Editorial
Some motifs rise and sink in our collective consciousness, the inevitable consequence of a complex web of social and cultural factors. Part of the forecaster’s remit is to spot the ebb and flow of this popularity; here we look at the sinuous appeal of seaweed.
Velvety and rich, Carmine has a chameleon-like quality, strong and opulent enough to make a statement but with just enough subtlety to play a supporting role in current and future palettes.
Dogs as a recurring design motif, from historic portraits to playful urban prints. From pugs to dachshunds, dogs appear on textiles, wallpapers and accessories.
Cloud motifs continue their rise, from surrealist art to streetwear and kitsch accessories. Soft pastels, pictograms and nostalgic references define this latest wave of enduring cloud-inspired design.
Like the wheel, inventing rope was a game changer. Without this twisted cord there would have been no sail boats, no musical instruments, no pulley systems for building the pyramids. Furniture too was transformed, and this legacy continues to be felt today.
The destructive force of fire has acted as a driver for many design decisions, from material innovation to protective systems. Yet fire can be used in creative processes too, forming strikingly beautiful objects and architecture.
Many of the most intense and brilliant colours are produced by synthetic dyes that cause considerable environmental damage. This clearly has to change, but can nature feed the consumer demand for mood-boosting, dopamine brights?
Sometimes consumers just want a little bit of unabashed prettiness and this sugary confection of a pink more than delivers. Yet, alongside its reputation for slightly retrograde sweetness, this colour can also prove surprisingly anarchic.