Week 5 EOC: Trend Predictions

For next year's trend forecast, I predict that the hourglass will make its way back on to the runway. We have seen frequent boxed silhouettes that last two seasons and I think the sexy woman should emerge now. If it is economic troubles that are influencing these boyish trends, then so be it. It still is not an excuse to forget why your a woman. Progressive brands are moving away from traditional advertising methodologies and opting for consumer insights to connect authentically to the market. Still, traditional brand-owners are not yet ready to accept that qualitative trends and consumer emotion are driving the market. Another trend prediction of mine are pastel colors. I observe the grunge and punk rock fads will eventually fad and themes will become more softer and bring back the strength of femininity. I believe advertisements should direct their attention to the older generations, they are making a comeback. Since times are rough, the baby-boom generation are fighting for their last will-in-testament before they finally retire. These next trends need to display comfort and agility for those cougar moms and sugar dads.  Today’s youth interacts with brands that connect with it on an emotional level. They want to feel that a brand belongs and connects to their lives. They are interested in co-creating with brands and want to feel that they can influence product design, marketing, events and communications.Today's youth are concerned with only themselves, so its time to give the parents and grandparents some attention because they still exist in society and we as young folk look up to them. Young people are still finding who they are, so even if the advertisements are toward older people, if the fashion is trendy, most likely they will wear it.
So many companies focus on their immediate competition for marketplace trends. I preach the gospel to brands about ‘looking sideways’ at products and brands in markets beyond their own. Radical innovations come about when elements from very different worlds are brought together.

Brands now need to be authentic and real; it’s about honesty and sincerity.