Celebs Consumer Insights

Implications - The global fame attained by US president-elect Barack Obama in 2008 was not hindered by any linguistic or cultural boundaries, indicating his status as a global celebrity. Political Celebrity is bolstered by viral online videos, parodies, and content created by candidate backers.

Implications - Nefariously skewed photographs using digital manipulation have fueled a lot of online schadenfreude. People’s engagement in creating and sharing these images alludes to a low societal self-esteem and the desire to improve feelings of self worth through defamatory products or services.

Implications - In 2008, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were the most publicized couple in Hollywood, leading to a $20 million incentive for the first photograph of their babies. This points toward the trend of celebrity by ménage. The next wave of celebrity babies and children will inspire new trends.

Implications - A wide breadth of industries are capitalizing on the world’s fixation with the Democratic presidential nominee. Beyond the expected clothing and publications, marketers are realizing the powerful impact of including the Obama name or image, leveraging its popularity and instant recognition.

Implications - To keep dining out appealing, especially with the hard hit economy, restaurateurs are finding unique ways to attract patrons. By combining entertainment or creative venue design with unique foods and excellent service, restaurants can offer their customers a sense of getting more for their money.

Implications - In today’s star-studded media, celebrities have to do a whole lot more than just act or sing to maintain their credentials. While most stars stick to the tried and true media scandals, like drugs and sex, others are engaging in innovative publicity stunts, deviating from the Hollywood norm.

Implications - The revival of retro not only includes product design and fashion, it’s also made its way into the media. Instead of creating from scratch, artists and designers are looking at successes of the past and giving them a modern twist by adding new techniques or integrating modern models.

Implications - While sports icons have been models for campaigns outside their line of work, this year was the first time their choice of outfits on the court proved sartorially influential. Maria Sharapova’s “tennis tuxedo” was one of the most viral trends during Wimbledon in June, fueling a trend in tennis fashion.

Implications - Not only do celebrity activists empower others, their star cred improves in the eye of fans and media if they’re engaged in good causes. Socially conscious organizations have realized the power of celebrity endorsement on their campaigns and are forming these mutually beneficial relationships.

Implications - The ego-chic movement is being supplemented by designers who realize the associated value of looking like a celebrity. Much of Gen Y and Z carry the desire for fame, whether through mainstream media or the internet. Items like giant sunglasses build on this egoic lust.