# Couture Hacking The ubiquitous nature of designer goods becomes a marketing tool for artists. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published May 25, 2014 | Category: [Luxury](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/luxury-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/couture-hacking ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Couture Hacking trend? **Couture Hacking:** As the luxury becomes ubiquitous, artists and imitators are reinterpreting trademarks as a way to feed off of pre-established infamy and appeal to consumers unable to afford such products. Legal issues surrounding trademark and intellectual property have become skewed in the Internet age and the web has also given rise to a culture of remix. Brands who embrace crowd-created expressions of their logos and iconography, will appeal and connect to digital natives more that than brands who choose to staunchly protect the proliferation of their labels. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 14, 2013 to Mar 14, 2014 - Published: May 25, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Couture Hacking trend ### Luxury Imitation As luxury becomes ubiquitous, artists and imitators reinterpret trademarks to appeal to consumers who cannot afford original products. ### Crowd-created Expression Brands that embrace crowd-created expressions through their logos & iconography to connect with digital natives can have a competitive edge. ### Rebranding Low-cost items Packaging items like printer ink in high-end branding like Chanel No. 5 perfume can reinvent a not-so-luxurious item into a luxurious one. ## What the Couture Hacking trend means for industry ### For Luxury Fashion Luxury fashion brands can explore further into embracing crowd-created expressions and reinterpreting trademarks to meet changing consumer behavior. ### For Graphic Design & Art Graphic designers and artists can leverage the trend of luxury imitation and creating crowd-created expressions of luxury brands to gain more clientele. ### For Packaging industry The packaging industry can look at rebranding low-value items into high-end products, giving them an edge over competitors and opening new markets. ## Trend signals for Couture Hacking Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 70%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 70% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Couture Hacking trend 6 featured examples from May 14, 2013 to Mar 14, 2014. - [Iconic Polish Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chanel-red-nail-polish): Look Fabulous with Chanel's Red Nail Polish Smartphone Case (Category: Tech) Implication: With the growing trend of fashion-focused phone cases, fashion retailers can explore opportunities in creating their own lines of phone cases that align with their brand and targe… - [High Fashion Yarn Balls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lernert-sander1): Lernert & Sander Reduce Prada Garments to Their Original State (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for fashion brands to explore deconstructed and repurposed designs, offering unique and sustainable fashion options. - [Iconic Handbag Illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimal-handbags-illustrations-fashion): Farfetch Showcases Minimalist Sketches of Designer Bags (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The fashion and accessories industry can capitalize on the trend of minimalistic fashion illustration to create unique and recognizable designs. - [Label-Laden Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/designer-jackets): These Designer Jackets from Wil Fry Let You Wear All Your Favorite Brands. (Category: Luxury) Implication: The fashion industry can benefit from the trend of label-laden jackets by creating unique collaborations between multiple designer brands. - [Perfume Packaged Printer Ink](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printer-ink): Design Student Celeste Watson Decided to Pakcage Ink Like Chanel No.5 (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate luxury aesthetics and design into printer ink packaging to differentiate in a competitive market. - [Designer Aerosol Paints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spray-can-project): The Spray Can Project by Antonia Brasko Gets a Luxe Treatment (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunity for luxury brands to collaborate with artists and transform street art elements into high-end commodities. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Luxury - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) - [Elegant Bookbinding-Inspired Shoulder Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boky-bag) - [Mangrove Diver Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mangrove-diver-watches) All articles: [Luxury](https://www.trendhunter.com/luxury)