The Dutch auction website Catawiki and the lifestyle platform Hypebeast investigated the collecting habits of Belgians. Together they now present a top 100 of the most iconic collectibles from the 21st century.
The ‘iPod Classic’ and ‘Barbies Malibu House’, but also Martin Margiela’s ‘Tabi boots’ and the last, unfinished Tintin story. These are four of the hundred most iconic collectibles from the 21st century, according to recent research by the online auction platform Catawiki, the lifestyle platform Hypebeast from Hong Kong and its research arm Hypemind into the collecting habits of Belgians.
These hundred objects also include a number of Belgian-made items. The split-toe ‘Tabi boots’, for example, that Martin Margiela designed in 1988 for his debut collection and with which he broke fashion conventions. Also a sought-after collector’s item today is the limited-edition book by ‘Antwerp Six’ member Walter Van Beirendonck, created for his retrospective exhibition ‘Dream the World Awake’. Also: the brutalist aluminum shell from 2017 by designer and destroyers/builders founder Linde Freya Tangelder; ‘Bina’, a 2023 piece of furniture by Kim Mupangilaï, inspired by her Belgian-Congolese roots; and Hergé’s last, unfinished comic book, a rare collector’s item among Tintin fans worldwide.
It also turns out that we are real collectors: almost one Belgian in two owns a collection, and fifteen percent are considering starting one in the short term. Moreover, one in three collectors has at least five objects in their collection. To this end, they search offline, on online marketplaces and on social media, and spend an average of 1,508 euros annually. At the top of the wish list: timeless items with a stable value, such as books, jewelry, fashion, watches and photography.
Most Belgians collect out of passion and like to keep their collection to themselves. But Gen Z collectors often think differently: they are more inclined to resell their collectibles and see their collection primarily as an investment. One in five Belgians – especially Gen Z – is also convinced that the investment potential of special collectibles will continue to increase, and therefore sees opportunities to earn even more money with them in the future.
The 21st Century’s Most Iconic Collectibles: An Analysis
As a renowned blog news writer, I recently had the opportunity to peruse a fascinating article regarding the collecting habits of Belgians. The Dutch auction website Catawiki and lifestyle platform Hypebeast collaborated to create a comprehensive list of the top 100 most iconic collectibles from the 21st century. This list not only highlights the trends and tastes of Belgian collectors but also offers insights into the broader world of collectibles.
According to the article, some of the most iconic collectibles from the 21st century include the ‘iPod Classic’, ‘Barbies Malibu House’, Martin Margiela’s ‘Tabi boots’, and the last, unfinished Tintin story. While these items may seem like a disparate group, they all share a common thread – they represent a specific moment or cultural phenomenon from the 21st century.
The ‘iPod Classic’ and similar items, such as the ‘Apple Blazers’ mentioned in [[1]], are symbolic of the technological advancements that have defined the 21st century. The rise of portable music players, smartphones, and other digital devices has transformed the way we live, work, and interact with one another.
In contrast, items like ‘Barbies Malibu House’ and Martin Margiela’s ‘Tabi boots’ represent the fashion and pop culture icons of the 21st century. Fashion, as seen in [[2]], is a significant aspect of collectibles, with many enthusiasts seeking out rare and unique items that reflect their personal style or interests.
The inclusion of the last, unfinished Tintin story is particularly intriguing, as it highlights the significance of literary and artistic collectibles. Rare books, comic books, and artwork are highly prized among collectors, as seen in [[3]], which lists examples of collectables that include rare books, comic books, and action figures.
the top 100 most iconic collectibles from the 21st century is a diverse and fascinating list that offers insights into the cultural, technological, and artistic trends of the past few decades. Whether it’s technology, fashion, literature, or art, these collectibles represent the best of human creativity and innovation. As a blog news writer, I can attest that these items are not only valuable but also significant, as they provide a window into the values and interests of our time.
the Catawiki and Hypebeast investigation is a valuable resource for anyone interested in collectibles, and I highly recommend exploring the full list to gain a deeper understanding of the world of collecting.
