Yenia Hernández Fonseca | Source | Personal Shopper, Luxury Fashion Specialist & Contributing Writer at Freelance

But what’s driving the body bling renaissance? According to Yenia Hernández Fonseca, a fashion writer, personal shopper, and visual presentation designer, altering the body has shifted from taboo to an expression of self, whether through tattooing, piercings, or cosmetic procedures thanks to changing cultural attitudes in recent decades. “Today, sporting a full ear stack can be seen as stylish and edgy as having a tattoo,” she says. “What’s best is that neither of those will disqualify you from having a job as was the case 20 years ago.”

“Shifting consumer attitudes and a preference for nostalgic ‘90s and Y2K fashion, as well as the body jewellery worn by celebrities such as Megan Thee Stallion, Julia Fox, and Hailey Bieber have all contributed to this category’s rising demand,” says Fonseca.

NOSTALGIC CULTURAL DRIVERS
“In times of uncertainty, longing for bygone times becomes a sport, especially when we talk about personal style,” says Fonseca. “Some gravitate towards familiar trends as a coping mechanism, while others, who most likely have never experienced such eras outside of their FYP (explore page on TikTok), build their entire aesthetic selves around a romanticised idea of simpler, more fashionable times.” However, this desire to look to the past for inspiration can have its challenges – particularly when it comes to jewellery linked to particular cultures, such as Indian bindis, African beaded jewellery, or Indigenous designs. “Wearing cultural symbols as fashion accessories without understanding what they stand for may perpetuate negative stereotypes, disregard their origin, or distort the history of oppression against marginalised groups,” says Fonseca.

“A thoughtful approach [by brands] involves ensuring cultural meanings are properly credited, maintained, and honoured, always with a conscientious understanding of their origins and implications,” says Fonseca.

SOCIAL MEDIA-LED APPEAL
While people may seek personalisation, there’s an interesting dichotomy between this desire for curation while also seeking inspiration from highly populated spaces like Instagram and TikTok, where influencers and celebrities are at the heart of it all. “Social media gives users, and young people especially, instant access to what their peers and aspirational figures are wearing,” says Fonseca. “Select celebrities, influencers, and public figures still generate millions in earned media value despite the rise of the deinfluencing trend. The discovery factor in social media is as important as it is in sales.”

“However, let’s not forget that beyond celebrities and influencers, content curators have emerged as prominent tastemakers,” says Fonseca. “These mostly anonymous Instagram accounts like @2000s.babe and @indiekidscult post a medley of images and short-form videos, sharing content they probably didn’t create themselves.” Fonseca adds that in today’s content economy, you’ll find accounts dedicated to a specific era, “vibe”, subcultural movement, or aesthetic, which shares the same audience as an influencer or celebrity. “This means that people’s shopping behaviours are not just limited to products and brands, but rather encapsulates entire universes.”

INSIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES: Create immersive experiences
“Jewellery brands should consider shifting away from product-focused offerings to unique experiences if they seek to generate lasting memories, customer loyalty, and potentially influence culture in the long run,” says Fonseca. This can include branded workshops that focus on personalisation and product longevity, exclusive digital content, and immersive VR elements that reimagine the bricks-and-mortar and e-commerce shopping experiences. “Providing customers with multiple points of entry into their world will help brands build a stronger connection,” adds Fonseca.

— What’s behind the body bling renaissance? CANVAS8, 2024.

Tailored Blazers – A tailored blazer instantly elevates any outfit while seamlessly adapting to various occasions. “Blazers are a staple wardrobe piece because they can be worn for most occasions,” said Yenia Hernández Fonseca, luxury fashion expert and contributor to Margo Paige.

“Tailored blazers can easily smarten a casual outfit or elevate an evening ensemble.” She recommended sticking solely to quality fabrics such as wool and cashmere for the outer body, and cupro, silk or cotton for the lining. “Avoid polyester at all costs even if the jacket’s design and fit is right for your body as this material cheapens your overall look,” she said. “A well-made blazer made of quality materials will guarantee its functionality, versatility, timelessness and durability. Invest in black, navy, brown and gray blazers for maximum styling possibilities.”

Classic Trench Coats – “The trench coat is another timeless piece that everyone should have in their wardrobe,” said Hernández Fonseca. “They’re so easy to style and can be worn season after season.” She advised investing in a trench coat with a classic silhouette in a neutral color, made of waterproof heavy-duty cottons, twill, leather or poplin, with an insulated lining and comfortable raglan sleeves. “It will last you decades!”

— 6 Clothing Items Frugal People Keep for Many Years. GOBANKINGRATES.COM/MSN, 2024.

Chanel’s Supermarket Chic, Fall/Winter 2014: “Models cart-pushed through the aisles donning some of the most iconic designs from the house, in particular handbags, such as the Milk Carton Bag, the Shopping Basket, and meat-colored Classic Flap Bags wrapped like ground beef,” said Yenia Hernández Fonseca, personal stylist and luxury fashion specialist, also to The Food Institute.

— Food Meets Fashion in NYC. THE FOOD INSTITUTE, 2024.