Organic Matters
Nature Inspired Beauty. So far this year, the seasons’ trends have been inspired by nature, bringing life to inanimate objects from tabletop to clothing. Instead of the past decade’s love […]
Whimsical Wears
“Commercial” Accessories. Accessories are at the forefront of fashion today with some designers turning everyday items and product packaging into clever, offbeat fashion pieces. It’s another form of nostalgia as […]
Her
The Smart Home. If you saw the movie, Her, you know what I’m referencing—having an operating system with which we interact and grow attached is likely not as far away as one might think. Consider the growth in digitally connected homes and technology’s pervasive encroachment into our daily lives, which […]
Entertain Me
Variety Revived. The variety show is back from its languishing in the ‘90’s+, perhaps fueled by the renewed interest in musicals over the last 5+ years (e.g., High School Musical, Glee) or based simply on talent. Enter Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, one of the few performers today who […]
One of a Kind Find
The Modern Day Bazaar. Mass is over. Consumers today want unique, original, just-for-them items—products that make them feel unique, special, and as if they are contributing to an independent individual’s […]
Delivered!
Retail at Your Door Step. The slow movement has not yet been applied to shopping behavior; rather, our intent is going the other direction, fueling our “stay at our desk and at home” mentality. Delivery services—from large companies to start-ups—are popping up to save time, simplify lives, and stave off […]
Font Power
Fonts that Distinguish. The movie, Helvetica, which came out in 2007, brought mainstream attention to the power of fonts and the impact of their design on our society. Matthew Carter, […]
Cultural Collectives
Commerce, Content, and Community. More today than ever companies are not solely purveyors of products—rather, they sell lifestyles, philosophies, and culture. Not one note—brands are becoming new forums for commerce, content, and community. The Guardian, the digital news brand of the U.K. with more than 40 million readers, now has […]
Branding for Good
Eat Your Vegetables. Anyone who has read books in the past decade on cognitive decision-making (e.g., Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely, Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman) knows that […]
Feast or Famine
Donuts or Juices. Homer Simpson would be happy—donuts seem to be making a rebound. While many new brands are still riding last year’s trend and consumers are imbibing these new […]
WEATHERVANE FORUM 