Taylor Swift and Beyoncé’s concert tours and the popularity of Barbie have sparked a billion-dollar pop culture phenomenon. This trend has led to a vibrant subculture on TikTok, where fans create DIY bodysuits inspired by these icons, resulting in hashtags like #loverbodysuit with millions of views. Many of these DIY creators have turned their hobby into a profitable business, but they face challenges due to the high demand for their products.
Ashley Dawson, a designer known for her intricate rhinestone bodysuits inspired by Taylor Swift, has experienced overwhelming demand for her creations. Since launching her Etsy store in April, her designs have received over 230,000 views, and she has shipped “hundreds” of bodysuits worldwide. Despite struggling to keep up with orders, Dawson finds fulfillment in her work, viewing it as a passion project rather than a job.
Stormy Kelly, a clothing designer, specializes in sewing and curating Taylor Swift-inspired outfits. She spends hours processing orders, with some customers paying over a thousand dollars for a single bodysuit. Kelly believes these outfits are a form of art and expression for Swifties, representing a unique way to identify with their favorite artist.
Pingping, a former shoe and handbag designer, launched an Etsy store in 2012 specializing in custom-made catsuits and bodysuits. She has observed significant sales for Beyoncé-inspired bodysuits and Barbie-themed outfits, which took her by surprise. With increased competition, Pingping strives to elevate her products’ quality, aesthetics, and photography to stand out from the crowd.
In London, Bella King created a budget-friendly Beyoncé-inspired costume using a dress as a base and adding rhinestones and gloves. She shared her creation on TikTok and felt a surge of confidence and self-expression when wearing it.
Leila Ostria, a Beyoncé superfan from Washington, D.C., has seen the artist in concert numerous times and recreated her own hands-on bodysuit. Expressing oneself through fashion is common among the BeyHive, and social media plays a significant role in inspiring fans to dress up for concerts.
Brittany Law, a Barbie fan, gained attention on TikTok after creating a Barbie costume using products from Amazon. She received numerous requests from people who wanted to purchase the outfit, longing for a dose of “Barbie magic” in their own lives.
For Dani Galvin, sharing her Swift-inspired “lover bodysuit” on TikTok has been empowering, as it allows her to showcase her body type in glittery, skin-tight outfits. The hours spent creating these outfits with sequins and a hot-glue gun are worth it for Galvin, as not everyone has the time or skills to make something themselves.
MJ Dillenbeck has shared custom-made Swift bodysuits on TikTok, selling them on her Amazon store for a profit. Wearing these outfits makes her and other fans feel enchanted and beautiful, a way to emulate their idol, Taylor Swift.
The dedication and passion shown by these DIY creators reflect their deep admiration for Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. The unique and creative role these bodysuits play in expressing fandom has brought fans together and allowed for a sense of empowerment and self-expression among Swifties and BeyHive members alike.
