THE POLITICS OF DECORATING YOUR BAG: Jane Birkin, Anik-Anik, Overconsumption and Authenticity

Summary

The video script explores the evolution of fashion trends, focusing on how styles cycle and the contrasting ways people engage with trends. It highlights the rise of minimalist and maximalist aesthetics, the impact of consumerism, and the cultural significance of personal style. From the 'Jane Birkin' bag trend to the popularity of blind boxes and 'anik anik' collectibles, the script delves into how people express themselves through material goods. The video also reflects on the tension between thoughtful, sustainable fashion choices versus fast-fashion consumption, ultimately questioning what authenticity in self-expression really means in a world of easily accessible trends.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trends in fashion and style are cyclical, constantly evolving and shifting over time.
• 😀 The rise of internet influencers in the mid-2010s, especially figures like the Kardashians, led to a wave of consumerism focused on luxury and status symbols.
• 😀 In 2019-2020, new trends like the e-girl and visco girl aesthetics emerged, emphasizing individuality and experimental style.
• 😀 Thrifting and sustainable fashion gained prominence around 2021, driven by growing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion.
• 😀 Social media platforms like TikTok have helped everyday people go viral by showcasing unique, maximalist styles and contrasting aesthetics.
• 😀 A significant divide exists between people who craft their personal style slowly and thoughtfully versus those who quickly adopt and discard trends, often via fast fashion sites like Shein and Temu.
• 😀 The 'Jane Birkin' bag trend became a symbol of personal expression, with people decorating their bags with keychains and charms, emulating Birkin's personalized style.
• 😀 Blind boxes, popularized in Japan in the 1980s and revived by brands like Popmart, are now a global trend, attracting consumers with the thrill of unpredictability and nostalgia.
• 😀 Collecting blind box figurines and charms has become a mainstream hobby, often leading to overconsumption as people aim to collect rare or specific items.
• 😀 'Anik anik,' a Filipino term for sentimental collections of non-valuable items, is being redefined in the Western world as a trend involving the decoration of bags with trinkets, showing a cultural fusion of nostalgia and maximalism.

Q & A

What was the main focus of the fashion and style trends during 2016?

In 2016, the fashion world was dominated by the Kardashians, particularly Kylie Jenner, with minimalistic style home decor and bodycon dresses being prominent. Influencers showed off makeup collection tours and the obsession with branded items like Gucci logo underwear was part of the consumer culture.

How did fashion trends evolve from 2016 to 2020?

By 2019 and 2020, the trend shifted to more experimental and contrasting aesthetics. The E-girl and VSCO girl emerged, with noticeable trends like green dresses, two white hair streaks, and minimalist aesthetics fading. Consumerism was still rampant, but with an increasing focus on personal style experimentation.

What role did TikTok play in influencing fashion trends in the early 2020s?

TikTok became a platform that popularized personal style experimentation, encouraging users to embrace unique thrifted finds and creating viral moments. This contributed to the rise of maximalist trends, where influencers showcased diverse fashion choices and home decor styles.

What is the concept of 'Jane Birkin-ification' in fashion?

'Jane Birkin-ification' refers to the trend of decorating luxury bags, particularly Birkin bags, with charms and trinkets to make them appear personalized and chaotic. The trend is inspired by Jane Birkin, who famously adorned her own bags with personal items, showcasing individuality.

Why did people criticize those who bought charms for Birkin bags?

Critics argued that purchasing pre-made charms to decorate a bag goes against the spirit of the trend, as Jane Birkin herself did not purchase charms specifically for decoration. Instead, she used items she already had, which made the look feel more authentic and personal.

What is the downside of the 'blind box' trend?

The blind box trend, where consumers purchase items without knowing what they’ll get, can lead to addiction and overconsumption. People often end up with duplicates of figurines, which results in waste and the desire to buy more in hopes of completing a collection.

What is the significance of 'Anik Anik' in Filipino culture?

'Anik Anik' refers to the collection of personal, sentimental items that may not have monetary value but hold emotional significance. This practice reflects the personality and memories of the collector, and it’s a cultural behavior rooted in Filipino nostalgia and sentimentality.

How is 'Anik Anik' being redefined on the internet, especially in Western culture?

On the Western internet, 'Anik Anik' is being redefined as a trend where people collect cutesy trinkets and decorate bags with items like Sunny Angels and plush toys. This new 'Anik Anik girly' trend involves transforming accessories into personal expressions of nostalgia and maximalism.

What does the increasing popularity of maximalism in fashion indicate?

Maximalism in fashion reflects a desire for self-expression and personal identity. As people try to showcase individuality, they turn to items like large bag charms and figurines. This trend contrasts with the minimalist aesthetic that dominated earlier, emphasizing the importance of personalization and abundance.

How does the concept of 'authenticity' tie into modern consumerism and fashion?

The concept of authenticity in fashion is complex because trends like maximalism or accessorizing bags are often influenced by external sources. Authenticity, in this context, is subjective; it can mean expressing oneself freely through fashion or choosing not to follow trends at all. Both approaches are valid as long as they reflect genuine personal choices.