Pop culture has a significant impact on the fashion industry. Whether it is on TV, from a celebrity or in a magazine, we see fashion mixed with popular culture everywhere. Current culture has allowed fashion to expand the traditional categories and boundaries of the industry with trends, such as gender-bending, and the mixing of styles from different cultures and eras. When these two societal powerhouses unite, they make memorable moments that will go down in their history.

Fashion is an expression of cultural trends on many levels, including gender roles, social and political statements, world events and a growing awareness of other cultures. One trend that has strongly affected fashion over the decades has been the influence of celebrity icons. Iconic Hollywood stars have significantly impacted our popular fashions over time.

Some of the biggest names in popular culture include Justin Timberlake, Jay Z, Lil Wayne and Kanye West. People can be seen dressed daily like these celebrity icons through current signature clothing statements such as saggy jeans, designer sneakers, leather jackets and sun glasses. Timberlake can easily be regarded as one of the key figures in the industry, blending modern and classic fashion trends.

West is also one of the top leaders in the industry, mixing his love for music and fashion such as combining his album release party for “The Life of Pablo” and his Yeezy Season 3 collection. He has also launched full-blown ready-to-wear collections which have hit the runway during New York Fashion Week in recent years.

Rihanna is known for her style around the world. As a result, her collaboration with the casual and athletic wear company, PuUMA, was eagerly anticipated. Additionally, her newly launched beauty collection, Fenty Beauty, made its debut during New York Fashion Week. Her collaboration with PUMA focused more on a street wear-heavy, Goth-inspired fall line with a focus on footwear. Fenty Beauty also made waves by including a wide range of colors and options for different skin tones, which remains an issue in the makeup industry.

Concert merchandise has also become a trend within fashion and pop culture. Who wouldn’t want to buy a piece of merchandise to remember that amazing concert they went to? Artists such as Drake, The Weeknd and Justin Bieber sure know how to play with their merch. They have become the most sought-after pieces on the market. Both West’s “The Life of Pablo” and Bieber’s “Purpose” tours have high-end gear that went in strong in the beginning of this year.

Real life celebrities are not the only ones who make an impact on fashion. Fictional character Rachel Green from ‘Friends: became our go-to style chick back in the 90s. Rachel had the ability to balance high fashion with everyday casual. Remember her rocking overalls? They made a comeback in 2014 and have held on since. While actress Jennifer Aniston brought Rachel to life, the “Friends’” stylist team were able to influence an entire generation and the way they wished to dress.

Rachel is joined by the likes of fictional character Blair Waldorf of “Gossip Girl.” Played by actress Leighton Meester, Blair brought a surge of interest in accessories to the fashion industry, particularly headbands. Blair’s hairstyles gave a little something extra to her school uniform, influencing the fashion choices of the viewers of the show.

We can expect this phenomenon to continue, especially with renowned celebrities hitting the runway and designing their own clothes. Celebrities have traditionally been social influencers, impacting not only fashion, but social and political standings within the American culture. In times such as these, many people are watching these pop culture icons for guidance.