Final answer:
Some lifestyle brands people aspire to include Abercrombie & Fitch for its casual luxury, Inditex's Zara for its sustainability pledges, and the broader trend in fashion for environmental commitment. Public figures practicing frugality and stories of social mobility also influence aspiration, as does conspicuous consumption to signal status.
Step-by-step explanation:
Well-known lifestyle brands that consumers often aspire to be like include those associated with luxury, sustainability, and social status. Abercrombie & Fitch has used the term "casual luxury" to market its line of clothing, leveraging East Coast yacht club imagery to appeal to consumers. In the realm of sustainability, Inditex, the parent company of Zara, has pledged to use sustainable or recycled materials for all its clothes by 2025, reflecting the trend where sustainability and luxury are becoming synonymous. Furthermore, the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action highlights the industry's commitment to reducing its environmental impact, aiming for net zero emissions. This shift also includes famous individuals choosing practicality over opulence, like Jennifer Lopez wearing a less expensive dress, or Keanu Reeves using public transportation. Stories of social mobility, such as those of Mariano Rivera, Alice Coachman, and Pelé, inspire consumers and reflect the desire for aspirational and impactful narratives linked to brands. Lastly, conspicuous consumption plays a significant role in how people communicate their social standing through purchases that signify wealth or alignment with eco-friendly values, like high-end eco-friendly water bottles or luxury cars.