Obsessed with aesthetics, society embarks on the eternal makeover
Implications - Consumers still place tremendous importance on aesthetics, despite the existence of campaigns championing inner beauty over physical attractiveness and product functionality over external design. Makeovers of every kind run the gamut, with everything from iconic cartoons to plane interiors receiving generous revamps. Technology, especially, is an area in which the continual search for aesthetic betterment seems never-ending.
Trend Themes
1. Aesthetic Obsession - Consumers still place tremendous importance on aesthetics, leading to continuous makeovers, revamps and redesigns that run the gamut from laptops to superhero figurines to planes.
2. Retro Revival - Designs that feature an element from the past appeal to shoppers who want to be reminded of the simpler times, leading to products such as digital album covers, 8-bit games, and revamped Polaroid cameras.
3. Hyper-luxurious Upgrades - From the most expensive MacBook ever created to BMW's pimped-out plane interiors to the Chrome Hearts Barbie Doll, businesses are catering to a small but affluent market that is willing to pay top dollar for hyper-luxury products.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - The trend towards continuous aesthetic makeovers from laptops to smartphones points towards opportunities for innovative new designs and materials in the electronics market.
2. Collectibles/ Toymakers - The popularity of new interpretations such as Ame-Comi figures and Cube Dudes points to opportunities for toy and collectible makers to push the boundaries with new designs and mash-ups.
3. Luxury Goods - From the BMW aircraft interior to the MacBook Air Platinum, there is a market niche that is drawn to hyper-luxurious products and is willing to pay top dollar, presenting opportunities for luxury goods companies to innovate in this area.
