In the world of entertainment and dating (a common 2021 "lifestyle" topic), to be "benched" meant being put on the back burner. This terminology was frequently explored in lifestyle columns like Cosmopolitan.
Viral "gets bench" challenges on social media combined physical fitness with entertainment, encouraging users to show off their strength or their "bench" lifestyle Source: Snapchat Topic Highlights.
The face became a canvas for expression through designer-inspired bootleg masks, which remained a lifestyle necessity throughout much of the year. 4. Entertainment & Lifestyle Convergence
By late 2021, these disparate elements merged into a single "vibe." The "abuse" of traditional style rules, the embrace of "bootleg" authenticity, and the competitive nature of who "gets bench" (staying relevant) defined the era.
Streetwear brands began "abusing" the faces of luxury icons, using distorted graphics or bootleg prints to critique consumerism.