottega Veneta, Nanushka and Louis Vuitton are in the most demand, as well as Lemaire’s literal take on the French puffed pastry.