Power to the People: Populist Spirit Sweeps Through Men’s Wear, With Empowered ConsumerMale consumers are online, engaged and clued-up on fashion like never before, asking for what they see on Instagram and other social media.

[Collection]With uprisings, political angst and the gilet jaune now the latest streetwear accessory, the upcoming men’s collections in London, Milan and Paris will unfurl against a backdrop of unrest as a populist spirit spreads across Europe. Another brand of populism is on the rise, too: Fueled by Instagram and other social media, male shoppers are engaged, clued-up and demanding about their fashion like never before, craving newness and in some cases spending more than their female counterparts. Retailers are part-delighted — and part-awestruck — as they engage with this new male shopper, who can’t seem to get enough of Yeezy limited-edition sneakers, bits from the latest Dior capsule collection or yet another limited-edition T-shirt from A Bathing Ape. “The young guys are coming in with Instagram, and saying, ‘I need this.’ I don’t think men used to behave like that until very recently,” said Simon Longland, Harrods general merchandise manager, men’s wear, accessories and sport. “It is the power of social media that makes them come in wanting a style from a particular brand in a particular color. It’s like, ‘I want Brand A, Style B, Color D.’ And they have to have that particular one.” Hedi Slimane  Giovanni Giannoni/WWD Longland is by no means alone in his observations: “What

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