In the last few years, the world of teen fashion has expanded from just clothing to include accessories like water bottles, backpacks, and even keychains. As trends shift from traditional items to branded ones that symbolize status and style, we are also witnessing the rise of overconsumption. We have the need to stay on top of trends and own the new “must have” item, which ends up having environmental consequences when the trend inevitably dies out.
Two years ago, Stanley water bottles were everywhere. The bulky insulated bottles became the new trend. Everyone was talking about the different styles and colors that it could come in with others even owning multiple. But the Stanley trend ended up dying out and then instead came the Owala. The Owala offered similar designs with added features but it was just a regular insulated bottle just like the Stanley. Did you need one? No. But the message was the same: if you want to stay on top the trends, you would need one.
Much like the Stanleys and Owalas, there was a rise in other accessories. Around a year ago, there was a rise in Sonny Angels, the small doll-like figures with big eyes and angelic wings that were dressed in different costumes which you would attach to your phone case. There was a hype about collecting different types since they came in blind boxes. This created an addictive “collect them all” mentality where people felt the need to buy multiple even though they did not need any.
But as the trends went on, the Sonny Angels fell off. Instead, Labubus replaced them-small plush animals on a keychain that you could attach to purses, phone cases, and even the belt rings on your jeans. These also had the “collect them all” addictive mentality that caused people to buy them and find the rarest type of Labubu.
Other trends, including items like phone charms, flower claw clips, bubble slides, and even just certain styles of shirts that rise to popularity only to die out quickly, highlight the cycle of overconsumption in fashion. This shows a growing obsession with only following trends, even if you don’t have a use for the item. The relentless demand for these trends contributes to pollution and wasteful disposal of items, which will forever leave a lasting negative impact on the planet.
