proudbyer, to answer your first question, I think it’s mostly a psychological attraction coupled with intense peer pressure. In regard to your second question, it is unfortunate, but some people like to judge and draw possibly false conclusions simply from another’s outward appearance.
BTGuy, in regard to your questions: Yes, a large portion of a design’s success is due to its intrinsic appeal, but a large chunk of it is from marketing. People will always be drawn to a product that is marketed well, and the more people drawn to it, the more “fashionable” it becomes, until it reaches a state of being considered “common”. At that point, it may no longer be considered fashionable, because fashion goes hand in hand with new, fresh, and unique.
Regarding cars, the newest models seem to have a “modern” edge over the older models, but usually, in reality, they don’t. That can also be attributed to marketing schemes. There isn’t that much that makes 2012 model any more “modern” than a 2010 or 2011 model, on the outside. Although, modernity is a term that changes meaning based on the individual. Take a look at the first “streamlined” cars of the 1930’s. Those were definitely sleeker than anything seen before, and possibly look more “modern” than cars even of today. So what is it that makes today’s cars seem so modern? Marketing. Advertisements. Things that make the consumer have a psychological change.
Fashion, in general, goes in cycles. Something is brought to the market, becomes fashionable, after a while it becomes old, and something “new” replaces it. But that which is now “old” may come back into fashion a few years down the road. Many of today’s fashionable products and cars are styled after items of the 1960’s and 70’s. And in 30 years, it is possible that things that were “cool” in the 90’s would be considered “cool” again. It is all due to the public’s reaction of the marketing. The main principle designers need to keep in mind is that people like new and unique things, but won’t jump into anything TOO outrageous. So there’s a balance required. This is called the MAYA principle (Most Advanced Yet Acceptable).