Music artists, songs and genres all tend to be associated with a particular style of fashion. For instance, rock with its classic rebel look; ripped jeans, leather and edgy accessories; and pop with a youthful vibe and a more flashy look, with bold accessories that you wouldn’t necessarily see every day.
But, what about how fashion has inspired music? There are plenty of songs about fashion or even objects of clothing, such as ‘apple-bottom jeans’ and ‘boots with the fur’. Other songs that come to mind are “Fashion” by Lady Gaga and “Blue Jeans” by Lana Del Rey.
We, at jewellerybox, have looked at countless different songs to see which fashion, jewellery, beauty items and brands feature most.
the most sung about jewellery brands
- Cartier – 6,978 song lyrics mentions
The jewellery and watchmaking brand Cartier has appeared in nearly 7,000 song lyrics, making it the most name-dropped jewellery brand of those we looked at. A$AP Rocky mentions them in his song, “Fashion Killa”, where he name drops a few other luxury fashion brands.
- Tiffany’s – 1,825 song lyrics mentions
Tiffany’s, based in New York City, is a luxury retailer specialising in jewellery. In 2021, LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) spent 15.8 million in order to acquire a majority stake in the American jewellery company. Two of the songs to mention the brand are, “4 Carats” by Kelly Clarkson and “Good Dope” by Future.
- Bulgari – 311 song lyrics mentions
This time we have an Italian brand, Bulgari renowned for its jewellery, watches and fragrances. The main song that features the mention of Bulgari within its lyrics is “The Jump Off” by Mark Curry.
- Swarovski – 286 song lyrics mentions
In fourth place is the iconic brand, Swarovski. This brand name is synonymous with luxury crystals, so it’s no surprise that the name features in a number of songs such as Lil Wayne’s 2002 song “Where Ya At?”.
- Bottega Veneta – 93 song lyric mentions
An Italian luxury brand, Bottega Veneta are well known for their clothing, fragrances and of course, their jewellery and accessories. American rapper Jayceon Terrell Taylor, better known by his stage name The Game, name-drops the brand in his 2011 song “Hello”.
the most sung about jewellery items
- Diamond rings – 13,643 song lyrics mentions
Up first and appearing in over 13,600 lyrics, we have diamond rings. Appearing in the lyrics and title of “Diamond Ring” by Bon Jovi, one of the best-selling American artists ever. It also appeared in “Diamond Rings”, a song in British rapper Chipmunk’s debut album. He told RWD Magazine that the lyrics were about not spending money, but maintaining your value. Something you can also do when purchasing recycled jewellery.
- Pearls – 12,539 song lyrics mentions
Pearls, a pretty big jewellery trend for this current year, appeared in over 12,500 song lyrics. Katy Perry’s song “Pearl” where a female in the song is metaphorically called a pearl, describes how a breakup turned her into a “shell of herself”.
- Gold chains – 9,816 song lyrics mentions
Gold chains, a phrase that often appears in the rap and hip-hop genre of music, appeared in almost 10,000 lyrics. Mentioned in songs by artists such as Ice-T, A$AP Rocky and Lil Wayne, it seems this is a big influence as far as rap is concerned.
- Necklace – 7,757 song lyrics mentions
The phrase “necklace” has appeared in nearly 7,800 song lyrics across various genres. ZZ Top, a rock band, has a song titled “Pearl Necklace”, while Post Malone’s song “Sanit-Tropez”, which is in the hip-hop genre, sings about buying his girlfriend a new necklace.
- Gold rings – 6,894 song lyrics mentions
Another golden piece of jewellery to feature in the top five, gold rings appeared in 6,894 song lyrics. One song where this lyric features, is “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, a rather iconic and instantly recognisable tune. Zayn’s 2016 song “lUcOzAdE” also features the lyrics, the song has Zayn singing a stream of consciousness.
the most sung about fashion brands
- Gucci – 41,752 song lyrics mentions
Gucci is the fashion brand that appeared in songs the most, with nearly 42,000 mentions. With over 1 billion YouTube views, the most recent iconic song mentioning this brand is “Gucci Gang” by Lil Pump, making it his most popular number one song.
- Nike – 26,984 song lyrics mentions
Nike is an especially popular clothing brand whose tick symbol makes it instantly recognisable and its streetwear style makes it commonplace in rap and hip-hop. American rapper, Mac Miller, was particularly emphatic about his love for the brand in his song “Nikes On My Feet”.
- Prada – 18,401 song lyrics mentions
Next up is the Italian luxury brand, Prada, which had over 18,000 mentions in song lyrics. One particular instance was in Lady Gaga’s song aptly titled “Fashion”, which is no surprise as she has often sported looks from Prada.
- Fendi – 11,342 song lyrics mentions
Another Italian luxury fashion brand is next, we have Fendi with more than 11,000 mentions in song lyrics. Once again, rap takes centre stage, as PnB Rock have a song titled “Fendi” featuring Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz.
- Chanel – 10,042 song lyrics mentions
Chanel takes the fifth spot, with the French fashion brand accumulating over 10,000 mentions in song lyrics. “Fancy” by Drake and TI name drops a variety of different luxury fashion brands, including Chanel, Gucci, Prada and Versace.
the most sung about clothing items
- Dress – 37,090 song lyrics mentions
A dress can be so versatile, from a strappy sundress to an elegant gown, but it’s not just in fashion that it is so versatile. It’s also the most commonly mentioned item of clothing in song lyrics of those we looked at, with just over 37,000 mentions. Beyonce and Ye both have songs about dresses, the former’s being titled “Freakum Dress” and the latter’s, “White Dress”.
- Bra – 25,947 song lyrics mentions
Taking the second spot is bras, with just under 26,000 mentions in lyrics, coming in all different shapes and forms. RaeLynn, an American country singer and a former contestant on The Voice, in her song titled “Bra Off”, likens a break-up to the freedom of removing a bra.
- Suit – 25,799 song lyrics mentions
Suits take the third spot, people of all identities wear these and there is a whole TV series of the same name, marking the clothing item’s popularity and iconic status. American rapper Future has a song titled “Green Gucci Suit”, where the green of his suit seems to symbolise his need to make money.
- Heels – 19,513 song lyrics mentions
One of the most iconic footwear pieces, heels take the next spot, with a bit under 20,000 lyric mentions. Another American country singer, Dolly Parton’s song titled “Head Over High Heels” features the lyric “step in my high shoes” and frequently uses “head over high heels in love” throughout the song.
- Blue shoes – 11,859 song lyrics mentions
The next piece of footwear to influence the music industry is shoes, specifically blue ones. I’m sure everyone can think of at least one song featuring this particular lyric, the “King of Rock and Roll” alluding to Elvis Presley, whose song “Blue Suede Shoes”, was a cover of the Carl Perkins song.
the most sung about beauty brands
- Dior – 11,554 song lyrics mentions
Dior takes the number one spot – the fashion, beauty and perfume brand, with almost half the lyric appearances of the previous ranking. Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has a song called “Christian Dior Denim Flow” where he name drops a host of luxury brands, Dior included.
- Armani – 2,920 song lyrics mentions
A brand well known for its contributions to fashion, Armani also makes a host of beauty products. From skin care products to makeup and fragrances, they have plenty of high-quality products. Armani has been name-dropped in “Instructions”, a 2017 song by Jax Jones, featuring Stefflon Don and Demi Lovato.
- Fenty – 1,309 song lyrics mentions
The brand was created by Rhianna and is now another luxury brand owned by LVMH, Fenty Beauty was created so that women everywhere could be included. What better song to name-drop this brand than the perfectly titled “makeup” by Ariana Grande.
- Tom Ford – 1,184 song lyrics mentions
Another American brand that is also based in New York City, Tom Ford is a brand that makes made-to-measure clothing, as well as beauty and cosmetic products. Rap artist Jay-Z has a song that he released in 2013, titled “Tom Ford”, in which the brand’s name is mentioned repeatedly.
- Sephora – 300 song lyrics mentions
Sephora is a French retailer of beauty and skincare products, with particular popularity in the United States. They sell some of the most popular skincare brands in the world, as well as their own branded products. Destiny Rogers’ song “ Tomboy” mentions the highly popular multinational beauty retail brand.
the most sung about beauty items
- Perfume – 20,207 song lyrics mentions
Perfume was the beauty item to come out on top, as it got over 20,000 lyric mentions – after all, who doesn’t wear the stuff? Britney Spears has a 2013 song titled “Perfume” as well as her own scents. Rag’n’Bone Man, the alternative indie artist, also has a song titled “Perfume”, which he wrote based on Patrick Süskind’s novel of the same name.
- Makeup – 9,811 song lyrics mentions
Makeup: Plenty of people wear it for whatever reason they choose, so it’s no surprise that it comes up in songs so often. Two different and yet similar songs, Ariana Grande’s song “Makeup” is about loving yourself whether you choose to wear makeup or not. However, in Kendrick Lamar’s song “No Makeup” he alludes that society puts too much pressure on the use of makeup.
- Lipstick – 6,684 song lyrics mentions
Taking the fourth spot is lipstick, with a little under 7,000 song lyrics mentions. Lipstick is likely to always be a big trend in the beauty world and it seems pretty big in music too. Powerman 5000, a rock band, has a song titled “Black Lipstick” about a woman sporting a gothic look. And Indie artist Alice Wolf’s song “Lipstick On The Glass” explores makeup in relation to femininity.
- Mascara – 5,283 song lyrics mentions
Another extremely popular and versatile makeup and beauty product, mascara had over 5,000 mentions in song lyrics. Country and pop artist Sheryl Crow’s song titled “Waterproof Mascara” is a notable example and a reminder that you should probably pick up some waterproof mascara for yourself.
- Cologne – 4,467 song lyrics mentions
Cologne, some might refer to it as perfume, but either way, it’s the stuff that makes you smell intensely great. The phrase appeared in 4,467 song lyrics, such as Lana Del Rey’s 2014 song titled, “Old Money”.
the most popular songs for jewellery playlists
These are the top and most popular songs for jewellery playlists, according to Spotify. The number one song appeared in 46 playlists, “Diamond Rings And Old Barstools” by American country singer Tim McGraw. However, the majority of the other songs in the top ten of this playlist are rap songs, with Travis Scott appearing more than any other artist, his songs having him on 157 playlists.
1. Diamond Rings And Old Barstools – Tim McGraw – 46 playlists
2. Goosebumps – Travis Scott – 41 playlists
3. SICKO MODE – Travis Scott – 40 playlists
4. HIGHEST IN THE ROOM – Travis Scott – 33 playlists
5. Diamond Rings & Cocaine – Kolby Cooper – 29 playlists
5. As It Was – Harry Styles – 29 playlists
5. XO Tour Llif3 – Lil Uzi Vert – 29 playlists
8. Sweater Weather – The Neighbourhood – 26 playlists
8. Dark Red – Steve Lacy – 26 playlists
8. HUMBLE. – Kendrick Lamar – 26 playlists
the most popular songs for beauty playlists
1. Streets – Doja Cat – 149 playlists
2. Woman – Doja Cat – 138 playlists
2. Woman – Harry Styles – 138 playlists
4. Brooklyn Baby – Lana Del Rey – 134 playlists
5. Stargirl Interlude – The Weeknd – 125 playlists
6. As It Was – Harry Styles – 117 playlists
7. 7 rings – Ariana Grande – 114 playlists
8. Need to Know – Doja Cat – 113 playlists
9. Daddy Issues – The Neighbourhood – 109 playlists
10. Perfume – Lovejoy – 97 playlists
10. Perfume – mehro – 97 playlists
10. Toxic – Britney Spears – 97 playlists
10. Perfume – Britney Spears – 97 playlists
Topping the list of the top songs for beauty playlists, Spotify gave us American rapper Doja Cat, with “Streets” and “Woman”. Doja Cat was one of the most frequently appearing artists in this playlist, beaten only by Lana Del Rey, who features in the top 10 with “Brooklyn Baby”. Britney Spears, Ariana Grande and Harry Styles all also feature at the top of this list, making for more of a pop-centric theme for the beauty playlist.
the most popular songs for fashion playlists
1. Grey Suit – SUHO – 351 playlists
2. Goosebumps – Travis Scott – 211 playlists
3. SICKO MODE – Travis Scott – 151 playlists
4. Way Down We Go – KALEO – 145 playlists
5. HIGHEST IN THE ROOM – Travis Scott – 126 playlists
6. No Role Modelz – J. Cole – 121 playlists
7. XO Tour Llif3 – Lil Uzi Vert – 115 playlists
8. Hurdle – SUHO – 112 playlists
9. When I Go – Keaton Simons – 111 playlists
10. 20 Min – Lil Uzi Vert – 106 playlists
Coming out as the top song for fashion playlists on Spotify is “Grey Suit” by SUHO, a K-pop artist, whose name means guardian in Korean. The rest of the top ten of this playlist features a lot of rap again, with Travis Scott once again featuring with his song “Goosebumps” ranking the highest for him. The other rappers to feature are J. Cole and Lil Uzi Vert, both of whom are Americans.
methodology
We started by building a list of fashion, jewellery and beauty items and brands. We then put each item from the list through Lyrics (this data is accurate as of 04/07/2022), a lyrics search engine, to find out how many song lyrics each item had featured in. It is important to note that some songs may have been repeated, as there were alternate versions and covers.
Once we had the numbers for each one, they were ranked on it, split into their respective categories: jewellery items and brands, fashion items, fashion brands and beauty brands and items.
Once we had each item ranked, we took the top three terms from each category to create a playlist using a Spotify Playlist tool (this data is accurate as of 05/07/2022), which tells you how many playlists each song appeared on.
We took the playlist for each of the top three terms, and then calculated how many times each song appeared on Spotify playlists, finally ranking each song on this final calculated number. The term “Dior” was removed from the playlist section, as it was giving skewed results for an artist whose surname was Dior.