What the Rise of Black Cherry in Fashion and Beauty Says About the State of the Economy

What the Rise of Black Cherry in Fashion and Beauty Says About the State of the Economy

The connection between color trends and the economy might not seem obvious, but the rise of black cherry as a major trend in fashion and beauty tells us a lot about cultural and economic shifts happening in the world of 2025. This dark, sultry hue reflects resilience and adaptability, resonating deeply in today’s uncertain times.

Black Cherry: The Trend Taking Over Fashion and Beauty

The popularity of black cherry is impossible to miss—it’s everywhere! This moody, deep hue has been trending for months, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Here’s how it’s made its way to the forefront:

  • Pinterest Predictions: In December 2024, Pinterest predicted black cherry would dominate in 2025. True to their forecast, brands like Glossier have already embraced the trend with their latest Black Cherry collection.
  • Big Beauty Launches: Glossier just launched it’s Black Cherry Collection, Clinique’s iconic Black Honey is back in the spotlight, inspiring dupes like ELF’s affordable lip oil and sheer stick that fit perfectly within this moody and deep aesthetic.

The influence of these brands has cemented black cherry as a go-to color in the fashion and beauty industries, appealing to consumers looking for sophistication and boldness.

What Does Black Cherry Symbolize?

Color theorists suggest that black cherry represents resilience, adaptability, and strength—qualities that resonate deeply during turbulent times. These characteristics make it the perfect shade for an era defined by uncertainty and a collective desire for stability in the ecological sense and the financial sense.

In color psychology, deeper hues like black cherry evoke feelings of grounding and confidence. They signify a bold but thoughtful approach, which is particularly relevant as consumers become more conscious of their choices in the face of economic and environmental challenges.

The Connection Between Trends and the Economy

 

Fashion and beauty trends often reflect broader societal and economic factors. Black cherry’s popularity isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a mirror of the world’s current state. Three ways I think this trend ties into the economy:

1. Economic Resilience

The rise of black cherry coincides with a global focus on resilience and adaptability. As people navigate uncertain financial landscapes, this color’s depth and richness serve as a metaphor for strength and endurance.

2. Sustainability as a point of Focus

The beauty and fashion industries are under increasing pressure to embrace sustainability. This has led to questions about how brands can design with the end of a product’s lifecycle in mind. For example, as black cherry products dominate, companies should take this as a singal to consider their environmental impacts as brands. Ethical production and biodegradable packaging should be the norm, not the exception.

3. Cultural Shifts

Trends like black cherry also reflect cultural movements. As consumers seek meaningful purchases, they’re drawn to items that feel timeless yet modern. This is why black cherry resonates: it’s bold enough to make a statement yet versatile enough to remain relevant over the years. This heightens the message of sustainability by curating timeless pieces in the wardrobe.

Capitalism and Its Impact on Fashion and Culture

The fashion industry doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It’s deeply influenced by the global economic system, particularly capitalism. Over the decades, capitalism has shaped the way trends emerge and dissipate, creating a cycle of consumption that impacts the collective consciousness.

The Pressure to Consume

Under capitalism, fashion trends are often driven by the need to generate profit. Companies introduce new colors, styles, and products, not necessarily to meet consumer needs, but to keep the cycle of buying and selling in motion. Black cherry, while undeniably striking, also fits into this framework. Its rise signals a strategic push by brands to tap into the emotional and psychological needs of consumers during uncertain times.

Fast Fashion and Cultural Shifts

Fast fashion, a direct result of capitalist practices, has accelerated the speed at which trends like black cherry spread. The accessibility of affordable versions of high-end trends has democratized fashion, allowing more people to participate. However, this comes at a cost: environmental degradation and exploitative labor practices often underpin the industry’s rapid production cycles.

At the same time, the collective is starting to push back. There is a growing cultural shift towards mindfulness, sustainability, and intentional consumption. Consumers are asking harder questions about where their clothes and beauty products come from, who made them, and what happens to them when they’re discarded.

 

Resilience in the Face of Excess

Black cherry’s popularity may also reflect a yearning for something deeper in the face of excess. This color’s symbolism of resilience and adaptability aligns with a broader desire to escape the disposable nature of modern consumerism. It’s a subtle but significant shift in the collective consciousness, where people are beginning to prioritize quality over quantity and meaning over materialism.

The Bigger Picture: Black Cherry and Climate Change

While black cherry dominates runways and beauty aisles, its rise also prompts deeper reflection on how trends intersect with urgent global issues like climate change. Events like the devastating January 2025 LA fires serve as stark reminders of the work that still needs to be done.

Fashion and beauty brands have an opportunity to align with sustainability by embracing environmentally friendly practices, from sourcing to disposal. Could black cherry symbolize a call for resilience—not just in fashion, but in the systems we create to support a healthier planet?

How Black Cherry is Shaping Consumer Behavior

Consumers are more mindful than ever about the products they buy and the values those products represent. Black cherry’s rise isn’t just about color; it’s about what the color communicates:

  • Confidence and Boldness: Consumers want products that empower them, and black cherry delivers a striking yet approachable aesthetic.
  • Versatility: This hue works across demographics and seasons, making it a practical yet luxurious choice.
  • Symbolism of Strength: In times of economic or environmental challenges, people gravitate toward symbols of perseverance.

The Role of Digital Trends and Social Media

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a pivotal role in propelling black cherry to fame. Influencers, beauty gurus, and fashion bloggers have showcased the color in countless ways, creating viral moments that drive consumer interest.

Pinterest’s accurate prediction also highlights the growing influence of data-driven trend forecasting. By analyzing user behavior and pinning patterns, platforms can anticipate consumer desires before they fully materialize, giving brands a head start.

Sustainability: The Missing Piece?

While the black cherry trend has captivated consumers, it also raises important questions about sustainability. Are brands truly embracing eco-friendly practices, or is this just another fleeting moment in the cycle of fast fashion and beauty?

Here’s what consumers can demand from brands:

  1. Ethical Sourcing: Ingredients and materials should be responsibly obtained to minimize environmental harm.
  2. Biodegradable Packaging: Products inspired by black cherry should be packaged with the planet in mind.
  3. Circular Design: Companies can design products with recyclability or reuse as a priority.

Why Black Cherry Matters Right Now

In challenging times, we gravitate toward symbols of strength and perseverance. Black cherry, with its rich and adaptable tone, is a color we all need in our lives right now—not just as a trend, but as a reminder of the resilience we must foster in ourselves and our systems.

This trend isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good—both about ourselves and the world that that our choices are creating at large. As the popularity of black cherry grows, so does the opportunity for meaningful conversations about sustainability, economic resilience, and cultural adaptation.

Let’s make this more than a trend; let’s make it a movement.

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