ZOOM-APPROVED ACCESSORIES
ACCESSORIZING FOR THE DIGITAL ERA
REPORT
They say you never get a second chance at a first impression, and for many of us, over the course of the pandemic, first impressions have been made online through video calls. Whether it’s meetings, interviews or even first dates, the pandemic has altered how we present ourselves to others in the digital sphere. “Above the keyboard dressing,” as dubbed by trend forecasters WGSN, defines the trend towards dressing – and accessorizing – from the waist upwards, best capturing elements you can see on screen.
Statement jewelry is the name of the game: Eye-catching earrings, glimmering bracelets, statement collars, neck scarves and bold hair accessories are stealing the show. Accessories often present a lower price point for consumers, making them an easy buy for an instant outfit update. Designers including Alessandra Rich, Shrimps, Ganni and MaryJane Claverol make their mark with statement accessories to be seen on screen.
Far from just a fleeting trend, there’s evidence that the movement has impacted markets: According to data analytics and brand consulting company Kantar, eye makeup sales skyrocketed, increasing 204 percent year-over-year between April and June 2020, while the NPD Group Reported that in the US, sales of formal shoes fell 71% in the second quarter of 2020.
Even as the pandemic seems to be subsiding in many areas worldwide, there’s no question that remote or flexible working is here to stay. A study by Global Workplace Analytics has predicted that by the end of 2021, about 25–30 percent of the global workforce will be remote working multiple days a week. On top of that, in the US, they estimate that a typical employer can save about 11,000 USD a year for every employee who works part time. With this in mind, retailers should continue to design into and offer a wide range of statement-making accessories for screen time and beyond.