I recently launched a newsletter specifically for designers. I was inspired after taking a class about trends at h+h Americas earlier this year, and wanted to share all the things I had learned. This week, I think I really nailed it with the newsletter. So much so that I want to share it with you here.
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The Designer Stitch
Consumer Trends
This week I've got an overall consumer trend to share with you that you can easily incorporate into your designs: The Forever Young Adult
Also known as kidults, these are people who seek refuge, escapism and joy in references to the past. They relish nostalgia. Frankly, I find myself identifying with this very strongly. The Finnish publishing house Otava just released a book full of
Moomin knitting patterns, and I absolutely
need to get a copy.
If you have specific ideas, please let me know what you'd like to see.
The Forever Young Adult
A few themes you might consider incorporating into your designs.
Xennials like me (born 1977-1983) were teenagers during the 90s. The color palettes of that decade are burned into our retinas. And while I chose one style for the image, there are less neon ways to tap into the decade. I found this cool article that has 8 greatly varied palettes, all inspired by the 90s. If you prefer the 80s, check out this one.
While I'm sure that you're fully capable of designing a knit or crochet slip dress, there are other ways to tap into this fashion trend, too. Remember the cardigans and baby tees we used to wear with them? Bandanas aren't exclusively a slip dress accessory, but they're also back in style. Especially in crochet.
Toys and games from the 80s and 90s are also a great place to draw inspiration from. Think Barbie, Hot Wheels, My Little Pony, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dungeons & Dragons, MAGIC: The Gathering and more. Obviously explicit representations of these are protected by copyright, but you can use their colors and themes for inspiration.
I've been playing all my favorite "kids" movies as background noise while I work lately. Aladdin, Mulan, Anastasia, Lion King, An American Tail, Kiki's Delivery Service. I want to watch A Land Before Time, but it's not on any of the services I pay for. If it came out on VHS, especially in a plastic clamshell, it's on my list. Again, there are copyright rules to consider, but these have plenty of inspiration material.
I hope you've found the content of this newsletter helpful. I'd love to hear what you think about it!
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