OBSERVATIONS on PLAY, TOYS and TRENDS in Addition To
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OBSERVATIONS ON PLAY, TOYS AND TRENDS In addition to providing updates on play & toy trends in the marketplace, Toy Industry Association (TIA) staff is monitoring trends in other industries that can influence future toys and games as a part of play. Brief reports and observations are provided periodically to members; questions can be directed to TIA’s toy trends team. Trends from the Runway: New York Fall Fashion Week 2015 Fashionistas around the world had their eyes on NYC September 10th -17th when New York Fashion Week (NYFW) was in full swing. Trends in fashion, much like the toy and youth space, move at the speed of light, so what’s hot this season could very well be pushed to the back of the closet by next fall! The trickle-down effect from fashion trends to youth trends is strong. From doll and DIY fashions to trends in tech, we’ve seen a lot coming off the runway in New York that toymakers should take note of. Fusing Fashion, Social Media and Tech It’s not surprising that social media and technology have been integrated into the fashion world. What we found interesting was the way that designers and brands have integrated social media and tech into their portfolio beyond wearables and their own social channels. The “STEAM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) trend that TIA first reported at Toy Fair in 2014 continues to grow in other industries. Zac Posen joined forces with Google’s Made With Code team to launch a little black dress “coded” by girls. With the goal of sparking young girls’ interest in computer science, the dress featured LED lights displaying different moving patterns. In another designer and tech collaboration, Tommy Hilfiger introduced “Twitter Halo,” a multi-camera device that captures 360 degree real time videos that can be shared on Twitter. Hilfiger used it to premiere first looks from the show. Avery Barker, Tommy Hilfiger’s chief brand and marketing officer, said that sharing shows and new collections through “innovative, original and exciting channels” will continue to be a priority for the brand going forward. Fashion Week sponsor Intel was in on the game too, introducing many tech initiatives – including drones that were flown over select venues to capture show arrivals. Potential opportunities for toymakers to style their drones or embark on a licensing venture with a designer could be on the horizon. Casual Chic For the first time ever this year, New York Fashion Week – known for showcasing far-out fashions that are elegant and somewhat unattainable to the masses – showed its more casual side, featuring lines of fitness wear, also known as “athleisure” apparel. As TIA previously reported, yoga pants and tank tops have moved beyond the gym to the mainstream. And while companies like Lululemon Athletica and Athleta continue to grow in popularity, it was only a matter of time before high-end labels and celebrities entered the arena to get a piece of the action. Tory Burch recently announced her Tory Sport label and had a pop-up store during NYFW, and earlier this year high-end designer Derek Lam worked with Athleta on a sporty line. Calia by Carrie, launched by country singer and “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood, also had a fashion show and pop-up last week. She joins other celebrities in the fitness wear market, like actress Kate Hudson, who has her own athleisure line called Fabletics. TIA continues to monitor this trend to see how it evolves and impacts the tastes and lifestyle habits of today’s youth. Boho and Tie Dye Fashionista.com reported that there was a bohemian vibe in the air, fueled by multiple sightings of tie dye on the catwalk in colorful palettes from the likes of BCBG Max Azria, Raquel Allegra and Altuzarra. It was also noted that patchwork / DIY is on the rise, giving 2016 collections a very retro and beachy feel. There is a great opportunity for innovative toymakers to create DIY kits that would allow young designers to create their very own looks that mirror the catwalk right at home. Beachy / boho stylings can also be applied to tons of toys, from die cast cars to kites, balls and puzzles, to name a few. These are just some of the fashion trends that are expected to have an influence on what’s happening in the youth space. We hope to have provided some information or inspiration for your next big idea. Check back with us regularly for more parallel industry trends. About the Author Adrienne Appell is the Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) leading trend specialist. She maintains close communication with TIA members to stay abreast of what’s new, next and cutting-edge in the toy industry and is constantly on the lookout for trends in other industries that will cross over to influence future playthings. Adrienne can be reached at 646.520.4863 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Posted September 18, 2015 .