Top 5 influential fashion characters, Made in China Label, and more | D2C Digest

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Hey there, great people of the D2C community who are building fantastic things! This is your host Berkay writing. 

Take a 5-minute break and dive into D2C Digest for a quick overview of what’s happening in the D2C market worldwide!

🔍 The Top 5 Most Influential Fashion Characters of 2024 and How Can D2Cs Benefit From Them

Fashion inspiration can come from anywhere, but some of the most iconic trends are born on screen. Characters we love not only for their personalities but also for their unforgettable sense of style are shaping how we dress today.

Here’s a quick look at the top five fashion influencers of 2024, according to a study by Public Desire.

1. Harley Quinn (Birds of Prey) 

Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie, is the queen of 2024’s fashion scene. With over 7 million Instagram hashtags and 93,100 monthly searches, her bold, rebellious style—free from the male gaze—inspires fans. Her colorful, edgy wardrobe represents her transformation as she breaks free from her toxic relationship with the Joker.

2. Daphne Bridgerton (Bridgerton) 

Daphne leads the Regencycore trend with her timeless, elegant style. Her influence is massive, with 308,000 monthly searches and renewed interest in period fashion blending old-world charm with modern flair.

3. Emily Cooper (Emily in Paris) 

Emily Cooper’s vibrant, designer-filled outfits spark social media buzz, setting fashion trends with items like bucket hats and luxury handbags. Her style continues to inspire high-fashion looks.

4. Cruella de Vil (Cruella) 

Emma Stone’s Cruella portrays a punk-inspired, rebellious style influenced by Vivienne Westwood, making her a bold fashion icon.

5. Penelope Featherington (Bridgerton) 

Penelope's vibrant, jewel-toned gowns in season 3 reflect her newfound confidence, elevating her as a rising star in fashion.

These characters are more than just on-screen favorites—they’re setting real-world trends and showing us new ways to express ourselves through fashion.

But why you should care?

If you’re a small D2C brand, you can leverage the popularity of characters like Harley Quinn and Daphne Bridgerton by:

1. Boosting Social Media: Use trending hashtags tied to these characters for greater visibility.

2. Launching Limited Collections: Offer exclusive, character-inspired drops to build hype.

3. Designing Trend-Inspired Products: Create styles inspired by these characters' bold and unique looks.

Why not?

🗣️ Google Testing Short Videos in 'What People Are Saying' Feature

Google is experimenting with a new feature in its "What people are saying" section, which is used to display forum links in a text format.

Now, Google is testing a version that leads to short videos from platforms like TikTok, which is shifting from forums to video content.

While the older version focused on forum discussions, the new approach highlights video perspectives that offer a more dynamic and visual way for users to engage with search results.

Now, this might be just the perspectives change when it showed more than just forums.

Forum discussion at X.

👀 Interesting: ‘Made in China’ Exhibition Challenges Perceptions and Celebrates Craftsmanship

What comes to mind when you see "Made in China"?

A new exhibition at the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam is turning that idea on its head by showcasing the artistry and innovation behind Chinese craftsmanship.

The exhibit highlights designers like Susan Fang, who are redefining what it means to create in China, showcasing a blend of tradition and modern innovation. Instead of focusing on mass production, it celebrates the intricate, thoughtful process behind each item, from fashion to art.

Visitors will explore not only fashion but also historical Chinese artifacts, tea sets, textiles, and even seal carving, giving a deep dive into centuries of creativity. There’s also a thought-provoking look at the concept of copying—viewed through a Chinese lens, where imitation often pays homage to past masters.

While acknowledging challenges like counterfeits, the exhibition reframes copying as a creative practice, showing how it has influenced global brands and designs. The final section displays modern Chinese fashion that pushes against stereotypes, celebrating the craftsmanship behind today’s designs.

Running from October 11, 2024, to August 31, 2025, ‘Made in China’ is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, craft, and contemporary design.

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