This new year has the potential to be a time of regrouping with moderate changes in the way we live, dress, eat, work and are entertained. Some predictions:
Work
President Barack Obama is putting a lot of faith in the growth of small businesses — and those who are unemployed or underemployed probably will, too. Small businesses already employ the majority of U.S. workers, and, as holiday shoppers might have noticed, some local outfits are taking over mall space previously occupied by national retailers.
But even companies with substantial space are moving away from a large physical footprint. Employees might find themselves “hoteling”: giving up a permanent desk in favor of roving between multiple locations, including home.
Further adding to a nomadic work force: Many companies will look to hire employees on a contract basis, avoiding the risks and costs of full-time staff, said Jim Carroll, futurist, trends and innovations expert and author of “Ready, Set, Done: How to Innovate When Faster is the New Fast.”
Entertainment
Women are where it’s at in the world of entertainment — and we’re talking “women” not “girls” for the most part. Forty-something women, especially Sandra Bullock, had a banner year in 2009, and their influence is expected to continue.
Bonnie Fuller, editor-in-chief of HollywoodLife.com, thinks Hollywood executives will take notice of the success of Julianna Margulies, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Kyra Sedgwick and their peers, developing movies and TV shows that give them roles that show evolving, desirable sexy characters who don’t hide from their age.
Lady Gaga has also put her own mark on pop culture, observed trend analyst Julian: “She’s the next pop culture personality to take us into the next several decades.”
As for all the reality TV? It may be time for the Reality Check Era, said Rita Nakouzi, director of Promostyl Americas, a trend forecasting agency.
With the depressed economy, many people are turning away from aspirations to live the glamorous life and stepping back to assess what’s important, she said.
Home
Expect “green” to become more than a buzzword now that the financial interests of homeowners became part of the equation.
Architect John Doyle said energy efficiency became a real priority.
New homes will be smaller, with compartmentalized living that allows people to essentially shut off sections that aren’t being used — perhaps guest rooms or bedrooms for teenagers who go off to college, Doyle predicted.
And look for more emphasis on design that maximizes efficiency, such as orienting a home in a colder region to take advantage of southern sun. Technology has its place too: Just like smart phones are managing people’s lives, smart houses will allow people to remotely turn on and off lights and appliances and adjust heat. That will just further challenge the personal computer to keep up with mobile devices, said retail and branding consultant Tom Julian.
Living
Upcycling is the evolution of recycling, reusing materials to turn them into something more valuable or upscale than they were in their first life.
This movement started with crafters, but it’s gone mainstream and is even becoming a profitable business for some, especially with consumer studies showing a willingness to pay more for green products. Think of those handbags made from old candy wrappers, sold for exponentially more money than a bag of M&Ms.
Modelinia.com, a fashion-model Web site, just started a series of online videos called “P.S. I Made This” that teach viewers how to turn holiday ribbons into wearable bows and how to use household tchotchkes into charm bracelets.
Food
The latest flavors are coming from the great American melting pot, said Kay Logsdon, vice president and managing editor at foodchannel.com. That means new pairings — a little from this country and a little bit from that country.
Meanwhile, all those gluten-free products that are creeping onto supermarket shelves are probably here to stay with the increased awareness of moderate gluten intolerance.
And sodium may be the new carb. New York City health officials — who already banned trans fats and required calorie postings in restaurants — are now spearheading a campaign to reduce salt levels in processed and restaurant foods.
The American Heart Association is encouraging food manufacturers and restaurants to reduce the amount of sodium by 50 percent over a 10-year period.
Fashion
The economy remains the grounding factor in fashion that will keep people primarily investing in classic items, said Dannielle Kyrillos, editor at large for DailyCandy.com.
Expect sturdier fabrics, neutral colors — grays and browns — and versatile pieces, said Sharon Graubard, senior vice president of trend analysis for Stylesight.
But whimsy may also make a comeback. Kyrillos and Julian both expect Tim Burton’s film version of “Alice in Wonderland,” due out this spring, to be a pop-culture hit that affects fashion.
Shopping will be a more democratic exercise now that luxury brands are using social media, said Sojin Lee, founder of Fashionair.com, a fashion Web site that deconstructs the catwalk for useful tips.
The style-savvy consumer will also be able to participate in fashion shows, at least online. Ralph Lauren recently debuted a new digital runway for its Rugby line that allows users to style the looks and then purchase them off the digital catwalk while the models strut to music in a virtual 3-D environment.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
