Fashion is obsessed with food, and here’s why.
In recent years, food and fashion have collided in unexpected and delightful ways. From designer bags inspired by grocery items to high-end restaurants by luxury fashion houses, the obsession with food has become a major focus in the fashion industry – a way to draw people in and experience luxury brands in a whole new way. Here are some intriguing insights and findings on how food has become a source of couture inspiration.
Food Is Luxury
Food really is a luxury. Food has taken on a whole new meaning when it comes to luxury, becoming not just sustenance but a luxury and status symbol, particularly online. Influencers often portray their lives using food as a significant part of the authentic luxury experience.
So why the obsession with food all of a sudden? Thanks to social media, food has become a part of a curated experience on our feeds. Food is an art form. Certain foods have an acquired taste. How we consume food can be a reflection of our values and lifestyle. Food has become a conversion piece for many, especially Gen Z users according to Vogue.
Food Inspires Luxury Accessories
Not only is food a luxury experience but food inspires the creation of luxury accessories. From Balenciaga’s Fall 2024 show featuring a $2700 Erewhon Market bag bonded with leather to coffee cup clutches and bags inspired by potato chips and other globally recognized snack bags, food-themed fashion is everywhere. Bottega Veneta even got in on the trend with a chip cone holder made in their signature intrecciato weave!
Luxury brands have long drawn inspiration from food. Fendi, for example, created their iconic Baguette bag after the famous French bread. Judith Leiber is known for her crystalized clutches shaped like cupcakes and french fries, drawing inspiration from pop culture and cuisine. Recently, the collaboration between Judith Leiber and the Kardashians produced unique pieces like a sushi clutch inspired by a bento box.
In today’s world, food isn’t just for eating; it’s a statement. Now, even brands like Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent offer novelty styles like a bag shaped like a fortune cookie or a take-out container – yes, the Takeaway box is iconic. And who can forget the Louis Vuitton Sandwich bag? It’s quite the conversation starter.
Judith Leiber
Fendi
Louis Vuitton
Balenciaga
Saint Laurent
Bottega Veneta
High-End Dining Experiences
It doesn’t stop at food-inspired handbags and accessories though. Arguably, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” really ignited the delicious convergence of food and fashion. And that was back in the early ‘60s! This merge was a slow cooker for sure (pun not intended).
Today not only are there luxury goods but we’re seeing designer dining experiences becoming increasingly popular, with major fashion houses like Louis Vuitton offering high-end food experiences for their customers with Michelin-level culinary locations in France and Korea. Even Gucci took it to the next level with mobile coffee pop-ups around New York City.
There’s something else that’s caught our eye: the increasing trend of influential people hiring private chefs to cook at home… all documented on social media of course. Take Jenna Lyons from “The Real Housewives of New York,” for instance. She used to be the creative head at J.Crew, and now she’s using a private chef not only for convenience but to share her personal life with viewers through food. Embracing homemade meals and tasty dishes can be a fun way for brands to promote themselves through content creation. Food for thought… Anything involving food is sure to win hearts.
What do you think? Is food the new marketing tool to help fashion brands and figures connect with consumers around the world? Are you eyeing a food-inspired handbag? Whatever you’re eying these days, you can shop your ultra-luxury treasures at FASHIONPHILE. Our ever-evolving climate-controlled “Cage” makes us hungry every time…
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