Design by Dara Rosen; graphic by Nyan Clarke
chasing trends
the rest of the world. According to Niche Pursuits, the sneaker resale market is valued around $1 billion. The first step in selling shoes, is to find to a proper website to sell it on. Many sellers prefer websites such as GOAT or Stock X, both website made to market sneakers from an electronic device. It is important to take various angles of the shoe, so that the buyer knows what they are receiving. Then, the seller would add a description of the shoe, including how old the shoe is, size, if the shoe has been worn already and price. Prices of the shoes can vary depending on the model, its authenticity and popularity. Shoes can be valued anywhere from $100 to $500 more than the original price. “Over the years, I have probably sold $4,000 worth of shoes… I look at it as a future investment,” Wolfman said. “The money in my pocket can be used to buy more shoes and make more money.” Students at MSD are attracted to popular brands, especially when they see their favorite celebrity wear the brand. Teens can identify themselves with various celebrities that they enjoy. For instance, someone who listens to Kanye West, might prefer to wear his signature, expensive “Yeezy shoes” for the sole reason that Kanye West makes and wears them. “Students are absolutely influenced them apart from their peers. by celebrities and influencers like sports MSD students use brand various men in both tailored and nontailored suits, study participants generally As a solution to keep up with expensive stars,” Wolfman said. “Anyone who is name labels to express rated the men wearing a tailored suit as trends, junior Max Wolfman has gone into trying something new, for the most part, themselves and seek more confident, successful, flexible and the business of buying and selling items is influenced by someone who they saw higher earning. such as sneakers. By reselling shoes for try it first. Right now the most current ways to afford them hroughout the halls of Marjory “For me personally, designer clothes profit, he is able to afford sneakers that he influencers are Kanye West, Travis Scott, Stoneman Douglas High School, are more out there with their designs. wants to wear. Wolfman has been doing Odell Beckham Jr and Virgil Aldro, the students flaunt their individual creator of all white.” styles. From thrifty creativity These upscale brands can give students to luxury labels, finding one’s style is all the illusion of a glamorous and rich a part of coming of age, but it can come lifestyle. with a hefty price tag. “Many people believe that by wearing Whether it be to fit in, to stand out, brands such as Supreme or Gucci or simply to express oneself, labels play stereotypes the person as wealthier a huge role in the American fashion to other people. However I do think industry. A touch of brand name clothing that’s the stereotype; I don’t necessarily or accessories can change a mundane agree with it,” Wolfman said. “ It means outfit to a trendy, edgy one. Though Whatever basic item your find at Pacsun this for the past seven years. something to them, whether they received these high fashion brands can be costly, isn’t going to stand out as much as a “My sneaker business started in sixth it as a gift from their parents or if it’s students are finding ways to accomplish design brand,” senior Kerry Lin said. grade when I got a pair of Jordan 4 Toros. something they worked very hard for, and this while raising their fashion status. “It also has to do with self confidence. I saw the Jordans in the store and really not everyone should be judged just based Over the years, brand culture at MSD Wearing clothes from high brand wanted them,” Wolfman said. “However, upon what they wear.” has steadily increased. With the growing companies like Gucci or Supreme really I didn’t have enough money for them so Every student has their own style and popularity of brands such as Gucci, makes a statement.” I thought maybe if I bought two pairs [of flair which could be inspired by celebrities Supreme, Adidas and Louis Vuitton, it However, these popular brands can be regular sneakers] and then sold one of or the newest fashion trends. Though seems as though the more “high-end” an very expensive. Many students can find them at a higher price, with that extra it may be an expensive lifestyle, teens outfit is, the more appealing it is to many it difficult affording these lavish items. money, it would be enough for the shoes I identify themselves by what they wear, students. One such example would be a $1,200 wanted. This ended up working, and I was which is how the world perceives them. According to a study of 300 adults by Balenciaga jacket, that Lin bought for the able to buy the shoes.” “I feel everyone likes to express Psychology Today, after just three seconds, “clout.” Clout is a term often affiliated What goes on throughout the halls of themselves, especially in a way personal to people will judge others based on their with fame, money and influence, traits MSD regarding the business of buying and them,” Wolfman said. “Clothing is the best outfits. After being shown a few images of that students want to have in order to set reselling sneakers is only a glimpse into way to do that.” Story by Leni Steinhardt
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Whatever basic item your find at Pacsun isn’t going to stand out as much as a design brand. Wearing clothes from high brand companies like Gucci or Supreme really makes a statement.
65+25+10
Have you ever purchased an item because of the brand name?
25% No
”
What do you find most appealing about brand names? 68% 7%
10%
28% 57% 270+ 680+ 70+ 570=
Maybe
65% Yes
Name Notoriety
Quality
Celebrity Endorsements
What are your favorite brand names?
Appearance
1. Nike 2. Adidas 3. American Eagle 4. Hollister 5. Gucci
Poll results are based on a school-wide survey of 331 students
Express Yourself • Brand Names 19