Recessioncore – Back in a Superstore Near You!

All over your favourite social media (it’s okay; we know it’s TikTok), rumours have been swirling about the US’s impending recession. Even on this serious subject, viewers have been getting a kick out of watching everyone reveal their favourite tell-tale signs of an economic downturn. You know, gas prices, eggs, Beyoncé skipping cities on her tour…

But One of Our Favourites?

Celebrity Budget Clothing Lines. The ultimate recessioncore for the those with tight budgets.

And THEY’RE BACK, bestie — at a Wally World near you!  Houston’s hip-hop heroine, Megan Thee Stallion, just dropped her debut swimwear line with Walmart called Hot Girl Swim, and we couldn’t be more obsessed.

The line launched on May 19th in 500 Walmart stores nationwide, featuring 18 size-inclusive pieces, including bikinis, monokinis, one-pieces, and swimsuit cover-ups. With prices ranging from $16 to $28, the line is stylish, accessible, and unapologetically Megan. From bold cutouts and vibrant prints to body-hugging silhouettes, each piece channels the confidence, sex appeal, and fearless energy that defines Meg’s style. Making their brand feel all the more like a sweet gift to the Hotties. Even better? It makes her the first rapper ever to launch their own swimwear brand. But here at Funktasy, we noticed something deeper than a fire monokini: celebrity budget fashion lines tend to pop off right when the economy is… well, not. When people tighten their belts, celebs loosen their price tags.

So let’s take a look back at some of the most iconic celebrity budget lines born during (or just after) recessions past — because while your savings account might be suffering, your wardrobe doesn’t have to be.

Starting 15 years in the past, this one’s for our Beliebers,  

2010 – Justin Bieber x Walmart

Think back to when Baby played on every iPod Nano and swoopy bangs were considered high fashion. Just as the country was starting to recover from the 2008 financial crisis, Walmart launched a merch-heavy clothing line featuring none other than teen heart-throb Justin Bieber.

Instantly winning over the girls and gays of the time, the line included graphic tees, hoodies, and accessories suited to drip out even the biggest of Beliebers. All priced affordably for tweens and teens (and their recession-weary parents). The fashion may not have been groundbreaking, but it proved one thing: celebrity-fueled affordability sells, especially when your fan base is still getting an allowance.

One year later, we got a Harajuku takeover that made any baby fashionista (including myself) think this is BANANAS!

 2011 – Gwen Stefani x Target – Harajuku Mini

In 2011, Gwen Stefani brought her bold, playful style to Target with Harajuku Mini, a collection for kids and tweens inspired by the Japanese subculture of Harajuku, a theme she incorporated heavily into her 2000s era. Think kawaii graphic tees, plaid skirts, cartoon animal prints, varsity jackets and punk-inspired tutus — all dripping with attitude and Gwen’s signature flair.

And the best part? Nothing was over $30.

The line dropped as the US was still crawling out of recession territory, making it a hit with parents looking for fun but affordable fashion for their kids. Gwen’s collab not only celebrated self-expression but gave us one of the most memorable celeb x Target moments ever — and proved that you don’t need designer prices to serve looks.

Next up is a line by the OG office siren, serving up affordable and fashionable looks for the office.  

2013 – Eva Mendes x New York & Company

As the post-recession job market picked up and women re-entered the workforce in droves, Eva Mendes launched a collab with New York & Company that was officewear meets red carpet. The line featured chic, form-fitting dresses, vintage-inspired blouses, pencil skirts, and wide-leg trousers — all elegant, sophisticated, and work-ready.

With most pieces under $100, it catered to women who wanted to look expensive on a budget. Eva even appeared in NY&C stores and commercials, helping elevate the brand’s image at a time when customers were craving both polish and price-consciousness. It was the affordable glam every working woman didn’t know she needed.

After a much-needed recession break, we naturally jumped right back in at the pandemic. When Ye brings back … the Gap?

Kanye West x Gap – Yeezy Gap

Announced in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, when unemployment was surging and global uncertainty ruled, Kanye West made his high-street pivot with the launch of Yeezy Gap. Known for his ultra-luxury Yeezy brand, Ye’s Gap collection promised minimalist, modern essentials — oversized hoodies, puffer jackets, basic tees — at (somewhat) accessible prices.

The release of the Round Jacket, a blue, unstructured puffer, sold out within hours and became a viral fashion moment. Though prices hovered around $90 to $200, the intention was clear:  bridging the gap between high fashion and everyday wear. The collab eventually fizzled out, but the launch was a sign of the times — even Kanye saw the value in mass-market appeal during a crisis.

Today –  Megan Thee Stallion x Walmart – Hot Girl Swim

And now we’re in our Hot Girl Recession Era, thanks to Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Swim line. Launched in spring 2025, the drop is everything we love: affordable, body-positive, trendy, and Black woman-led.

With bold colours, cutouts, metallics and pieces that scream “I’m booked and unbothered,” Megan’s swimwear line is here to prove that style doesn’t need to break the bank. And in true Stallion fashion, it’s for everybody — from XS to 4X. Whether you’re poolside or just vibing in your backyard, Hot Girl Swim is about owning your look and flaunting your “bawdyyy” no matter your budget.

So, What Does it All Mean?

When luxury fashion feels tone-deaf and the rent is due, celebrity budget lines fill the gap — literally. These collections signal something major: celebrities (and the companies behind them) are watching economic trends and pivoting to stay in touch with their fans’ (and finances). They’re part PR move, part survival strategy and part cultural reset.

So next time you’re scrolling through Target’s new arrivals or catching a glimpse of a shiny new collection at Walmart, remember: it’s not just fast fashion. It’s a #recession ritual. And if we’re all gonna be broke, we might as well look cute doing it.

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