Discover WGSN's 2025 trend forecast! From Therapeutic Laziness to AI Companionship, learn how these trends will shape fashion, beauty, interiors, and more. Get ready to inspire, create, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.
The Evolution of Trends: A Journey Through Time
Trends are the heartbeat of culture, evolving constantly to reflect societal shifts, technological advancements, and consumer desires. But have you ever wondered where trends began and why they hold such sway over industries and individuals alike? Understanding their roots provides a fascinating lens into human behavior, commerce, and the mechanisms that guide our choices. I did my own research to look into trend history.
The first recorded “trend” can be traced back to the Renaissance period, when fashion began to shift rapidly among the elite of Europe. The desire to emulate royalty and demonstrate wealth led to the first recognizable fashion cycles. However, trends in broader contexts—art, architecture, and even food—can be identified throughout history. These shifts were driven by cultural exchange, technological innovations, and societal needs, showing that the concept of trends is as old as civilization itself.
As a fashion director, I see trends as more than fleeting waves—they are cultural barometers that reflect the collective psyche of society. Trends reveal what people value, fear, and desire at any given moment, making them a fascinating study in human behavior. My role is to interpret these signals and translate them into compelling stories, designs, and experiences that resonate with consumers. Whether it’s the rise of therapeutic laziness as a response to burnout or the nostalgic pull of the “Forever Young Adult” movement, trends are deeply rooted in our need for connection, escapism, and self-expression. For me, trends are not just about following the crowd—they’re about understanding why the crowd is moving in a particular direction and leading them somewhere new.
The beauty of trends lies in their ability to unify creativity and commerce. As a director, I’ve witnessed how aligning with the right trend can transform a brand, making it culturally relevant and commercially successful. The trick is balance: staying ahead of the curve while ensuring the brand’s identity remains intact. I’m particularly inspired by how today’s trends, like the rise of AI companionship or the global pantry movement, blend innovation with emotional depth. These shifts challenge us to design with purpose and sensitivity, showing that trends are not just about what’s next—they’re about what’s meaningful. Ultimately, my perspective on trends is guided by one principle: the best trends don’t follow—they inspire.
Why Are Trends So Popular? 10 Key Reasons
- Identity Expression: Trends allow individuals to showcase their identity and align with specific social groups.
- Cultural Relevance: Staying on-trend keeps individuals and brands culturally relevant.
- Innovation Showcase: Trends often highlight cutting-edge technology or new ideas.
- Social Connectivity: They act as conversation starters and build community.
- Aspirational Living: Trends inspire people to elevate their lifestyles.
- Emotional Appeal: They tap into nostalgia, excitement, or curiosity.
- Accessibility: Trends make high-end concepts more approachable and mainstream.
- Economic Impact: Businesses thrive by creating and leveraging trends.
- Media Amplification: Social media and influencers magnify the visibility of trends.
- Creative Inspiration: Trends fuel creativity across industries, from fashion to tech.
Why Being “On-Trend” is Vital for Brands
Brands that embrace and innovate around trends find themselves at the forefront of consumer mindsets. Staying ahead of the curve demonstrates cultural awareness, which can be critical in forging emotional connections with audiences. Marketing campaigns tied to trending topics, colors, or lifestyle shifts resonate deeply and generate buzz.
WGSN’s Top Trends for 2025: A Look Into Tomorrow
As the global authority on trend forecasting, WGSN unveils the transformative movements that will shape industries in 2025 and beyond. Here’s a sneak peek at the future:
- Therapeutic Laziness: A luxurious embrace of rest, redefining wellness through tactile hedonism.
- The Forever Young Adult: Youth culture reshaping timelines and nostalgia-fueled consumer habits.
- The Global Pantry: Kitchens becoming cultural melting pots of international flavors.
- Day-Jamas: Versatile sleepwear blurring the lines between function and fashion.
- AI Companionship: Addressing loneliness through emotionally intelligent technology.
- Soft Adventure: Low-barrier outdoor activities promoting health and connection.
- Fake Food Decor: Playful designs bridging nostalgia and surrealism.
Each trend reflects deep societal needs, from escapism and sustainability to inclusivity and joy.
WGSN’s Top Trends for 2025
- Day-jamas (WGSN Fashion)
Versatile and vibrant, Day-jamas blur the line between loungewear and activewear. Infused with wellness ingredients like collagen and CBD, these pieces transition effortlessly from beach to bar to bed, responding to travel constraints and the growing demand for multifunctional resortwear. - Therapeutic Laziness (WGSN Beauty)
Embracing the art of intentional rest, this trend transforms ‘bed rotting’ into a sophisticated self-care ritual. Think sensorial bedding, beauty-enhancing sleep products, and AI-enhanced sleep spaces. Therapeutic Laziness redefines rest as a luxury in response to global burnout. - Fake Food (WGSN Interiors)
Delightful and whimsical, this trend brings surrealism into everyday life with hyper-realistic food-inspired decor. From soft-serve-shaped dog toys to popcorn vases, Fake Food sparks joy through nostalgic, playful, and premium designs that appeal to every palate. - AI Companionship (WGSN Consumer Tech)
Addressing global loneliness, AI Companionship offers emotional support through humanoid robots, wearable AI, and digital assistants. These technologies redefine relationships with machines, blending innovation and empathy for a more connected future. - Future Dusk (WGSN Colour of the Year)
A mesmerizing dark blue hue, Future Dusk represents stability and escapism. Earthy yet cosmic, it reflects the need for transformative, emotionally resonant colors that captivate the senses and inspire awe in both digital and physical spaces. - Soft Adventure (WGSN Sports & Outdoor)
Accessible and inclusive, Soft Adventure covers low-skill outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. As demographic shifts and economic challenges reshape lifestyles, this trend emphasizes wellness and exploration for participants of all ages. - The Global Pantry (WGSN Food & Drink)
Global flavors dominate kitchens worldwide. Pantries now house condiments like Chinese chili crisp, Mexican salsa macha, and Japanese yuzu kosho. This culinary shift celebrates diversity and introduces adventurous tastes to home cooking. - The Forever Young Adult (WGSN Insight)
Youth culture evolves, with adulthood delayed and nostalgia driving consumer behavior. From retro games to collectible merch, brands must connect with a ‘forever young’ audience who prioritize cultural and emotional resonance over traditional timelines.
Why It Matters
From small businesses to global enterprises, understanding trends allows companies to innovate and resonate with their consumers. By aligning with trends, brands gain a competitive edge, drive growth, and foster loyalty in an ever-changing marketplace.
WGSN’s foresight not only predicts but also empowers brands to act decisively, creating products and services that define the future.
Get Inspired, Stay Ahead
Embrace the trends that excite and challenge you. Whether you’re looking for personal inspiration or business growth, staying ahead of the curve ensures relevance in a world driven by innovation and creativity. For more insights, explore WGSN’s expertise and future-proof your strategy today.
About the Author:
Joseph DeAcetis is a visionary force in the world of fashion, celebrated as one of the finest wardrobe stylists and art directors of his generation. His expertise and creativity have earned him accolades throughout the industry, placing him at the forefront of fashion’s evolution. Joseph’s work seamlessly weaves together style, culture, art, and fashion, with a special focus on the shifting landscape of menswear.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Joseph has had the privilege of styling and even interviewing global icons such as Elon Musk, Justin Bieber, Richard Branson, Katy Perry, Tom Brady, and A$AP Rocky, to name just a few. His influence extends beyond styling, as he has also been a prolific writer, contributing award-winning columns to esteemed publications like Esquire, People Magazine, Robb Report, and Playboy. His deep insights and captivating storytelling have established him as a leading voice in fashion journalism.
Joseph most recently served as Creative Fashion Director at Forbes Media, where his dual role as critic and reporter allowed him to explore the intersection of technology and fashion, always championing the transformative power of style. As the founder and president of POTRO, the premier Latinx menswear brand, Joseph is redefining modern menswear with a commitment to celebrating Latinx heritage and craftsmanship.
With an authoritative yet relatable voice, Joseph DeAcetis continues to inspire and influence the world of fashion, setting new standards for success and innovation.
Comments, questions, or feedback? visit me at stylelujo.com
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