Taylor Swift fans are getting rid of their memorabilia just days after the hit show
Taylor Swift’s fans have been accused of getting caught up in fast fashion, buying outfits for her concerts only to get rid of them days and weeks later.
Leader
Don't miss out on the headlines from Leader . Followed categories will be added to My News.
The appeal for Taylor Swift costumes and merchandise may just be “temporary”, according to a leading economist.
Aussie Swifties have spent $42m in the sales of costumes for the superstar’s Era’s Tour that played sold out shows across Melbourne and Sydney.
Economist and head of finance at RMIT University Angel Zhong said Taylor Swift’s iconic style and stage outfits significantly impacted her fans, resulting in a surge of fast fashion.
“Fast fashion retailers closely monitor celebrity fashion trends. When she wears a specific item during a concert, fans often want to emulate that look and this desire drives demand for similar clothing items,” she said.
“As soon as Taylor Swift wears a distinctive outfit, these brands rush to create affordable replicas. They produce Taylor Swift-themed items quickly and stock them in stores or online.”
Ms Zhong said Swifties bought themed items to “feel connected” to the artist during the concert however their appeal was often “temporary”.
“After the concert, some fans may lose interest or find the items less relevant,” she said.
“Many of these items are made cheaply, using low-quality materials which are often disposed after a single use contributing to textile waste.”
Australian fans embraced all the different eras of their American superstar’s discography and dressed up to the tee in their favourite costumes ranging from sequin dresses, full-body catsuits, cowboy boots, cardigans to Swift’s beau’s Kansas City jersey.
eBay reported a massive uptake in searches for Taylor Swift-specific merchandise and other items like friendship bracelets and heart-shaped sunglasses in the lead-up to the tour.
Ms Zhong said even though Swift had finished the Australian leg of the Eras Tour, it was unlikely the hype would die down anytime soon.
“There will likely be a surge in demand for Taylor Swift-themed costumes and memorabilia immediately after the concert because fans who attended the concert may want to relive the experience by wearing similar outfits or collecting tour merchandise,” she said.
“The initial excitement will gradually taper off, but for a brief period, Swift-inspired clothing items will remain popular.”
Some fans are framing their memorabilia and storing them.
Others are turning to social media and thrifting their merchandise and outfits away at inflated costs.
“The price of goods is always governed by the rule of supply and demand. That means, well crafted and designed merchandise and outfits, as well as those that are scarce will remain in high demand in the second hand market,” Ms Zhong said.
Some fans who attended the concert have swarmed Facebook Marketplace with Eras Tour memorabilia, including VIP box packages listed for $250, leftover homemade friendship bracelets, sold-out official merchandise and framed souvenir tickets.
Revealed: The most expensive memorabilia being sold online in Melbourne’s north
In pictures: Moama Bowling Club Echuca Cup
Echuca’s Labour Day long weekend racing event delighted punters with the sun shining and a great day on the track.
Toorak home of late music exec listed for surprise price
The Toorak house of Liberation Music founder, the late Warren Costello — who signed The Temper Trap and Vance Joy, has come onto the market. And it has a surprising asking price.