Top 100 Pop Culture Trends for 2021

This list of 2021 pop culture trends highlights some of the ways in which popular culture can influence and direct consumer desires, giving thought leaders and business owners a better idea of what to look for in the years to come.

2020 has been an incredibly unpredictable year, and the trends that have come out of it are equally unique. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered consumer behaviour, changing the way people communicate and consume media. As a result of this, a slew of new apps and emojis dedicated to the New Normal were released, with &Walsh's custom-designed emojis being a perfect example. Empowering images of people literally kicking a germ, or wearing masks helped people find joy and humor during uncertain times.

Meanwhile, 2020 also saw one of the most divisive elections in recent history. This event offered inspiration to numerous industries, who leveraged their platform to encourage people to vote. High fashion brand Balenciaga took a different route, debuting a satirical, politically inspired editorial to showcase its latest range.