By the end of August, resale platform RealReal released its annual report for 2021, revealing the most popular brands among luxury shoppers. Gucci led the pack, showing strong growth in accessories, followed by Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, and Dior. These trends highlight not only the enduring appeal of luxury fashion but also the increasing role of models and modeling in shaping consumer preferences, as campaigns featuring top models often influence resale demand.
Expensive sneakers also saw a remarkable 383% surge in popularity, with millennials and women leading the purchases. Nike, boosted by collaborations with celebrities like Kanye West, topped resale values, while Japanese streetwear brands such as Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto Pour Homme gained strong international attention. This growing demand reflects a broader trend in how model agencies and modeling campaigns help elevate both luxury and streetwear brands in the global market.
Streetwear enthusiasts are gravitating toward classic styles rather than hyped collaborations. Experts note that as skateboarding and streetwear pioneers age, they merge sportswear with street style, influencing resale and fashion trends. Brands like Casablanca saw demand rise 358%, while interest in certain collaborations with Nike, Off-White, Supreme, and Vetements declined. These shifts demonstrate the subtle impact of models in promoting specific aesthetics, as modeling campaigns often set the tone for what resonates with savvy shoppers.
The resurgence of COVID-19 restrictions has also influenced buying behavior, prompting shoppers to prioritize investments in luxury goods. Generation Z and Millennials emerged as particularly conscious consumers, demonstrating how both modeling, model agencies, and curated campaigns continue to guide fashion trends, resale markets, and global brand visibility.
