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June is Pride Month so we wanted to celebrate some icons of the LGBTQ+ community. Inclusivity and representation is important – these icons come from a diverse range of backgrounds and industries, using their platforms to influence and inspire their fans and followers. Some of them are long time figures of the queer community, supporting and speaking out for LGBTQ+ rights, others have more recently (and bravely) shared the beginning of their journeys. We also wanted to highlight that fashion is all about self expression, gathering a selection of genderless trends that emphasize the fluidity and freedom that fashion can offer. Lastly, our report calls attention to 5 up and coming fashion brands whose roots stem from the LGBTQ+ community – not only are they making a name for themselves in the fashion industry, they are creating a safe space for those who feel unrepresented or excluded.
We’ve gathered a list of 10 influential LGBTQ+ icons. These icons are not only making their mark on the fashion, music, beauty, film, and pop cutlure, they are raising awareness for LGBTQ+ rights and causes – promoting the message of equality and the freedom to be one’s self.
Starting her career at an early age, Miley is no stranger to the spotlight and has been using her music, social platform and immense fan base to support LGBTQ+ causes. She founded the Happy Hippie Foundation, which is focused on supporting LGBTQ+ teens, by providing resources and support, raising awareness, fighting injustice, and promoting equality.
With his single, “Old Town Road”, Lil Nas X became the first openly gay artist to have a song last 15 weeks in the top spot and is also the first LGBTQ+ Black artist to win a Country Music Association award. He has continued to gain momentum and is becoming a icon of not only the music industry but of the fashion world as well, with his memorable hot pink Versace suit and his mastery of the glam cowboy aesthetic.
Ranging from indie classics, like Juno, to blockbuster hits like Inception to the more recent Netflix hit, The Umbrella Academy, Elliot Page is a familiar face in the TV/film industry. Coming out as a gay in 2014 and later as transgender in December 2020, Elliot has been very open about the process and has received support from all over the globe. He was on the cover of Time Magazine March 29/April 5, becoming the first trans man to do so.
Having sold over 24 millions records in the US alone along with numerous awards, collaborations, and projects, this former Disney star has grown into a powerhouse of the music industry. Demi came out as pansexual in early 2021 and later as non-binary in May 2021. Their activism extends to mental health issues, racial injustice, and anti-bullying – just to name a few. They have also been an avid supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, and were named lead performer for NYC Pride Week as well as Grand Marshall for the LA Pride Parade.
After being launched into fame after appearing on the hit TV show, Dance Moms, JoJo began documenting her life and career on YouTube, where she currently has 12.3 M followers. She came out in February this year after revealing she was in a relationship with her best friend, Kylie Prew. She has become an influential icon, particularly for younger generations – encouraging her followers to be proud to be themselves.
Best known for his TV shows Queer Eye and Next in Fashion, Tan France is a well known and loved stylist and fashion expert. He has styled stars like Tiffany Haddish, Ali Wong, and Pete Davidson on his web series, Dressing Funny. Being of British-Pakistani descent, he is one of the first openly gay South Asian Muslim men on western television.
Making her mark on YouTube, Dutch make-up artist and beauty vlogger Nikkie de Jager has long been an icon of the beauty world, collaborating with Maybelline, Ofra, and Lady Gaga. In 2020, Nikkie opened up to her followers and announced on her channel that she is transgender, which was received with overwhelming support from all over the world. It was also recently announced that Nikkie will host this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Most known for her acting debut in the hit series, Euphoria, Hunter is a rising star – modeling for brands like Calvin Klein, DIor, Emilio Pucci, and Erdem just to name a few. Time Magazine also named her this year on their list of “100 emerging leaders who are shaping the future”. She was also just announced as the new face of Prada. Proudly identifying as trans, Hunter is a vocal activist – joining forces with the ACLU to fight for equality and trans rights.
Many got to know her as the beloved character, Miranda on the hit 00s show, Sex and the City (the reboot being being confirmed this year to the delight of SATC fans everywhere). Cynthia has since taken on other roles outside of acting – running for NY governor, advocating for women’s rights and fair access to public education, as well as fighting for marriage equality.
Winner of the 7th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, drag queen Violet Chachki has expanded their career, becoming a model, performance artists, and recording artist. Known for their waist-accentuating corsets, Violet has turned heads walking for Moschino as well as appearing at the star studded Met Gala – becoming one of the first drag queens, along with Aquaria and RuPaul, to do so.
To celebrate and promote Pride Month we compiled a list of the hottest genderless trends at the moment – reminding us that fashion does not have to adhere to rules or labels, it is about personal taste and expression of one’s personality.
Let’s start with the bucket hat! We have seen it everywhere in spring and now as well heading into summer. It has proven to be a real must have for both men and women, but this year the big news is in the material:crochet. This twist on the accessory creates a look that’s a little bit baby and a little bit granny chic.
+600%
Increase in clicks on Stylight
During the pandemic we have seen the bandana print take over: jackets, shirts, pants, sweatshirts, skirts, you name it, but this season the trend seems to have returned to its origins and both men and women have resumed wearing the famous scarf that adds a mix of rock’n’roll/country to any look.
+1000%
Increase in clicks on Stylight
Speaking of rock’n’roll style, one of the top genderless trends of the moment is nail polish. While many men prefer dark colors, others opt for more daring nail looks, using bold colors and stickers, just like the TikTok beauty trend of the season.
+41%
Increase on Google searches for “Men’s nail polish”
The fourth trend we want to talk about are sandals. You might say “Ground breaking. Sandals in spring/summer”, however in past years sandals were not such a hyped item in men’s footwear. But now we are seeing this trend expand, with overlapping styles in both men’s and women’s footwear. Move over flip-flops, this year the “Jesus” sandal is becoming more popular, especially among men.
+706%
Increase in clicks on men’s sandals on Stylight
Perhaps a bit obvious, but in our opinion, inevitable. The Birkenstock trend – models Boston and Arizona have conquered the feet of both men and women in equal measure. This brand, with hipster vibe has recently joined the LVMH family and we’ve already seen an increase.
+65%
Increase in clicks on the brand on Stylight
Last but not least, if you’re wondering what is the must-have accessory of the season, the answer can only be one: the tote bag. This maxi-sized bag is good for different occasions, whether it’s the beach, the pool, shopping or the office and it looks like men are also on board with this trend.
+14%
Increase in clicks on Stylight
We wanted to highlight 5 emerging brands created from within the LGBTQ+ community, who are striving to create a safe space for members of communities still unfortunately underrepresented in a fashion industry that is too often exclusive. The Phluid Project first of all, whose objective is to democratize “gender free shopping” and which presents only brands and companies owned by queers, trans and women. Automic Gold, the jewelry brand that revolutionizes fine jewelry through sustainability and transparency with its minimalist designs in 100% recycled gold. Flavnt, the LGBTQ+ streetwear brand and Kirrin Finch, which is shaking up industry norms with androgynous clothing inspired by menswear, and finally No Sesso, whose name means “non-gendered” in Italian is defying “the conventions of fashion, art, culture and design” and focuses on the acceptance and “empowerment” of people of all colors, shapes and identities.
This report is based on Stylight’s internal data collected from our 120 million annual users on our global platforms. We analyzed clicks on the different products on Stylight and Google Analytics using the time period January – April 2020 vs the same period in 2021. Additionally we used Google Trends, analyzing the data in 2020 vs 2021. The data for the LGBTQ+ icons was obtained through platforms TikTok and Instagram, with the average monthly search volume being retrieved from AHREFS SEO tool.
written by:
Rebekah Ortquist
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