Catawiki and Hypebeast have teamed up to curate a list of 100 items that span technology, fashion, interiors, art and more from the 21st century
From vintage tech to high fashion, the “The Definitive List of 21st Century Icons” offers a glimpse of the past 25 years, highlighting the themes, values and items that will shape the future of collecting
The list is reflected in an exclusive, co-curated online auction from Catawiki and Hypebeast, from 11 - 20 October.
Amsterdam, 10 October – Marking the close of the first quarter of the 21st Century, Catawiki, the leading online marketplace for special objects, has teamed up with Hypebeast, a leading platform for contemporary fashion and culture, and an international panel of cultural experts to curate the definitive list of the 100 most iconic and collectable items of the century so far.
Reflecting on 25 years of rapid cultural evolution, the list explores how technology, fashion, art and social movements have reshaped the world of collecting, making once-niche interests more mainstream and accessible. From the Vetements DHL t-shirt to Balenciaga Triple S sneakers, the list spans a variety of categories, highlighting how diverse movements, from blokecore and cottagecore to the resurgence of early 2000s nostalgia and “Vintech”, are influencing today’s collectors.
“The 21st century has seen a merging of high and low culture, where previously niche items—whether luxury fashion or vintage tech—are now shaping mainstream trends,” said Jan van Diermen Sr. Vice President Luxury at Catawiki. "And online marketplaces like Catawiki have revolutionised the world of collecting, making once-niche interests and subcultures more accessible than ever. It’s a thrilling time for collecting!”
“Subcultures that used to define entire decades now come and go faster than ever” commented Rumi Josephs, Strategist, Trend Forecaster. “In the 21st century, trends like Cottagecore and Gorpcore have shaped our style, values, and what we collect. From the subtle charm of Quiet Luxury to the fun of the Ugly Aesthetic, these trends show how our tastes mix high and low culture, while reflecting the impact of technology and feminism on today’s world.”
Iconic 21st century items on the list include:
Apple, iPod Classic 1st Generation, 2001
The iPod revolutionised portable music when it debuted in 2001, with its iconic scroll wheel and "1,000 songs in your pocket" tagline. It shifted music from physical formats to digital storage, laying the groundwork for modern music streaming. Though discontinued in 2022, its influence remains strong in today's digital music landscape.
Mattel, Barbie Malibu House Playset, 2019
Barbie's comeback, particularly highlighted by Greta Gerwig's 2023 film, reimagined the brand with feminist and camp elements. The Barbie Dreamhouse, a central symbol in the film, brought renewed attention to the toy’s cultural impact, particularly the Malibu House Playset, further cementing Barbie's place in discussions about gender roles and evolution.
Omega, Seamaster, 2005
The "GoldenEye" Seamaster Diver 300M, tied to the James Bond franchise, introduced bold, bulky watch designs of the early 2000s. Initially slow in sales, its appearance in *GoldenEye* saved Omega from financial trouble, making the watch an iconic diving timepiece. Its legacy endures through its connection to the Bond films.
IKEA x PS Jonsberg, Vase, 2005
The IKEA PS JONSBERG vase, designed by Hella Jongerius, blends artisanal craftsmanship with mass production. Released in 2005, it combines traditional aesthetics with modern techniques, making it highly sought after on the secondhand market. Its handmade feel, despite being mass-produced, resonates in today’s era of valuing individuality.
Kartell, Bourgie Table Lamp, 2004
Ferruccio Laviani's Bourgie Table Lamp for Kartell reimagines classic baroque forms with modern materials like polycarbonate, blending classicism with kitsch. Inspired by his work with Dolce & Gabbana, Laviani layered irony into the design, critiquing bourgeois taste. This lamp embodies the playful contradictions of 21st-century design.
Jenny Holzer, Protect Me From What I Want, 2000
Jenny Holzer's conceptual art, focused on short-form communication, has grown increasingly relevant in the 21st century. Her *Truisms* series, including "Protect Me From What I Want," addresses themes of power, consumerism, and vulnerability. Holzer uses public spaces like billboards and LED displays to inject these powerful messages into everyday life.
As the world of collecting continues to evolve, Catawiki’s collaboration with Hypebeast signals a new chapter—one where cultural shifts, technology and social movements play pivotal roles in defining what is considered valuable, from both a financial and emotional perspective. Explore the Definitive List of 21st Century Icons report here and the collection here.
The 21st Century Icons Collection curated by Hypebeast and Catawiki will be live from Friday, 11th - Sunday, 20th October.
Editor's Notes
Images can be downloaded here.
The 21st Century Icons Collection curated by Hypebeast and Catawiki will be live from Friday, 11th - Sunday, 20th October.
About Catawiki
Catawiki is the leading online marketplace for special objects that fulfil people’s passions. Bridging the gap between the exclusive and the accessible, we offer over 75,000 objects in auction every week - each reviewed and selected by one of our hundreds of in-house experts specialised in Art, Design, Jewellery, Fashion, Classic Cars, Collectables and much more.
About Hypebeast
Founded in 2005, Hypebeast is a leading platform for contemporary fashion and culture that highlights curated brands and emerging lifestyles through editorially-driven news and features. Its devotion to discovery has made it one of the premier online destinations for fashion and lifestyle editorial and news. Currently operating in over 15 markets, readers can stay up to date with the latest culturally-relevant news and developments on men’s fashion. For more information, visit Hypebeast.com.
