The rise and rise of headphones: Why the set you buy isn’t just a question of sound quality, but identity

The sudden explosion in the previously flatlining market for headphones in 2012 was nothing short of extraordinary. Celebrity endorsements, both paid and unpaid, saw Beats revenues soar by 75 per cent, with the retail headphone industry experiencing a 32 per cent lift overall. Headphones became the newest fashion accessory. New brands selling designer models began to spring up – Urbanears, Sol Republic, Skullcandy, Frends – while existing brands tried to create products that satisfied our demand for something a little more eye-catching.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/the-rise-and-rise-of-headphones-why-the-set-you-buy-isn-t-just-a-question-of-sound-quality-but-a6756396.html