The Small Accessories Driving Big Sales

A sporting hijab is the 7th hottest fashion product in the world this quarter. Before its initial release in December 2017, Nike spent years working on the Pro Hijab with a variety of Muslim female athletes including fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, figure skater Zahra Lari, and weightlifter Amna Al Haddad, who provided the brand with feedback on its prototypes. “You have no idea how important this is,” says Amna Al Haddad. “It's going to inspire girls worldwide to follow their passion for sports." While searches for the hijab have steadily been increasing since its release, demand went up 125% on Lyst this quarter after French retailer Decathlon abandoned its plans to sell a sporting hijab following threats and a surge of complaints. The news boosted Nike’s social mentions by 4,900%.

Footwear and accessories still dominate the list. Championed by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Alicia Vikander, the Alexander McQueen oversized sole sneakers top the list of Hottest Women’s Products in the first quarter of 2019; they are currently being searched every 2 minutes on Lyst. The Gucci Ace sneakers remain in the top 10 most searched products since last year, as demand for the style has stayed strong and stable over the last three months. Meanwhile, the studded Chloé Sawyer slides have seen a 273% increase in searches since January. Despite the continuous appeal of blinged-out shoes, this quarter’s data suggests a shift towards more minimalistic styles. Has the “ugly” shoe trend reached its peak?

While the desire for Instagram-friendly sneakers may be slowing down, four statement accessories have been igniting heat amongst millennial customers. In a new revival of bouji hair accessories, a trend that has inspired numerous copycat versions sold at every price point, Prada’s stud-embellished headband has been a bestseller. It was responsible for a 300% increase in searches in just 2 months, earning the second place in the Hottest Women’s Products list. The pocket-sized Jacquemus Chiquito bag was an instant fashion meme when it appeared on the runway. Playing with proportion is becoming a signature move for the French designer; following on from the viral La Bomba hat, the Chiquito has boosted the brand’s social impressions by 1,831% and sparked thousands of searches on Lyst. In a matter of weeks, multiple colorways quickly sold out across online retailers.

The Proenza Schouler tie-dye turtleneck enters the list as this quarter’s 9th most popular product. With a 154% rise in searches on Lyst and over 32,000 social mentions, “tie-dye” is one of the fastest growing fashion search keywords of the year so far. Since appearing on the SS19 runways, the influencer-approved trend is resonating with customers across all price points. While Proenza Schouler pieces were the most wanted by luxury shoppers, pieces by Ralph Lauren, Zara, ASOS and Forever 21 are also trending. 2019’s tie-dye feels culturally relevant; a sign of hope and freedom in the uncertain political climate that is currently prevailing. “In the Trump era when right-wing politics is so loud, I think tie-dye can be viewed as a peaceful, but defiant protest against conservatives,” R13 founder Chris Leba said in an interview.