Media Analysis - 'Trickle up, trickle down'

The Hush Puppy, classically uncool and far from hip, caused a phenomenon in the 90's, when New York club kids started wearing them. Taking inspiration from this, a stylist famously used them in the John Bartlett's Spring/Summer 95 fashion runway show and as the trend spread, the Hush Puppy became a fashion 'must-have', selling out in all its stores. This phenomenon, known as the 'trickle-up' trend, is a great example of how a niche street fad grew into a mass hit. Similarly, the urban trend of men wearing their trousers low, exposing their pants follows this trickle-up system, as prisoners banned from wearing belts resulted in their trousers falling low onto their hips. This ghetto look had a massive influence in the urban scene and became a huge trend in the hip-hop world. What was once a downbeat convict image became a style familiar with hip-hop stars and fashionistas.
Fashion, generally works on a 'trickle-down' system - designers are the inspiration that lead to mass production of any particular product. A great example would be Burberry. Once famed for their upper class status, Burberry's iconic check fabric was worn by Kate Moss and other fashion icons. However, their iconic print led to their downfall, as the masses knocked off cheap bags, clothes and accessories. Burberry struggled to retain its polished image and resulted in a new advertising campaign, seen today rarely displaying the traditional check. Famously, Louis Vuitton and Hermes both suffered the same blow, as the classic LV monogram bags and Hermes Berkin bag were once again mass produced.
In 1926, Rene Lacoste, the worlds number one tennis player, sported the first flat-framed collar t-shirt - now known as the 'polo shirt' - and founded the Lacoste brand. This had a huge trickle-down effect as brands such as Fred Perry and Ralph Lauren went on to exploit this look, now mass produced in an array of colours in every high street shop.
Katherine Hamnett illustrates the idea of the trickle-down effect once again as her famous slogan t-shirts, reading 'Relax' across the front, became a huge trend in the 80's and recently was revived by designer Henry Holland. The trickle down effect, although not always beneficial, gives the conclusion that designers, along with those bold enough to make a statement, are the most powerful players in the fashion world.