2026 Trend Predictions: Aesthetics and Ventures you’re about to see Everywhere Next Year

Yet another year is upon us and with that we must pull out our crystal ball (and maybe also our tin hats) to make predictions for what we think will be trending in 2026. Last Year’s Trend Predictions were a mixed bag, but let’s recap: 

LOOKING BACK:
OUR 2025

2025 Trend 1: Serving Hunt looked promising when I spotted these Make America Gay Again Baseball Caps on @shopjzd followed by @natbco of Washington Post’s 1.5M views on her fishing vest turned carry on travel hack. I had a full blown giggle at @gingeralepricess’s documentation of her local Limited Too being turned into a gun range while crime drama The Hunting Wives on Netflix drew about 5.2 million views in early 2025. Our client Dental Hygiene Nation took a stab at the great outdoors with their Camp Courage theme subscription box fit with plaids, packing cubes, camo and trucker hats. Unfortunately, 2025 brought us a second Trump administration (booooo. tomato, tomato) which has become not only a threat to our environment & our National Parks, but an alarming assault on human dignity, via ICE Raids, restrictive laws on women’s health care, and an all out attempt to erase LGBTQ+ progress and freedoms. Despite all this (which will inevitably come up MANY MORE times in this Trend Prediction. Read: Politics is Shaping your Marketing Strategy whether you Like it or Not), Drag Queen and outdoorsy icon @pattiegonia kept serving us iconic activism and action with their 100 miles in drag to raise $1M for 8 different outdoor nonprofits at the end of this year (with nary a brand sponsor, mind you!). Carrying on…

2025 Trend 2: Crafted Comeback …and comeback it did. Because of skyrocketing inflation, unpredictable tariffs, evident increases in cost of living, and the ever-present internet sludge that is AI Slop (...and this is even coming from someone who actually does enjoy using AI to make visuals) more people are turning to hand crafted, tactile, hand-made textiles, pastimes and gifts. According to Reuters, Etsy Quarterly Revenue is on the up and up and Junk journaling had the tiktok girlies harvesting all their trash and tacking down their treasures as a screen time alternative (do Gen Z-er’s have an ephemera fetish?). Even the death of the beloved crafter’s paradise Joann’s didn’t stop the crafters from getting busy: clay sculpting, rug tufting, mug painting, crochet knitting and needlepoint stitching quickly climbed search ranks and pinterest boards.  Our branding client Hotel Lobby Candle even launched a collaboration with Anthropologie on a needlepoint and mahjong inspired candle set. You’d be hard pressed (a craft pun) to not find evidence of the craft obsession in your favorite brand’s feeds as even social media content starts to feel more tactile (see @summerfridays, @loewe, @bode). But tread lightly crafters!!! Trad Wives are quick on your tail. What on the surface feels like a conservative swing towards homemaking and traditional heteronormative gender roles has a darker underbelly rooted in sexism, racism & transphobia along with being a threat to the future of feminism (and the deep irony that creators who recommend the trad wife life content are still… on the internet making content telling you that you shouldn’t. What a switcheroo).

2025 Trend 3: Do Not Disturb Deluxe was unmissable in 2025. Nothing beats a Jet2Holiday when you’re biohacking your way to greater wellness in the name of luxury offline tourism: Sleep Tourism, Elite Medical Retreats, Puerto Rico x Calm App, and the rise of Resort core to coordinate with your Celine branded weights and kettlebells. Collectively we are ooh and aah-ing at the opportunity to ‘be well’ (sooo…sleep? Take care of our bodies and minds? Unplug? Undergo the Severance procedure?). Much like the chaos that unfolds at the White Lotus which debuted season 3 in early 2025 which kicked up a good deal of Thai tourism, many a brand collab and my own series of vocal ticks quoting Parker Posey’s “Piper, no!”. We sauna’d, cold plunged, red lighted, and vibration plated to get a taste of the wellness world and try to alleviate the stress and anxiety onslaught of online algorithms, but we could be on the dawn of Recession Wellness. Time will tell.

2025 Trend 4: Monument or Make Believe’s comically oversized product placements popped off in 2025 even as AI versions and IRL ones become almost indistinguishable. @peoplebrandsandthings and @studiosmuse_ noted this as trending in early spring. Moet, Mac, & Coachella went inflatable while Glossier, Farm Rio, Rhode and Skims built full-on larger than life product replicas and set pieces. Timothy Chalamet is currently promoting his newest movie Marty Supreme via 135 ft blimp (among other buzzy marketing tactics), which makes it part of movie studio A24’s largest production budget to date. Although this trend prediction forecasted how big brands would use physically built OOH installations to challenge the viewer’s idea of what is AI and what isn’t, the current Trump administration and White House social media pages all year have posted, reposted and meme-ified their policies. “Welcome to the United States’ first White House administration to embrace and use imagery generated by artificial intelligence in everyday communication.” (Trump’s White House is testing the limits of AI-driven political messaging, Poynter) Need I mention the video of Trump dropping feces from a fighter jet onto fellow Americans protesting him during No Kings Day protests or AI-ing himself as the Pope? I so wish that wasn’t a real sentence. But it’s not over yet, folks! Trump has recently signed an executive order blocking states from enforcing their own AI regulations which triggers my dad’s voice in my head saying “don’t believe everything you see on the internet.” And yet…

And yet I’m asking you to take a wild ride with me!
Let’s get into the Trends that I *think* (Believe? Manifest? Placebo?) will be everywhere in 2026:

TREND 1: Star-Spangled Spanglish and Vibrant Maximal Multiculturalism 🇵🇷 🌴 🎨

At this point you’ll know that… yes, this is political. Design is political. Art is political. Entrepreneurship is political. So it should come as no surprise that we’re bringing the spice with our first trend prediction. To understand what this actually is, let’s first look at what this trend is NOT and why it’s happening right now. To me, this trend is best described by what it’s a rejection of: a rejection of white supremacy, a rejection of regressive conservative politics (cough Trad Wife), and on a lighter note a rejection of millennial gray, the Pantone Color of the Year and the clean girl aesthetic. We’ve anesthetized ourselves from flavor, from color, from ornament. It’s why all coffee shops look the same, why we’re falling victim to “Netflix lighting”, and why all fast food chains have become big gray boxes: for max profit & conformity. The thing about ornament is that it takes time, costs money, requires skill, and is often embedded in soooo much culture and tradition. Enter: What I’m calling Star Spangled Spanglish & Vibrant Maximal Multiculturalism

My hope is that the cultural pendulum swings once again (remember Obama era Hope Core?). Away from white supremacy and white american conservatism back towards this new era of embracing multiculturalism and intersectionality. Star Spangled Spanglish starts sparking with Bad Bunny’s Superbowl halftime show marking the “first time in the Super Bowl’s 60-year history that an artist who exclusively performs in a language other than English will headline” which is not being embraced by the conservative right, i.e. Turning Point USA hosting their own all-american half time.

But what does Bad Bunny represent in 2026? After opting to do a residency in his home country of Puerto Rico and specifically not touring in the US because of ICE raids, Bad Bunny and other top Latin Artists like Rosalia (who just sang 13 different languages in her latest song Berghain on Lux by the way) represent an undeniable dedication to their culture, displaying ultimate pride and vibrance. The multicultural influence is palpable from musical influence, to personal fashion, to set design, to album art, to political activism, and beyond. Pride and vibrance were two visual characteristics so obviously driving the bus (get it) in Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign graphics in New York City. Zohran’s historic win will cement him as NYC’s first muslim and asian american mayor. Bold blues, bright red, classic taxi cab yellow and clear, concise, inclusive messaging that gave the feeling of a hand painted corner bodega street sign or window display. Connecting people to place, message to messenger, and aesthetic to thought leadership.

But let’s not forget sports! Upcoming this year: the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan (see its branding here) with “energy, enthusiasm, inclusiveness, and creative talent” as the key drivers of the visual aesthetics that “invite visitors from around the world to experience the revitalized ‘Italian Spirit’”. This Olympics design features more of a shift decisively toward human gesture, emotional elegance, reflecting a softer, more expressive global visual culture than typical sports and olympic design. Also coming in 2026? FIFA World Cup (see its branding here). Its design is loud, kinetic, and emotionally charged & set to be the most viewed sporting event in history, as it is jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Around 5 billion people worldwide watched some part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup making it the most watched sporting event on the planet, and that was 4 years ago. This year’s tournament could mark a cultural tipping point for Americans, bringing soccer fully into the U.S. mainstream through unprecedented exposure, nationwide host-city energy, and a surge in fandom that extends far beyond traditional soccer (majority spanish speaking) audiences.

Star Spangled Spanglish & Vibrant Maximal Multiculturalism marks a rejection of whitewashed minimalism in favor of loud, colorful, culturally rooted design. Driven by Latin resilience, inclusive political visuals, and global moments that re-center pride around multicultural identity in the American visual landscape, here’s what to keep your eyes peeled for in 2026:

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

BRANDING & DESIGN = Vibrant Multiculturalism presents itself in full saturation. Bold, loud color palettes that use the full color wheel. Colors with high contrast in close proximity bring maximum energy: Deep reds with vibrant greens, blues and oranges bumping right next to one another, purples and yellows not muddied or mellowed by palette cleansing beiges or greiges. Think BIG lettering, fonts and typefaces with a visible weight to them. Also ones with maximum amounts of ornament, detail, and craftsmanship that call from a deep history of human tradition, influenced by local artisans. Inspiration pulled from museums, archives, and old drawers at your auntie’s house before global tech and the internet diluted them. Textures, symbols & patterns (like stars and stripes) tell a story here. Kehinde Wiley’s portraits come to mind. Layered textiles, multicolor weavings, expressive carvings, and punchy portraits invite us to stay longer, take in every little detail and appreciate the hands that made them. We reach for people, places, and things that feel like a celebration of life, culture, and connection.

At MKW Creative Co, three of our branding projects come to mind: Studio Tigre, Galavant Society & Same Skin. Studio Tigre is the brainchild of coffee entrepreneur Mo Maravilla (a connection from Cafe Operator Erica Escalante of Cafe Reina) who is creating a one of a kind coffee universe in Los Angeles that will blend her Filipino heritage with global coffee education and borrow from culinary and cultural traditions worldwide. Alle Pierce of Galavant Society launched with the tagline: Travel for the Fabulously Curious catering to travelers who want to live out loud by seeking adventures that bring them to new cultures, customs and communities. Same Skin has become a community hub for women of all colors and backgrounds to reconnect to their roots and one another.

PHOTO & VIDEO = If I were to creative direct a photoshoot for this trend, I’d channel photographers like Campbell Addy, Rafael Pavarotti, Dana Scruggs, or Alex Webb & Rebecca Norris Webb: bold, brilliant, big on personality. Media that caught my eye includes Indian and East Asian influence like:  @paperplanesfest collage reel, @ayaan.stuff_’s Indian Maximalism visualizer, @lottosportindia, @andahalfph or brazilian collage maximalism like this animation from Farm Rio.  I loved this brand film for Puma x Ahluwalia because the styling, lighting, comedic camera work, and melting pot of cultures hits all the right notes. Expect to see multiple languages in photo, video, podcasts and other digital media complete with translated subtitles that are part of the design and not a functional afterthought (most of Gen Z watches content with subtitles already).

PRINT, OOH & IN-PERSON = The physical manifestation of vibrant maximal multiculturalism comes through in signage. We saw @koysun painting the Zohran Logo and many of the designs I created for the No Kings Day rallies carried the same styles. This trend begs for print treatment similar to Fishwife’s Costco Packaging or coffee brand Lavazza’s Pleasure Makes us Human Calendar. But designers beware, you might have to make room for multiple translations on your product packaging. “The multilingual packaging market is set to witness notable expansion over the coming years” (from Yahoo Finance). AI tools may aid in translation, but regulation compliance from country to country varies. Product design collaborations will give emerging designers & tastemakers a chance to leave their thumbprint on brand DNA like Crocs x Salehe Brembury where the sole of the shoe was reimagined to look like a literal fingerprint.

FASHION & CULTURE = In fashion and culture, turn to the brands with a trusted track record for this bright, bold, detailed and deeply cultural aesthetic: Carolina Herrera, The Jungalow, La DoubleJ, Farm Rio lead the charge. On the consumer brand front? Tepache Soda, Diaspora Spice Co., Siete Foods, Fly by Jing, Ghia Apertif. Forbes predicts a multitude of brand activations in and around the FIFA world cup including wearables & merch that celebrate diversity.

Brands that should do this soon:

Not touched on yet but worth mentioning is the reason this trend will work for brands is because it’s *actually* authentic. Authentic to the founder story, the historical context, the message, the product or the community actually being served. Brands that could take notes on this in 2026 would be the ones that claimed DEI was a core value, yet eliminated these practices when Trump was back in office (looking at you, Target). Interior design and home brands could do a better job at celebrating where and how they source from artisans. Food and beverage brands could educate and celebrate their ingredients with an homage to cultural traditions. Personal brands, politicians and public figures please take a page from Bad Bunny’s playbook: people first, profit second. Want to tune in for more? Listen to Ep 201: Building a Global Brand with Shay Bacani and Ep 234: Self-Loyalty and Business Success.

TREND 2: Medieval Romanesque Revival 🌞⚔️🥀

Gather round ye lords and ladies, we’re going back in time. At first you might think this trend sounds more Halloween than happening but I’m here to point out some striking similarities between the medieval period and modern times. The Medieval Era was structured around feudalism: a rigid social system where land = power. Lords owned the land; peasants worked it. Peasants were ~90% of the population (see where I’m going here). This period, also known as the Middle Ages, generally spans from around 500 AD to 1500 AD in European history and the Black Plague struck Europe primarily between 1347 and 1351, killing an estimated 30–50% of the population in just a few years (getting flashbacks yet?). Themes of power consolidation, economic stratification & institutionalized information gatekeepers lead to technological asymmetry: where a small elite understands and controls advanced tools (cough cough AI, data, algorithms), while most people who use them don’t have the power to affect change within them.

As trust in large systems erodes, people retreat into smaller, values-based communities (digital guilds, niche networks, mutual aid). They’ll use strong visual identities, symbols, flags, fandoms, and belief systems that signal allegiance & belonging. What might feel far-fetched or confused for cosplay of a fantasy land far far behind us historically may just become part of how we tell stories about our current realities: heroes and villains, good vs. evil, masters, makers, bravery and lore. It’s why Modern Couples are Reviving the Medieval Style Wedding according to New York Times. Vogue highlighted how motifs like armor-like silhouettes, brocades, patterned velvets, and imagery connected to knights and courtly figures appeared across collections from brands such as Fendi, Dries Van Noten, Ulla Johnson, Victoria Beckham, and Schiaparelli.

This trend piques our interest in symbolism, mysticism, and more eyes than usual on Catholicism (thanks to a new American Pope that was elected in May on 2025). The Vatican reports a growing global Catholic population. More young people are returning to faith and religiosity. “Historically, every period of secularization (that is, declining rates of religious adherence) in the United States has been followed by a period of religious revival.” (Patheos) While they won’t be sitting in grand medieval basilicas in the US of A per se, Christian and Catholic religious iconography will undoubtedly leave a visual impression on the cult… I mean culture.

Culturally, themes of medieval debauchery circle back around every generation. Monty Python and the Holy Grail just turned 50, Braveheart just turned 30, and Shrek is turning 25 in 2026 (yes, you’re that old). In modern entertainment, Season 3 of GOT's House of the Dragon is expected to premiere in early summer 2026, most likely June 2026 and A Knight of Seven Kingdoms Game of Thrones prequel hits HBO January 2026 bringing themes of feudal inheritance & bloodline obsession, lords, banner men, and allegiance, land as power, ritual, heraldry, and symbolism.

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

BRANDING & DESIGN = Medieval Revival style is easy to spot. Its key visuals are driven by the materiality of wood, stone, iron, sheathed in velvet, wool, linen and leather. The color palettes are earthy muted earthy browns, dull reds, golds, greens, and blues. Its handmade construction is imperfect, rudimentary, and romanesque. Subjects are deeply hierarchical and highly, highly symbolic. 

A Medieval Romanesque Revival aesthetic features castles, villages, monks, manuscripts, peasants, armor, sword-and-shield-yielding knights depicted on tattered tapestries. But beyond the grand storytelling, there’s also a humility to its design. It’s not dainty, frilly, or pastel but strong, tough, weathered, and historical.

A brand from our portfolio that carries these qualities is Amador Wine Country’s recent rebrand (coming to our site soon!). We pulled inspiration from traditional European winemaking traditions and also called back to the more recent 1970s medieval revival with Spanish and Italian inspired typefaces, linocut style etching illustrations, and textures like oak, steel, stone and iron. What we created is a brand that is earthy, rustic, and just what it says it is… good wine for honest people who work the land and enjoy the fruits of their labor (and the juice).

PHOTO & VIDEO = In photo, video and design Medieval Romanesque revival looks like @jacob.hutch’s medieval stamp designs and Marco Zamora’s interior design DIYs. @historywithmeg’s medieval scroll break and @polina_meshkova’s medieval girl’s day at a castle. Visually, @alana.28 is the face of this trend racking up 375k followers watching along as she seemingly time travels through fashion, beauty and presentation. Museum archivists are getting their flowers with accounts sharing content like Getty Museum medieval Illuminations Series & medieval books. Even Medieval memes are having their moment. Can’t forget Trisha Payta’s Tavern for the wayward travla. This is what the Medieval Romanesque Revival sounds like to me. Florence + the Machine get it. They  just dropped a very medieval influenced album ‘Everybody Scream’ on Halloween. Similarly, Rosalia’s Lux is a “God-haunted masterpiece”.

PRINT, OOH & IN-PERSON = Immersive fantasy takes root in Medieval Times, Ren Faires, and concerts in 2026. Esquire takes us Inside the Very Peculiar and Wildly Popular World of Armored Medieval Combat. One of Scandinavia's biggest medieval events, featuring jousting, markets, and workshops happens August 2-9 (Medieval Week Gotland) and many US states from Arizona to Montana to New Jersey are hosting their own versions in 2026. Millions have watched Medieval Times Theme Dinners gain in popularity on tiktok and so is eating like a medieval peasant see @eatshistory.

When it comes to print design, remember that the medieval period predates the printing press so anything ‘print’ was actually a handmade object. Text was copied by hand onto parchment paper with ink made from soot and plant dyes. Pages were imperfect, drawn by hand, and marginalia or notes and illustrations in the margins of large blocks of text were common practice. The vast majority of people could not read or write (estimated about 5-15% could) and was reserved for nobility, clergy, and the high court. Art, illustration, frescoes and stained glass became visualizers for stories and fables. Founded in 1221, Apothecary and Fragrance House Santa Maria Novella of Florence, Italy does this look exceptionally well.

FASHION & CULTURE = Fashion houses and decor brands alike have embraced the medieval influence like @houseofhackney, @dulcetghost medieval apartment inspiration,artist and designer @friedaleopold mixes historical elements with modern fashion. Chrome Hearts is a masterclass in medieval inspired high fashion. Almost all of my homework for this trend was encapsulated in @chloyorkcity’s fashion roundup of medieval inspo who cited the premiere of 100 Nights of Hero as a treasure trove of medieval visuals. Honorable mention for our ahead-of-the-trend tastemaker Chappel Roan as Roan of Arc at the 2024 VMAs. On a more practical level @nichefashiongirl_’s medieval weird core shows us how to pull medieval > mediocre.

Brands that should do this soon: Brands that could have a literal field day playing in Medieval Romanesque revival are ones with deep storytelling capacity. This could be relating to beauty or fragrance brands, luxury fashion or accessories, and food and bev. Food brands that cater to long, centuries old processes could easily adapt to this visual style: grain mills, bread bakers, soups, porridges, cheese, butter, salted meats, dried fruits, honey and nuts companies. Naturally wineries, breweries, cideries, and maybe mead? (a honey based fermented drink) will have its moment. Guilds and apprenticeships could harken back to this bygone era with all the -smiths: silversmiths, leathersmiths, woodsmiths. What is crossfit if not wannabe medieval mercenary training (cmon ‘battle ropes?’ bffr). Imagine fitness that was a lot less glossy in 2026. 

TREND 3: Community Curator & the Niche Retreat aka the The Fourth Space 📚🪴🔎

After a decade-long run as the tastemakers of the internet, Influencers are losing their influence with recent stats sharing 45% of people between the ages of 13 and 22 say influencers just don’t have the same power that they used to. But without influencers telling us what to wear, eat, buy, where to shop or vacation… how will we know?? (sarcasm). Time to make room for the normies! About 53% of people are more likely to trust recommendations from regular people online whom they don’t know rather than creators with large followings. Organizers at the helm of these communities become the new influencers and here’s why:

Thanks to the internet, people with niche interests can find each other. Think facebook groups, tiktok trends, instagram accounts, dedicated specifically to a niche interest. Members of said communities want to connect in real life and look to these community curators or hosts to well,…host them. Enter what we’re calling “Fourth Space.”  If your first place is home, second is work (getting looser in definition as more and more of us work remote), third is social spaces (of which we are severely lacking), then fourth space becomes an “architectural blueprint for connection in a blended reality future” where online interests meet with each other offline. For example, a bookclub that hosts a retreat in a cabin (our client Bad Bitch Book Club Reading Retreat Summer Camp featuredin NYT), a women’s only cullinary retreat in Portugal, a coastal runclub that meets weekly at a coffeeshop… Research shows that 95% of Gen Z are  interested in exploring their online interests through in-person events.  73% of 18-to-35-year-olds plan to attend live events in the next six months, and a whopping  45% of people surveyed cite belonging and identity as key motivators for joining communities.

People are looking to bring parasocial online relationships to real life social ones:  “the ‘URL-to-IRL movement’.” “Specificity is crucial; it's not just about general socializing, but about connecting deeply with like-minded individuals around shared, often niche, interests, significantly enhancing the potential for authentic bonds compared to more diffuse interactions in traditional third places.” (Trend Horizon: By 2035, Fourth Spaces will Redefine Connection by Prioritizing 'Why' We Meet over 'Where' #Trend). The community curator role is about platforming the expert again. My prediction? People will be willing to travel to do it.

Imagine a Marine Historian hosted Indonesian Spice Island Tour, a medical practitioner's Menopause Wellness Retreat, a fashion expert’s vintage buying tour in Paris, an archaeologist’s expedition through ancient ruins,  Astronomer's Cruise on the Nile to see the Stars over Egypt (see more in
National Geographic’s Top 10 Expert Lead Trips to Try). In this world, chefs, historians, designers, curators, professors, sommeliers, hobbyists, historians, anthropologists, librarians, craftspeople become the tastemakers because they actually host communities instead of strictly creating content. At a time when the Trump administration is undermining and defunding colleges and universities, expertise in a field via education and lived experience becomes more rarified. As a culture, we are hungry to learn among like-minded people, and from those who actually know what they’re talking about.

Contrast this with the pandemic ‘get rich quick schemes’ of online education and digital course creation. The marketplace era of selling a $47 course on a general topic is declining. In 2026, the Consumer Education market is defined by a single, harsh reality: You can no longer sell just plain ol information. Because AI and YouTube now provide all the information you could want on any topic for free, the market has shifted entirely from selling content to selling context (community, accountability, and speed).  Completion rates for standalone self-paced courses have stalled at <20% (and often lower for cheap courses) while microlearning on TikTok (lessons under 5–10 minutes) now makes up over 60% of all e-learning content consumption. 

We don’t want DIY anymore, we want thought leadership & the chance to connect as evidenced in the 2025 rise of Substack & long form editorial. The OpEd-ish platform moonlighting as an email newsletter alternative now boasts 5 million paid subscribers and 35 million active users with its  Top 10 authors collectively earn over $40 million/year. Total gross writer revenue is estimated at over $450 million.

But remember, In order to be a good curator of anything, you need taste. You need a point of view, you need to be a good communicator. Ultimately, your taste, level of insight, distillation of ideas, your selectivity and your discernment of quality will be the differentiator between the phonies and the virtuosos. Your worth is tied to how well you select, synthesize, and contextualize (which for now is also a welcome antidote to AI summaries).

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

BRANDING & DESIGN = On a branding and design front, this is about tying your thought leadership to your brand aesthetic. Expect to see more individuals creating personal brands for themselves so everything from their instagram to their substack to their website feels like a peek into their world. Creators who do this stunningly already: Meredith Hayden aka Wishbone Kitchen & her Dinner with Friends Youtube Series for her delicious blend of food and personality, Brittany Broski & the Broski Report for her wide range of academic rabbit holes and her internet brain rot references. I wouldn’t be surprised to see either of them host trips, conferences, live shows or meetups in 2026.

From our portfolio, Galavant Society & Bad Bitch Book Club for hosting retreats for being prime examples of traveling not for the sake of travel, but to be places with the people you share things in common with. Same Skin is hosting transformative recalibration retreats and Dental Hygiene Seminars (co-chaired by Dental Hygiene Nation) hosts hopeful hygienists for study sessions ahead of their board exams. In 2026, catch yours truly as the keynote speaker for Mermaid on the Moon retreat in Tulum, Mexico. 

PHOTO & VIDEO = On a photo & video front, it’s imperative that the visuals of community are at the forefront. Your audience online should be able to see themselves literally in your content. It’s not about the pixel perfect influencer POV anymore, but about honest documentation of why we meet. This could look like man-on-the-street style mic’d up interviews like these clips captured for Falk Ruvin Gallagher’s community events or @chelseafagan’s straight to camera advice. Casa Lawa’s to the point trip announcement videos always have me drooling and so does @lapeetchfr’s cookery school in Julia Child’s french cottage because we can see the realism of what it’s like to be there. The photo and video of the Fourth Place trend is not glossy, overly produced, or contrived – it’s an honest and realistic capture & documentation of what’s taking place.

PRINT, OOH & IN-PERSON = From a print perspective, the Community Curator and Niche Retreat begs you to break your habit of short form content consumerism. It wants you to sit with the material that isn’t burning a blue light hole into your retina. Think newspapers, zines, catalogs, editorial magazines, lookbooks, cookbooks, and academic papers.

Group Trips are key. Getting people out of their homes, off their screens and in real life is the driver here. Not confident in your own trip planning abilities? Work with travel services who can plan private or group travel for you (plug for our clients Galavant Society and Jetset and Travel) so you, the expert, can stay in your zone of genius.

For brands and creators, conferences, live Shows & meetups become the IRL extension of your community. Podcasters are primed for this already, but CPG brands can do this, too. Imagine an ice cream brand that hosts a trip to a dairy farm, a nail polish brand that hosts a nail art workshop, a romance bookstore hosting a series finale viewing, or a coffee brand hosting a barista training (Studio Tigre is going to do this by the way). The best way to build your community is to serve your community so consider how you can reward early adopters to your brand or business by giving them exclusive, earned access to events that the general public cannot. More on this topic in these episodes:  Ep 229: Why your Rebrand Needs a Launch Party, Ep 235: Concierge Branding & Community Building, Ep 233: Why in Person Meetings Matter.

FASHION & CULTURE = Fourth Space Fashion and Culture rely on the ‘if you know you know’ of it all. This is where merch is key. We want to signal our membership/alignment with a community through external signifiers. Stickers, patches, bag charms, sweatshirts, baseball caps, bags, backpacks, totes, the list goes on and on. For Galavant Society, we created silk scarves you can only get by going on the trips. Without influencers dictating trends, people dress to reflect their interests, their intellectual or cultural affinities and have conversation pieces that create intrigue.

The look of the expert host is confident, individualized, opinionated and repetitive in silhouette, color, texture and pattern. It’s not easily swayed by internet fad, but rooted in realism and functionality and deeply aligned to a sense of place. It begets genuinely functional items that make sense of the ‘why’ you’re going there and with whom. The apron from the cooking or ceramics residency, the prayer bead necklace from the spiritual ceremony, the journal from the writing retreat. Curious how to find your community curator aesthetic?  Ep 231: Styled to Lead Intersection of Aesthetic & Authority

Brands that should do this soon: 

The brands that should do this soon are the ones who are fed up with the algorithms of social media (I mean we all are, aren’t we Ep 198: Marketing without Social Media). Food, beverage and culinary brands have a natural in because they can bring the people to their kitchens or the regions from which they source ingredients. Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands can encourage trips with stripped back agendas – leaving attendees the chance to enjoy the product, the place, and the people more than a traditional press trip. Media, Education and Knowledge based brands like journalists, media personalities, podcasters, professors, practitioners, and certification bodies can bring their online peeps together for immersive experiences, behind the scene tours, and educational sabbaticals. Health and wellness brands seem to have this idea on lock, but in 2026 it could look like hosting satellite meet ups in different cities or weekend long conferences for past attendees to connect.

TREND 4: New Wave Entrepreneurship of The Unsexy Biz 🚧 🗄️ 🔐

Economic recessions are drivers of innovation. This year alone, 1 million people have lost their job in the United States. Unemployment rose to a high of 4.6% this year, and the employment gains are the weakest since 2020, and before that, the Great Recession. Trump’s tariff policies are making it harder for small businesses to survive, and AI has enabled big corporations to do mass board-approved layoffs in the name of profits.

What we learned in 2020 is that people without jobs have two motivators in starting new ventures or buying existing ones: they’re desperate and they have no choice but to go all in on their idea, or they finally have the time and the mental space to pursue the dream that’s always been lingering. During the pandemic, entrepreneurship spiked as “2020 shaped up to be the best year for business applications on record” according to the Economic Innovation Group’s dataset with a reported 4.5 million new business applications submitted amidst a global pandemic. And tbh, our business felt it. We designed 41 different brands that year, went viral on tiktok, and were able to build our team because of it.

But what kind of businesses will people start in 2026? Here’s my take. The best new businesses won’t look exciting — they’ll look inevitable aka the “Unsexy Biz.” The Unsexy Biz is the one that wasn’t built for virality but for stability. These are businesses that are often unseen or unnoticed but bring dependable revenue in times of uncertainty. Paired with an aging out population of technicians and specialists, this new wave of unsexy business could be: plumbing, HVAC, electrical, solar, smart home installation services, pet care services, elder care, in-home managers, landscapers, and the like. More young people are buying up or starting laundromats (Laundrette NYC is the GOAT of this), car detailing businesses, self-storage facilities, trash hauling, organization services. Gary Vee lost his goddamn mind when this guy shared his garage cleaning to resale business. On the B2B front, it’s the integrators and operators that are getting the spotlight this go around: accountants, payroll, systems managers, operations, fractional c-level advisors and experts. For personal care brands, skin care and hair care are out, dental care, ear care, sinus care, and first aid are on the rise. These categories are sooo ripe for a rebrand.

Lack of succession plans by boomers mean that more businesses will become available for purchase in 2026. Of business owners surveyed by US Bank, “only 54% have created a succession plan” meaning new generations are prepping to take their place. “More than one-third (36%) of Gen Z and Millennial owners say they plan to acquire a business from a retiring owner.” (Banking Journal).

Fast forward to today and “Entrepreneurship continues to surge: the United States is averaging 430,000 new business applications per month in 2024, 50 percent more than in 2019.” Even better? “43% of self-employed Americans are female, more than ever before and Black, Asian, and Hispanic shares of self-employed Americans are also near all-time highs.” (US Treasury).

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

BRANDING & DESIGN = Something millennials and Gen Z’s know how to do is to build brands. These otherwise tragically overlooked service based businesses are 30+ years overdue for a makeover (usually because the previous owner didn’t understand the impact of brand on younger consumer behavior). This became clear in a recent brand project of ours: Pinnacle Aviation who needed an updated brand look that preserved legacy.

But let me be clear … this trend isn’t about gentrifying or over-designing and hoping that a trendy logo or viral video will solve all the brand marketing problems. When designing for an established or legacy company, here are a few considerations: you build trust when you honor your roots because your business advantage is your consistent history. Consider the rebrand of the unsexy biz as an upgrade, not an overhaul. This could also look like pulling from the archives: receipts, photos, papers, notes, files, or anything that points to the traditions, trials and tribulations of the past and how those make your business a fixture of the community you serve. We did this with Polar Bear Eats, reviving the original 1950s diner clock as a brand asset and in Amador Wine Country’s rebrand when we designed the logo based on old labels and signage in the area. We’re also currently working on the rebrand for our own Operations master, Cody of CodyOBM (soon to be a new name) so stay tuned for that!

A good branding partner in this type of venture will know what you need and what you don’t. Making sure you’re investing in rebranding when it makes sense is key here, so be sure to tune into Ep 241: 10 Most Common Rebranding Questions Answered.

PHOTO & VIDEO = Entrepreneurs in 2026 know that the best marketing for your venture is building in public. I recorded an entire step-by-step on this in Ep 202: Creating DIML & Case Study Content Step-by-Step Guide then level up with this tutorial for better shots by @jazziesillona. Neuroscientists back this, citing that “Learning in public —sharing ongoing progress, asking questions, and inviting feedback throughout the journey — can dramatically accelerate success.” (Entrepreneur). Similar to the Community Curator trend, the photo and video style that best summarizes new wave entrepreneurship is the content you can create right from your phone. Unstaged, unpolished, practical, slightly imperfect, but real. Observational content like fixed tripod shots, slow pans, quiet b-roll, and step-by-step process clips are ASMR magnets like this video of the Dapper Notes x See Jess Letter Collab.

PRINT, OOH & IN-PERSON = Print design here exists to explain, guide, document, and reassure. Think Service one-pagers, Process sheets (“What to expect”), Estimates & invoices, Maintenance schedules, Warranty cards, Onboarding packets, Checklists, Safety instructions, Loyalty punch cards and quality certificates as part of the brand arsenal. The design work for the unsexy biz is clean, calm, ordered, legible, durable, and meant to enhance the experience, not distract. OOH pieces might include: vehicle wraps, lawn signs, job site & building signage that is clean and to the point, unlike the AI software tool marketing gobbledy gook that means nothing to anyone. Get to the point. Solve one problem and solve it well.

FASHION & CULTURE = Workwear, uniforms, and practical use cases for fashion within this trend as we are starting to crave the predictability of a plain tee, repeated silhouette and function of a good ol pair of overalls in a society dominated by fast fashion and microtrends. Clothes that age or wear with the wearer (see Pandr’s paint adorned muralist merch). After years of aspirational branding, influencer economies, and speculative success, people want systems that work — not stories that sell. In 2026, culture moves away from falsified performance and back toward function, contribution, and groundedness. Cultural status is no longer measured by: followers or reach, but by what you can build, fix, maintain and run… well.

Brands that should do this soon: Less about the exact brand here and more about the person. I think this New Wave Unsexy Biz owner has to be a few things. It’s a shift from visionary founders to stewardship facilitators. How can you build on what’s there, improve what needs to be modernized, but maintain the integrity & quality of the business? This person is steady, they find satisfaction in smaller incremental change over time, they’re curious, have deep respect for technicians, and prioritize follow through and customer success over all else. The unsexy business rewards patience, discipline, and stewardship — not charisma or speed.

IN CONCULSIOOONN…

If there is a common thread stitching this chaotic quilt of 2026 predictions together, it is a collective screaming rejection of the fake, the filtered, and the algorithmically generated. From the distinct shift toward Star-Spangled Spanglish & Vibrant Maximal Multiculturalism as a rejection of repressive and american nationalism & fascism, to the return to Medieval Romanesque Revival because we crave the tactile weight of history in an era of digital "slop", the message is clear: we are hungry for the real. You could be building a Fourth Space to gather niche communities offline, or rolling up your sleeves to take over an Unsexy Biz that prioritizes stewardship over virality. Success in 2026 belongs to the authentic in its most real definition.

So, how do you survive and thrive when the political landscape is threatening human dignity and the internet feels like an onslaught of ads you didn’t opt in for? You follow the cheat sheet:

DO

• Turn up the volume: embrace bold, high-contrast colors and deep cultural storytelling that rejects whitewashed minimalism.

• Go offline: prioritize "Fourth Space" gatherings where the goal is connection, not content.

• Get specific: replace broad influencer marketing and content consumption with community curators, historians, and experts who have genuine taste and discernment that challenge you to think a little deeper.

• Respect the "Unsexy": look for stability, stewardship, and systems that actually work instead of falling for gimmicks
  

DON’T

• Be beige: leave the "Millennial Gray" and purely functional, soul-less aesthetics in 2025.

• Rely on the algorithm: trust in large systems is eroding, and the "get rich quick" viral schemes are over.

• Fake the flavor: make sure everything you do is actually authentic to your founder story or community. Consumers can smell a phony (or a Trump-era flip-flopper) a mile away.

• Ignore the context: remember that design is political, art is political, and entrepreneurship is political. You cannot market your business in a vacuum.

If you made it all the way to the end of this blog post, you deserve all the accolades for staying curious and connected to what's next. Stay tuned for the accompanying podcast on Kiss My Aesthetic, which you can listen to anywhere you find your podcasts OR tune in on YouTube. You can also find @mkwcreative.co on TikTok and Instagram.

Ready to work with us on your brand in 2026? Let's make magic together.

7 Strategic Reasons Podcast Sponsorships Outperform Social Media Ads

— and why brands that crave depth, not just reach, are tuning in.

71% of podcast listeners would consider buying a product or service they heard advertised on a podcast. This is a greater percentage than those who would see something advertised on any other channel. 

And that’s just one of the stats on how profitable the podcasting industry is. And it’s one of the biggest reasons more brands are turning to podcast sponsorships to drive meaningful results.

Unlike social media ads, which fight for attention in a noisy feed, podcast sponsorships reach people in focused, intentional moments— while commuting, walking, working, or taking a mindful break for themselves. Podcast ads don’t feel like an interruption, because they’re naturally weaved into the experience.

With growing listener numbers, rising ad spend, and higher trust than nearly every other digital channel, podcast sponsorships are quickly becoming a go-to channel for brands that want to do more than be seen. They want to be remembered. Take the recent election for example, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump appeared on various podcasts to better reach younger demographics (which we cover more in Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Episode 186: Branding Lessons from Presidential Campaigns). Seemingly, in a time of media censorship and freedom of the press being restricted, podcasts are going untouched. 

In this blog, we’re breaking down seven strategic reasons podcast sponsorships are outperforming social— and why brands looking for depth, not just reach, are tuning in.

1.  Podcast sponsorships offer precise audience alignment, not passive impressions

Unlike social ads that often cast a wide net (and let’s face it, are also being consumed by bots), podcast sponsorship lets you target by psychographic, not just demographic.

You’re no longer chasing after unqualified leads. You’re embedding your message into the ears (and minds) of people who chose to be there. And unlike being stuck in the exhausting carousel of ads after an Instagram story, podcast messages live in an environment where the audience has paused to actively listen— not passively consume.

👉According to The Infinite Dial 2025, 55% of Americans 12+ are now monthly podcast listeners (that’s over 158 million active, opted-in ears).

Pair this with niche-based shows like Kiss My Aesthetic, whose listeners are creative entrepreneurs, branding professionals, and digital-native founders and the alignment is immediate, intentional, and high-value.

2.  The message comes from a trusted voice

Here’s the difference: Podcast ads are often delivered in the same voice, tone, and rhythm as the content itself.

No abrupt music. And no jarring interruptions.

When a podcast host reads an ad, it sounds like part of the conversation that listeners are meant to keep paying attention to. And because there are less ads in a podcast episode than a mindless scroll, listeners are less overwhelmed, and therefore more willing to maintain that attention for an ad. This is important to note because according to Edison Research, people are increasingly seeing the value of limiting their advertising.


📊 Acast and Nielsen also found that 80% of listeners trust the advice of their favourite podcast host— this is friendship-level trust. 

A study by Spotify and Neuro-Insight found that digital audio and ads seem to generate more engagement and emotional activation than other forms of media. Audio consumption is incredibly intimate and allows for messages and ads to become more earworm-y in the listener’s mind. 

This level of built-in credibility is hard to replicate on social platforms, where users instinctively scroll past anything branded.

3. Higher purchase intent = higher conversions

If you haven’t noticed: podcast ads convert.

• According to Acast, 64% of listeners pay full attention to ads and 95% of regular listeners have taken action after hearing a podcast ad

• A report by Sounds Profitable and Signal Hill shared that 22% of podcast listeners made an immediate purchase after listening to an ad—a rate that outperforms Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and even premium TV advertising.
  

These aren’t passive impressions. They're proactive buyers who engage when they're focused, not distracted. And unlike social media platforms saturated with competing visuals and pop-up distractions, podcast listeners are there for the long game.

And in the age of digital overload, consumers need to be exposed to the same call to action at least 17 times before they take action. Ergo, having the same ad on a consistent weekly, or daily podcast is much more memorable than a visual one because of the repetition of the message. 

The Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast has seen sponsors return multiple times— not just for clicks, but for actual results.

Here’s what KB, the Brand Marketing Manager from StickerGiant (and previous Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Episode 185: Sticker Tips and Trends with StickerGiant guest) had to say about partnering with us:

“Our first podcast ad cycle delivered a 2.6x return on ad spend, well above our 1.6x goal. Even better, every single order came from new customers, who went on to place multiple repeat orders within the first three months. The podcast’s audience and community align directly with our ideal customer base, making this one of our most valuable partnerships.”

4. Podcast listeners give 30+ minutes of undivided attention

Most social ads are lucky to get 3 seconds.

Podcast ads? They live inside content that’s been intentionally queued up by a listener, often consumed during daily rituals like commuting, walking, or focused work blocks.

KMA’s top episodes regularly run 40+ minutes, and the structure allows for mid-roll placements, where the listener is already deep in the content and far less likely to skip. In fact, mid-roll ad placements boast 30-35% greater conversion rates than pre-roll ads (Podscribe). 

That attention span? It’s golden real estate for brand messaging— and nearly impossible to find in visual-first media.

5. Sponsorship = thought leadership by association

In the world of marketing, there’s buying attention and then there’s borrowing trust.

When you sponsor a podcast that consistently shares valuable insights and expert-led discussions, you don’t just reach an audience, but rather align with the authority and expertise listeners already come to rely on. 

This makes podcast sponsorship an ideal vehicle for educational, values-aligned brands who want connection, credibility, and community.

6. More value per dollar

Let’s talk cost-effectiveness.

Podcast sponsorship operates on CPM (Cost Per Mille) and averages around $18–$25 per 1,000 listens (Rephonic).

But unlike social ads where you're charged just for appearing in a feed, podcast ads offer:

• Deeper impact per impression

• More shelf life (episodes live forever, not 24 hours)

• Host-read ads (ideal for authenticity and conversion)

• Flat-fee brand integration (for consistency and narrative depth)

7. Global, evergreen reach (stop playing Meta’s algorithmic games)

One of the lesser-discussed perks of podcast sponsorship is that your message continues to reach new audiences long after airing, thanks to the evergreen nature of podcast episodes.

And it’s not just on a national scale. 

Podcasting is growing globally, with over 619 million listeners expected by 2026 (Statista). That means sponsors get long-term discoverability, international reach, and content that continues to convert long after the episode airs.

Ready for ROI that doesn’t rely on an oversaturated feed?

Your brand deserves to build credibility, community, and conversions through intentional content.

Podcast sponsorship might just be your smartest marketing move this year.

And if you’re looking to test the waters with a niche audience of brand-obsessed creatives, there’s one podcast you should start with…

The Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast has earned praise from sponsors as their highest-performing marketing channel—delivering more than clicks, delivering conversions.

Ready to partner with a podcast that builds brag-worthy results, not just noise? Let’s talk sponsorship opportunities! 

The New Rules of Holiday Marketing in 2025

2025 has tested small businesses since the start, and the holiday season isn’t looking like a reprieve from that (Read our blog How Politics is Shaping Your Marketing Strategy in 2025 for more on that). With tariffs inflating costs, consumers tightening budgets, and AI transforming the digital landscape, success will depend on transparency, flexibility, and human connection.

Here’s how to adapt your holiday marketing strategy to drive growth— even amidst economic turbulence.

Rule #1: Understand the current world we live in

The 2025 holiday season arrives under the weight of competing forces: cautious consumers and climbing costs. The average American shopper plans to spend 10% less than last year. There are two reasons for this, according to the 2025 Deloitte Holiday Retail Survey: 77% of people expect higher prices across the board, while 57% predict a weaker economy in the upcoming year.

What does this mean as a business owner? You have to communicate the unique value of your product or service to the smart, savvy shopper. 

It’s no secret that many of these issues stem from the tariffs implemented throughout the year. They’ve created structural upheavals for businesses relying on imports. Nearly 72% of these small businesses have reported moderate to significant increases in landed costs.

If your brand is facing cost spikes, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re among the 44% that are facing spikes of 20% or more, according to a recent survey of 390+ North American businesses by Freightos/Clearit.

Now, who struggles with this inflation the most? Your customers. Goldman Sachs predicted that by October 2025, consumers could shoulder up to 67% of these added costs— a startling increase from the 22% customers absorbed in the first half of 2025.

With all of this said, here are some key things to keep in mind as the holiday season approaches:

• Price sensitivity has peaked.

• Consumers have been put through the wringer all year and are financially (and emotionally) exhausted.

• You can mitigate some of this by being transparent.

Rule #2: Communicate transparently

In an economy defined by inflation fatigue, silent price increases are a risk to your brand. People are more likely to stay loyal to brands that are open about why prices shift— especially when external factors like tariffs and supply chain volatility are to blame rather than higher profit margins, as noted by Amy Williams, the Senior Manager of Brand and Communication at PROS.

Here are some tips on creating a trust-based communication approach:

• Announce pricing changes before they happen.

• Clearly tie this increase to inflation pressures, not internal profit motives.

• Acknowledge customers' feelings with empathy. Many households are struggling with inflation across every category.

• Highlight how you’re reinvesting in better quality, improved service, or free shipping. Are you now sourcing materials locally? Lead with that. 

Rule #3: Rethink your approach to brand reach

To survive and thrive in 2025, your brand needs to utilize automations and collaboration.

Whether you like it or not, AI is taking over the online space. Traffic to retail sites from AI-driven discovery is expected to surge by over 500% during the holiday season, according to Adobe’s 2025 Holiday Statistics, Trends & Forecast. 

How can your brand get referral traffic from AI? Some simple tips from WordStream include: 

• Use internal links throughout your website. 

• Improve your site’s E-E-A-T (which we dive deeper into in Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Episode 214: What Google Wants in 2025: SEO Tips from Searchlight Digital).

• Get visible on other sites through guest blogging and cross-promotion.
  

And as for integrating AI into your workflow, you can leverage it by:

1. Using AI for advanced segmentation and personalized recommendations.

2. Automating follow-ups for cart abandonment, where recovery potential remains high (with rates near 70% —Statista).
   

Beyond automation, strategic partnerships are crucial in 2025. Collaborating with brands that share your audience or values through joint pop-ups or co-created gift sets generates buzz. Launching these partnerships in early Q4 not only catches your audience's attention but also builds digital “memory” within AI systems that surface recommendations later in the season.

Rule #4: Get offline

With the internet becoming inundated with ads, people want to minimize their screen time. This holiday season, the tangible and personal will define the most memorable brands.

According to a report by Agency EA, 84% of marketers now see experiential activations as essential to their strategy, and for good reason: they allow people to interact with your brand in a more immersive way.

Take MKWCC client Falk Ruvin Gallagher, for example. They host cooking classes for community members who have used their real estate services. By offering these classes, participants are already in the zone of thinking about their own kitchen and the intimacy of their space.

Another great example is how Avenue 8 Cocktails hosted a tasting event for their canned cocktails— allowing customers to try before they buy. This allowed people to meet the owner, Tiffany, and create a genuine connection to the brand. 

We dive in on more ideas for offline marketing in Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Episode 198: Marketing without Social Media, including handwritten notes in orders. A simple note thanking people for supporting your small business can go a long way toward making them feel part of your circle. 

Adding personalizations, creating printed materials, or organizing events might be costly in the short term, but the long-term benefits of people having a tangible memory with your brand is something that no algorithm can replicate.

Be a brand that stands steady even when the market doesn’t

At MKW Creative Co., we believe this season will separate the reactive from the resilient. The businesses that thrive will be those that can pair strategy with storytelling and transparency with empathy.

Success depends on planning now, aligning your communications, operations, and partnerships around transparency and adaptability.

Economic uncertainty is here to stay, but so is opportunity for brands that can move quickly and connect deeply. Whether it’s using AI for more intelligent segmentation, hosting co-branded local pop-ups, or simply telling the truth about pricing, authenticity and agility are the new currencies this year.

If you’re planning your next move for 2026, now’s the time to start.

Book your brag-worthy rebrand in 2026.

How Politics Is Shaping Your Marketing Strategy (Whether You Like It or Not)

If it feels like marketing your business in 2025 has become more unpredictable, you’re not imagining it. Politics isn’t just influencing your feed—it’s actively disrupting your marketing strategy. From unexpected tariffs to looming TikTok bans to election-year ad chaos, the line between business and government has never been blurrier.

And if you’re an entrepreneur, you’re not just watching it unfold. You’re feeling it in your invoices, inboxes, and insights.

Let’s break it down.

Politics, tariffs, & Entrepreneurship whiplash

The start of the year hit American, Canadian, Chinese, and Mexican business owners with a not-so-fun surprise: tariffs. Inside the Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook group, we saw firsthand how quickly fear set in:

• Non-essential projects were paused or canceled overnight.

• People who were hired on DEI initiatives were being questioned about their jobs.

• Expenses for packaging and imported products ballooned.

• Legal citizens and immigrants were being deported or disappeared overnight.

• And across the board? More downtime. Less certainty. Shrinking profit margins.
  

This isn’t something we’re studying in history class; this is a real-time lesson in how fast political decisions can disrupt creative livelihoods.

TikTok: to ban or not to ban (that is the question)

Since it gained popularity during COVID-19 lockdowns, the threat of the U.S. government banning TikTok has been possible. While they state the reasoning is because of user data privacy concerns, the real threat for Americans is the human rights issues at stake if the app is banned.

This is the setup for infringing on American’s constitutional rights under the First Amendment. TikTok has become a vital platform for marginalized communities to express themselves and share their stories. It’s where activists inform people about what’s happening worldwide.

And it’s also where millions of American businesses market their brand and have it reach new audiences without dishing out thousands of dollars on ads.

This whole back and forth has only caused anxiety from the unknown. One minute, it’s getting banned. The next? Unbanned (for 75 days) with a slice of dystopic welcome back messages praising the exact person who initiated the ban in the first place.

The government's deadline for TikTok to be sold to an American company has recently been extended by another 75 days. 

If trust is the currency of digital marketing, this cruel PR stunt has sent inflation soaring.

In the Beyond the TikTok Ban, Episode 155 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast with Amber Figlow and Ashli Pollard, we dissected the political theater, the power grab behind it, and most importantly—the lesson: do not build your empire on rented land. TikTok, Instagram, and X are tools. Not homes.

You need to diversify your strategy so you can still thrive regardless of the social marketing landscape at any given time. This is precisely what we work on with our social media clients: to remain flexible and resilient in the face of change. If you’re ready to adapt your social media strategy to one that is advantageous in the current political climate, check out our 2025 social media webinar and reference guide (typically exclusive for our social clients, so don’t miss out!).

Social media is political (even when you’re not) 

In Episode 186 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast, Branding Lessons from Presidential Campaigns, I dove into the branding lessons we can learn from presidential campaigns.

Why? Because politics is branding.

🪧 This ethos is what inspired the No Kings Protest Poster Series (& corresponding merch designs) —a visual rebellion against apathy and a reminder that design is activism. Whether you’re a protestor or a business owner, you’re telling a story. You’re planting a flag.

FREE NO KINGS PROTEST POSTERS Vol. 1

FREE NO KINGS PROTEST POSTERS Vol. 2

PROTEST MERCH

Political Marketing Campaigns: 

• Use bold design systems tailored to specific demographics. All boiled down to communicating messages effectively to an audience—proving that the message will benefit them to the point where they become ambassadors of the message.

• Use repetition, simplicity, and emotional triggers.

• Go where their audience is: TikTok, podcasts, Instagram lives.

• Create moments worth clipping, sharing, and talking about.

  These are the cornerstones of smart and savvy branding. 
  

The paid ad tsunami of Q4 2024 🌊

Q4 in 2024 saw an 84% increase in paid political content across social platforms. Yes, the same platforms you were sharing your product launch and brand awareness campaign. Yours and everyone else’s content was swimming upstream against million-dollar election ads, emotionally charged hot takes, and algorithmic chaos​.

No wonder your reach tanked. No wonder your content flopped. It’s somewhat impossible to think you’d be able to float to the top of everyone’s feeds.

And that’s a critical point for marketers in 2025: you need a new game plan.

What innovative brands are doing now 🧠

For your brand to survive and thrive in this current political climate, you need to:

• Diversify your content distribution. Think TikTok and YouTube Shorts. Reels and blog content. Podcasts and Pinterest. Relying on one platform amplifies your risk of losing your audience base if the app suddenly gets shut down.
  

• Get vocal about your values. Neutrality doesn’t build customer trust. And in a sea of uncertainty, clarity wins. Wondering how this looks in practice? Check out the Instagram carousel we created on our core beliefs.
  

• Start building circular ecosystems. Mention your podcast in your newsletter. Promote your newsletter on TikTok. Tease your blog in an Instagram Reel. Connect the dots so people know where to find you.
  

• Market within your community. In Episode 198 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast, Marketing Without Social Media, I dive into the ways you can build your brand beyond social media. Think workshops, events and classes. Establish partnerships with aligned brands and host a cross-promotional event to widen your audience. Create an experiential event like how Falk Ruvin Gallagher hosts cooking classes for community members who have worked with their real estate services. Hosting events consistently is a fantastic way to generate buzz off-screen.
  
  Aside from hosting, sponsorships are another great way to show off your brand values in the real world. Sponsor an event. Buy a billboard at your local community centre. The number of ways your brand can be relevant off-screen is truly endless.   

Politics is now a marketing variable 🗳️

Gone are the days when you could ignore politics and still succeed in business. Being an entrepreneur or brand strategist in 2025 means that politics isn’t just on your radar—it’s in your revenue.

So here’s your reminder to:

• Stay informed.

• Speak up.

• Adapt boldly.
  

Feeling the algorithm whiplash? Book a discovery call to work with us for a brag-worthy social media strategy. 

Spring Branding Vibes: 5 Brag-worthy Brands that Bloomed 🌷

Spring. The season of soft launches, floral fonts, and fresh starts. At MKW Creative Co., we’re all about bold brands— and spring aesthetics prove that softness can still make a statement. Think pastel palettes and design that feels like a deep inhale of lavender-scented air.

So whether it’s bringing a product to life through bold packaging or reviving a brand with story-driven visuals, we’ve had the honor of helping some incredible businesses bloom.

We're spotlighting five of our favorite spring-feeling projects that embody the season’s energy: optimistic, refreshing, and buzzing. 

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A post shared by DENTAL HYGIENE NATION (@dthynation)

🌸 Dental Hygiene Nation – Garden Party Subscription Box

Vibe: Floral, fun, clinically fresh

Nothing says spring like a routine reset. This is what inspired the design behind Dental Hygiene Nation’s Dental Garden Party Collection. Every quarter we team up with Dental Hygiene Nation to design their subscription boxes (including fan-favorites like Pearly Whites Ranch and Chateau Dentaire), and for Spring 2025, our team brought the life of the (garden) party. From merch sourcing to design, we created a box design that quickly became an all-time favorite.

As founder Caitlyn Cochran put it in the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast ep. 057 Client Case Study: Dental Hygiene Nation, their subscription boxes are designed to feel like “a story time moment”—and this one is giving a sunny day at the office seeing your favorite clients and sipping on a slightly sweetened iced matcha.

📦 Peek inside the box → Dental Hygiene Nation Spring Box 2025

P.S. Did you know that we designed all of Dental Hygiene Nation’s branding back in 2021? Check out their full service brand design project.

“I love working with MKW Creative Co.! They are very organized and excited about new ideas and on trend campaigns. They are truly an asset to my business and so thankful to have found them!”

— Caitlyn Cochran, Founder, Dental Hygiene Nation

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A post shared by MKW Creative Co. ✹ Brag-Worthy Brand Design (@mkwcreative.co)

🍋 Avenue 8 Cocktails – Branding & Packaging

Vibe: Unmatched, sparkling joy, effortlessly elevated

Born out of a frustration with the male-dominated ready-to-drink cocktail space, Avenue 8 is Tiffany Jones’ bold antidote to tasteless, poor quality canned cocktails. With a background in residential interiors, Tiffany brought her discerning design eye to the table, and together we created a brand identity and award-winning packaging that earned us a Silver Medal in Packaging Design through the American Craft Spirits Association. We can confidently say that this looks (and tastes) like nothing else on the shelf.

By balancing the sophisticated logo with a juicy, punchy color palette, we designed a brand identity that is both inviting and elevated.

🎧 Listen to Tiffany’s founder story → Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Episode 208: Client Case Study: Avenue 8 Cocktails

🍸 Explore the brand →Avenue 8

“Michelle and her team created a brand I could have never dreamed of! I did not know what the vision should be creatively and they patiently worked with me to evolve all the ideas into the perfect execution. I would give the entire team the highest accolades and recommend them to anyone looking to build a beautiful brand.”

— Tiffany Jones, Founder, Avenue 8 Cocktails

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A post shared by Lily Par | Golf, Tennis, Pickleball for the Gals (@lilypar_sd)

🎾 Lily Par San Diego – Merch, Branding & Social

Vibe: Sporty-chic, coastal, blooming with preppy polish

Founder Kendall Kinsman created the boutique she wished existed when she re-entered the golf world in her 20s. Together, we crafted a brand that’s as chic as your favorite courtside 'fit with logo, merch, and social content that play off nostalgic prep with modern California cool. Think whiskey sours, pleated skorts, and the satisfaction of a well-played match point.

🎾 Listen to Kendall’s story → Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Episode 183: Client Case Study: Lily Par

🌼 Follow on IG → @lilyparsd

“Michelle and the entire MKW Creative team are a dream to work with. Not only did they bring my brand to life, they also take an extensive amount of time explaining the importance and process of branding. I engaged MKW Creative because I was struggling to capture my vision. Michelle’s creativity and expertise elevated my brand beyond my imagination. The team is incredibly thoughtful and I highly recommend their branding services.”

— Kendall Kinsman, Founder, Lily Par San Diego

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🌼 Bloom RDH – Branding, Merch & Website

Vibe: Soft, empowering, made-for-community

Helping hygienists bloom into confident professionals? Say no more. Founder Kim Augustus planted her brand around empowering new dental grads through mentorship and education. We developed a visual identity that mixes softness and strength: a balance of bubbly optimism and rooted expertise. The result? A brand that feels warm, encouraging, and ready to blossom with her audience.

🎧 Hear Kim’s full journey → Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Episode 193: Client Case Study: Bloom RDH

💻 Check out Bloom RDH → bloomrdh.com

“I can’t say enough about the amazing team at MKW Creative Co.! I knew I needed a stronger brand to represent my business, but I wasn’t quite sure what that looked like or had the time to dive into it. After seeing Michelle’s previous designs, I knew I wanted to work with her—and I’m so glad I did!

She took my vague ideas and transformed them into something fun and exactly what I envisioned. Not only did she update my branding, but she’s also handling everything that goes along with it! The entire process has been seamless, and the final results have exceeded my expectations!!

If you’re looking for a creative partner who truly understands your vision, look no further than MKW Creative Co. Highly recommend!”

— Kim Augustus, Founder, Bloom RDH

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🧺 Peach Grove House – Branding & Social

Vibe: Upstate New York meets modern charm, slow-living chic

Peach Grove House is a boutique luxury vacation rental and events venue for the modern traveler seeking charm, character, and a little countryside magic. Nestled in a lovingly restored 1800s Greek Revival estate in Upstate New York, this elegant vacation getaway blends historic charm with refined comfort.

We created a brand identity with elevated seasonal softness to complement the property's unique personality. From social templates to signage and branded merch, the visuals are inspired by fruit stands and, of course, peaches. Whether you're planning a private celebration or just scrolling their dreamy feed, Peach Grove House offers a slice of timeless tranquility—perfect for weddings, retreats, and slow sunny Sunday mornings.

🎧Learn all about Peach Grove House → Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Episode 101 Hemsley Ventures with Ashley Brinton

🍑 Visit them online → peachgrovehouse.co

🌿 Follow on IG → @peachgrovehouse

“We love working with Michelle. She is so amazing and beyond talented. We love how easy it is to work with her and her team and we also love how she gets exactly what we want and makes our vision come to life! We have used her for three projects now and we can’t wait to use her for many more to come!”

— Ashley Brinton, Chief of Staff, Hemsley Ventures

Spring has sprung 💐

From delicate pastel palettes to community-rooted storytelling, these brands channel the spirit of spring. A season of renewal, rebirth, and the kind of thoughtful design that feels equal parts intentional and inviting.

When your brand embraces a spring aesthetic, you communicate a fresh perspective and optimism. A delicate power that welcomes people in and makes them feel like anything is possible.

Ready for a brag-worthy brand rebirth? Let’s work together!

2025 Design Trend Predictions: The Aesthetics you’re about to see Everywhere Next Year

The time has come again to grant you with our yearly trend prediction report for branding, marketing and entrepreneurship. Last year’s predictions were a huge hit so many of you messaged to let us know where you saw these trends materialize in real life. So let’s get into it…

LOOKING BACK: OUR 2024

Q1 2024 The Bingo Card seen ‘round the world. In the first week of 2024, we accidentally started a BINGO craze, posing our goal setting Bingo Card on TikTok (1M views) and Instagram (800k views). So many of you purchased the Canva template and made your own versions that we offered our first ever accountability mastermind for 12 lucky applicants. We’ve met each month all year to share our goals, celebrate our wins and gameplan our challenges. Want to play in 2025?

Q2 2024 Spring gave us Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter and Taylor Swift’s double album The Tortured Poets Department, the latter of which inspired our viral merch drop for Dental Hygiene Nation’s Tortured Dental Department. Followed shortly thereafter by Sarbrina Carpenter’s song(s) of the summer Espresso and Please, Please, Please.

Q3 2024 Not long after, summer Olympics madness was underway in Paris, France (listen to: Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast ep. 173 Olympics Predictions) and stand out stars like Ilona Maher caught our eye and captured our hearts. Brat Summer was in full effect thanks to Charli XCX, whose neon green aesthetic was quickly co-opted by the Kamala Harris social team, who let memes flow faster than coconut water.

Q4 2024 The year rounded out with an anxiety-inducing Presidential Election that proved just how segmented our media sources have become, and how much Podcasts are as important as ever for reaching voting age audiences. Simultaneously, we were ‘holding space for the lyrics of defying gravity’ in anticipation for the record smashing musical-to-movie adaptation of Wicked starring Arianna Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

TREND 1: SERVING HUNT 🪵🌲🫎

I WISH I could take full credit for the name of this upcoming trend but in truth I found it from the comment section of this incredible video of @marksebastianf doing a fashion show through Bass Pro Shops. HOWEVER, it doesn’t negate the fact that I think we’ll see a full lean into this aesthetic in 2025, but not in the way you’re thinking.

The aftermath of the 2024 election & the reality of another Trump precedency left a lot of biiiiig lessons and possible paths for trend predictions (listen to: Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast ep. 186 Branding Lessons from Presidential Campaigns).

In 2025, get ready to see more women, LGBTQ, and minorities occupy conservative spaces and reclaim them. We saw this first with the Old Money aesthetic (very Lily Par, very Sistered States), & how that look brought people besides straight white men  into golf, tennis, pickleball and other country club sports. Then, the Trad Wife phenomenon and Ballerina Farms expose doubled down on the festish-ization of regressive conservative values, where straight white men stay at the top of the socio-economic food chain, excluding everyone else (especially childless cat ladies) from the possibilities of achieving the same.

Imagine the script is flipped (much like the #womeninmalefields trend). We’ve spent so long as a culture creating safe spaces for people who have felt othered (which should remain!) but imagine if strongholds of conservative culture became places for the girls, gays and theys to thrive. We’ve seen this happen already as more Women and LGBTQ+ people take up guns after Trump’s win: ‘We need to protect ourselves’ and creators like @tacticoolgirlfriend, a trans gun influencer & educator bucks all stereotypes of gun ownership.  While I’ll NEVER be an advocate for guns, I will always support ethical, safe, practical gun education and regulation for all.

When I envision the origins of this Serving Hunt trend, I go back to the Tyler Mitchell 2020 Vogue cover of Harry Styles in a dress – which sparked major backlash from many (including hyper-conservative mouthpiece Candace Owens). But what those images gave us was a way to challenge gender norms and make traditionalists uncomfy.

From there – we pick up  Chappel Roan in 2024 with her instantly iconic album Rise and Fall of the Midwest Princess – destined to be Spotify Wrapped Hall of Fame hits thanks to queer themed heartbreak ballads and earwormy pop anthems complimented with Camo Hunting hat later to be parodied? Copied? by the Harris Walz Team. Chappel has continued to wear the Bass Pro Shops-esque camo patterns in her campy glam way and so has her fellow indie pop comrade Remi Wolf with her own version “sexy villain” camo merch.

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

BRANDING & DESIGN = Think camo prints (read up on the History of Hunting Camouflage here), neon orange, tactical gear, antlers, utility pockets, plaid, boots, camping, fishing. Color palettes will be earthy, muddy, ochre-y, amber-y earth tones with pops of neon and sparkle. This trend relies deeply on pattern (plaid, tartan, houndstooth) and texture (wood, stone, wool, steel, clay, twine). You’ll find fonts that use an older rustic sign painter style lettering with a scottish/english pub feel AND/OR simplistic nostalgia for workwear brand aesthetics like Levi, Carhartt, Wrangler, Dickies, etc. that could be rendered as back pocket insignias.     

PHOTO & VIDEO = The photo and video style for Serving Hunt is based in rustic, moody, outdoorsy scenes with plenty of grungy texture which offsets the obvious sarcasm of the message. Think set design for Chappel Roan’s SNL Performance She Gets the Job Done. Almost all the subjects of these scenes play on obvious androgyny, gender-bending and disturbing conservative norms (think iconic drag queen Pattie Gonia). 

PRINT, OOH & IN-PERSON = In the apparel space, this trend could slip right in with the impending catalog renaissance, after brands like Amazon and JCrew saw success with real, printed catalogues in mailboxes in 2024. (Read: The Triumphant return of Physical Catalogues). In person events like gun safety classes, hunting weekends, mountain retreats, and shooting range outings might become more popular with the young & restless. Brands might also create more bandanas, patches, and hand tools to hinge on this theme. (Peek at our Pearly Whites Ranch theme box we designed for Dental Hygiene Nation). 

FASHION & CULTURE = Vivienne Westwood is the classic player in plaid (as seen most recently on Taylor Swift’s fits and possibly her lost album aesthetic?). Other high fashion notables in this category: Thom Browne SS 2025 & Chloe SS 2025. On a consumer level: Boys Lie, This camo purse, LL Bean, (remember 2023 and 2024’s What is the Ironic Boat Tote Trend?) and even Abercrombie & Fitch dropping their own Hunting Camo hoodie. As a continuation of 2024 – the Carhartt Barn Jacket and other blue collar workwear (Read: What’s Behind the Rise of the Barn Jacket?)

This hunting aesthetic could lean more english/scottish huntsmen when you consider that Outlander gets a new & final season in 2025. Same network Starz also greenlit another book turned series project called The Hunting Wives in 2025 which features a female protagonist who moves from the big city to small town Texas and takes up shooting with fellow socialites that leads to “obsession, seduction, and murder.”

Brands that should do this soon:

Food Packaging trends that are adjacent to hunting gear like 2024’s Snackle Boxes. Hunting snack alternatives like Vegan Jerky could shake things up with a woodsy makeover. Unisex Fashion brands wanting to play in a new aesthetic playground could embrace a more outdoorsman upset. Alcohol brands that have previously not catered to the female, minority, or LGBTQ audience (scotch, whiskey, beer, etc) could use this aesthetic to connect audiences they haven’t before.

TREND 2: CRAFTED COMEBACK 🧵🌸🧺

Not to make it political AGAIN, but here we are – Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported goods have the potential to drastically increase the cost of living for just about everyone and everything. So much so that Small Businesses are Scrambling to Buffer against Inevitable Price Hikes. If everything imported becomes more expensive, and supplies for small businesses become more expensive, we can anticipate a revival of the craft/upcycle/recycle scene & it’s corresponding aesthetic simply because Americans won’t be able to afford new things and instead will rework what they already own.

When we look back at American history there’s a strong correlation between economic inflation and craft-core. Three time periods come to the forefront:

1. Oil Crisis of 1973 and Stagflation (high inflation paired with stagnant economic growth), made many people look for more economical ways to obtain goods and simultaneously express themselves creatively. DIY became not only a method of saving money but also a practical necessity for many families. Coincidentally, 1973 brought us the chronicles of  DIY Craft Queen Martha Stewart’s Turkey Hill Home, as shown in great detail in Netflix’s Martha. Magazines, books, and television shows in the 1970s taught ways to live frugally and meaningfully with less.

2. There was another notable craft revival during 2008’s Great Recession when economic hardship led to a surge in up-cycle and handmade craft culture (For Craft Sales, the Recession is a Help). Etsy, which was founded in 2005 exploded during the recession as a way for buyers to connect with makers of handmade and homemade goods that were unique, affordable and personal which in turn helped support independent artists (How I Built This: Etsy).

3. This spilled into the Pandemic Crafting Boom in 2020 – when crafts became a mental distraction from the solitude of quarantine. Many of us picked up new hobbies simply because we had the time to – knitting, crocheting, quilting, painting, drawing, even sourdough bread making. 

In 2025, crafting (even upcycling thrift finds or Junk Journaling) becomes a response to over-consumerism (see Underconsumption Core) and an effort to bring sustainability to the forefront. The wastefulness of fast fashion and other consumer industries has a profound impact on the planet, especially climate change. Upcycling and crafting give new life to otherwise discarded items. Craft items also thrive on imperfection, collaboration, and the joy of making something instead of having stuff for stuff’s sake.

To get us into a Crafted Comeback aesthetic mindset, I first go to textiles and softness like @amberm.jensen’s woven looms and artful visible mending. Pinterest is reporting a huge uptick in craft related queries with small bead bracelet ideas +2000% and crochet bow bag +975% in fall of 2024. Credit where credit is due – Taylor Swift might have some influence here as well considering how much her friendship bracelets adorned the Eras Tour-goers. So raid your junk drawers, locate your needle and thread, and start stitching…

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

BRANDING & DESIGN = A Crafting Comeback aesthetic in branding and design is a continuation of some popular 2024 design styles: funky pastels and garden adjacent color palettes, hand drawn and imperfect or intricate letterforms (see: @rosysignco), floral motifs, checkered and gingham patterns, ruffles, raffia, and yarn. This trend is about leaning into the eclectic collector’s drawer of treasures and putting any combination of little tchotchskies together to make something new. (Listen here: Kiss My Aesthetic Pdocast ep. 152 with Miniaturist Chelsea Makes). Craft core design is supposed to be intricate, layered, textured, and detailed. 

PHOTO & VIDEO = Photography and videography that emulate this crafty style will be derivatives of many forms of mixed media - drawings, sketches, video, animation, GIF, etc. Check out videos like  @elena_tea’s art journal layered over travel video clips or @imdaniellin’s tiktok process. Crafty photos and videos are visually maximalist, leaving no surface uncovered. Better yet, digital collages as launched by Pinterest’s Shuffles App launched in 2022 could become popular again (see: Everything you need to know about Shuffles App) which becomes an easy way to make dynamic visual content. Don’t be surprised if you see a 2025 version of The New Martha Stewart in all forms of media. Think Meredith Hayden’s Wishbone Kitchen, Brittany Jepsen’s @houselarsbuilt, and Kelly Mindell of Studio DIY and how they might serial-ize their content on their own channels to further cement themselves in the crafty hall of fame. 

PRINT, OOH & IN-PERSON = Since craft is about the tactile, anticipate that brands that use the craft aesthetic embrace physical print as well. These brands exist beyond the screen, and they’ll find every chance to push the materiality of their offerings (think stickers, patches, hand written note cards (like this restaurant that gives you a pen and card at the end of your meal to write a letter to send to yourself in 1 years time), embroidery, screenprinting, etc). A Crafted Comeback movement would leverage in-person events like craft workshops, community nights, makers markets, and barter options over traditional exchange of money for goods and services. Heck, crafting circles could also be the antidote to the dating app (Read: Gen Z’s new go-to NYC date night mixes booze with crafts, eliminating ‘awkward’ hangouts with activities, art and ‘liquid courage’).

FASHION & CULTURE = Alongside arts and crafts movements are arts and craft interior design & fashion aesthetics, which reject the machine made in favor of something maximal and ornate. Creator @milatextiles crafts exquisite hand embroidered ties, bags, hats, and more. Clothing rentals have also gained in popularity in recent years with services like Nuuly (with over 300k subscribers), Rent the Runway and others becoming a more practical option for swapping wardrobes. Nuuly is also launching a thrift option as part of their business model as a way of liquidating final sale clothing. The secondhand apparel market is predicted to reach $264 Billion in 2025 and rising. Reselling can also be an income generator for many, like this 22 year old who made nearly $100k from selling on Depop. Additionally, there are plenty of brands that are doing maximalist craft aesthetic… to the max.  The eye-bogglingly beautiful @villa.palladio.jaipur leaves no surface uncovered, similar to how fashion brands Farm Rio, La Double J, and @Ahluwalia whose SS 2025 runway featured pieces made of doilies. 

Brands that should do this soon: Brands that could benefit from craft-inspired rebrands would be the ones that lost their human-ness along the way. Dating apps come to mind as something that is so deeply personal that’s become algorithm-ed and impersonal. A Craft Comeback is also a way for artists to showcase their craftsmanship. Bring us more carpenters, ceramicists, textile artists, blacksmiths and leathersmiths in 2025. A craft resurgence could also lead to craft beer, craft coffee, craft everything but DIY at home a la hipster/tumblr era of the late 2000’s and early 2010’s. The thriftier we get, the more at home recipes for food, cosmetics, and other household items may rise – and the creators that can teach and educate others will gain major traction. Tech apps that celebrate independent artists and resellers like Pinterest, Etsy, Depop, Poshmark and others might also see a rise in popularity, which could lead developers to create competitive apps and platforms.

TREND 3: DO NOT DISTRUB DELUXE 🧘☁️🏛️

Doomscroll. Push Notifications. Group texts. Screen time. Eyestrain. Tech Neck. Like all addictions, the side effects of too much tech are taking a toll on our bodies, our minds, and our mental health so much so that Travelers are going to Extreme Lengths to Avoid Scrolling. The ultimate luxury in 2025? Turning it all off and going off the grid.

According to a recent study, adults check their phones an average of 58 times per day (way more if you’re an entrepreneur or social media manager) and 1 in 3 americans believe they spend too much time on their smartphones with 68% of people polled believing that too much screentime has led to a decline in their mental health. The antidote to this addiction might be sending yourself to tech rehab. Tech-free Trips Are on the Rise — From Hotels With No Wi-Fi to Multiday Retreats With No Phones Allowed  and Wellness Getaways Are Poised to Dominate Travel Trends in 2025. Although the American Psychiatric Association does not consider phone addiction a medical condition (yet), it wouldn’t be a far stretch to think that this could happen in 2025 and that more and more adults will turn to the travel industry to help them break the vicious screen time cycle & reset their nasty habits.

Medical tourism is not necessarily new (european elites in the Renaissance traveled great distances to enjoy healing properties of roman baths) but it saw a resurgence during COVID as healthcare costs increased and quality of care declined. More than 2 million Americans travel abroad for medical tourism every year and cite the cost of that care as being significantly cheaper than what they can find at home. Global medical tourism as an industry is set to reach $112 Billion by 2030 so it shouldn’t be a shock to anyone that it will continue to grow in 2025.

For those who can afford to get a break from their devices, a Do Not Disturb trip could go very deluxe in 2025. Hospitality brands that already do this exceedingly well (for a high price point) already are Six Senses Hotels which allow you to enroll in Sleep Wellness Programs while staying on property, Aman Wellness Immersions, and Canyon Ranch’s Wellness reset programming.

Expect to see the Roman Bathhouse concept take off in 2025 with brands like Aire Ancient Baths gaining in popularity as phoneless places for relaxation. The bio-hacky Andrew Huberman and Peter Atilla worshippers could be responsible for why Oregon’s Sauna Scene Has Never Been Better. Across the pond, Auberge Resorts to land in London in 2025 with two-floor spa inspired by Roman bathing and most of the 25 Dazzling New Luxury Hotels Opening In 2025 will have wellness offerings.

Although wearable tech is still on the rise, companies like Oura Ring and Whoop that don’t have a screen display, and Yondr which allow you to offer screen-free experiences by placing smartphones in lockable neoprene pouches could gain in popularity as well.

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

BRANDING & DESIGN = Pinterest reports an uptick in serene color palettes (+110%) so you can expect brands embracing this trend to zen out neutrals, beiges, and textures like bronze, silver, water, stone, tile, earth, ceramic, marble. The Do Not Disturb aesthetic is biophilic in its design but also pulls inspiration from greco roman antiquities like statues, columns, baths, domes, and arches. Fonts and logo marks are clean, leaving lots of negative space to ‘breathe’ around them and corresponding linework and illustration are measured, symmetrical, methodical and pleasing to the eye. 

PHOTO & VIDEO = Photography and videography for a Do Not Disturb Deluxe aesthetic carry on the same themes of symmetry, purity, simplicity and stillness. There are no quick cuts, special effects, or harsh color edits but instead low contrast, slow motion, smooth camera maneuvers and an airiness that feels like floating among the clouds.

PRINT, OOH & IN-PERSON = To feel elevated and luxurious, print materials feature minimalist layouts and matte textures. These brands will find ways to take everything that we used our phones for and make them analog again – Wellness Journals, sketchbooks, written agendas, soundscapes, and reflective natural surroundings to look inward instead of onscreen in moments of boredom. In person wellness workshops ranging from yoga and meditation, to sleep and even silent retreats for the super hard core (Read: I went to a 7 Day Silent Meditation Retreat – Here’s what I learned).

FASHION & CULTURE = The wanderlust for being phone-less might hit an all time peak as  White Lotus Season 3 kicks off in 2025, set in Thailand and reprising spa owner Belinda as a connecting character from Season 1. Themes of wellness, relaxation, and luxury minimalism are evident in brands like Loro Piana which is known for its world class cashmere, vicuna and fine wools. Fragrance forward brands like Aesop, Necessaire, and OUAI are masterful at this look and feel.

Brands that should do this soon: 

Brands that should embrace a Do Not Disturb approach in 2025 would most obviously be the travel industry and travel creators (like Jetset Christina, Trusted Travel Girl). From large chains, to boutique finds, to luxe airbnb’s (like what we designed for Piano C) tech-free wellness experiences could be an absolute upsell for the traveler who is not interested in uploading 45 instagram stories daily. Social media apps could take note, by introducing more features that encourage healthy limits and boundaries with their tech and more devices could opt to be ‘dumb’ over ‘smart’ with less screen functionality. Event planners, communities and corporate retreat companies (like So Diego, Same Skin, With the Blinks and Bad Bitch Book Club) could create opportunities for connection sans phones. Lastly, fitness and wellness professionals can start to offer mindfulness and wellness options that encourage DND like In Light Hyperbarics various modalities for better healing.

TREND 4: MONUMENT OR MAKE-BELIEVE 🏢👛🎈

Now it wouldn’t be a trend report without touching artificial intelligence and augmented reality. In fact, I would be shocked to not see some variation of this in every 2025 trend prediction published here on the internet.

Our team’s first foray into AI image generation was back in 2021 for the San Diego Open “tennis taking over SD” campaign thanks to insights gained from my conversation with @thebemusedstudio on the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast (listen: KMA Ep 117). Lauren has since returned to the podcast (KMA Ep 133 and KMA Ep 162) to teach us about the advancements of all the different apps and programming that can be utilized to make your visions come to life, blending reality with make-believe. In 2024, we used AI in just about every single branding project – from creating stock imagery, to GIFs, to video and more. Using these tools has helped us help our clients by showing them possibilities that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to create. See FRG’s Announcement Teaser, In Light Hyperbarics Videos, Dental Hygiene Nation Fictitious Chateau, and Morgan Eckroth’s Personal Rebrand. 

And the world’s biggest brands have been cashing in on this ability for a while now… suspending disbelief for just a moment - employing tromp l’oiel like scenes with cartoonishly oversized versions of their signature products in major cities around the world. One of the first to do it and do it well was Jacquemus back in 2023, with their driving bags through Paris, or Maybeline’s mascara tube on the tube video. While some consumers are annoyed by this type of content for ‘tricking them’, I think in 2025 we’ll see brands turn these comically gargantuan faux brand applications practical.

In fact, some already have. Ahead of the Eras Tour coming to Vancouver, the BC Place stadium added mammoth bracelets around their venue. On New York City’s famous 5th Ave and Paris’ iconic Champs Elyses, Louis Vuitton has sheathed their storefronts in their signature suitcase motif, complete with latch closures and handles. Also in NYC – the Highline Pigeon nests itself as another example of larger than life proportions. The hot new bombshell on the Las Vegas strip, the Sphere brings a 360 approach to the possibilities of brand advertisement. As we continue on into 2025, don’t be surprised if you all of a sudden feel like you’ve walked into a scene from “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.”

Generative AI gives businesses of all size the chance to flex their creative muscles and push the limits of what’s possible for giant brand installations. Although not practical in all instances, we predict that more brands will be able to use these tools to green light their vision for gargantuan practical builds in ways that evoke genuine shock and awe from spectacle seekers. Take the Wicked movie for example. Instead of using CGI sets, Director John M Chu had Shiz University, Munchkinland, Oz, and the Emerald City train built practically… an incredible feat for film making and a factoid that had audiences reeling for more

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

BRANDING & DESIGN = In branding, expect to see more companies play with texture, size and scale. Like artists Christo & Jeanne Claude’s fabric wrap installation art from the 60’s and 70’s more brands will take creative licence to drench your most notable landmarks in their brand colors, fonts, styles, patterns and motifs. Creative Directors will seek out ways to make their brands’ products larger than life in commercial displays, pop ups, and in person experiences. Generative AI apps like Adobe Firefly and Krea allow users to create believable logo illusions that mimic real world textures, adding depth to digital design work like this reel of the Burberry Logo on different textures. What’s most important here is the consistency between what you’re making and the world your brand operates in… resist the urge to make something just because it looks cool, but because it contributes to the brand storytelling at large. 

PHOTO & VIDEO = Photographers, videographers and other content creators will play with proportions too, like @vine.fits who creates collages of their OOTDs unlike anyone else. Artists like Refik Anadol and @alva.skog have incorporated AI into their working process creating pieces assisted or entirely created by machine. AI assisted video is also growing at lightning speed and giving creators more ways to delight and surprise. We anticipate that this will lead to more brands experimenting with unexpected animation similar to this @ladoublej animation, this one from @hermes, many of the eyecatching architectural animations from @chinmayakotian or the absolute masterpieces coming out of @sucukundbratwurst. @jadkassis’s Adobe Firefly tutorials are a great place to start if you’re looking at achieve this kind of look for your brand.

PRINT, OOH & IN-PERSON = This trend takes over in 2025 when brands that have the funds to do so, make these gigantic installations happen. Putting the consumer within the context of the brand world being built allows for a heightened experience of the product at play and will continue to break barriers of traditional 2D advertising.

FASHION & CULTURE = Comically large and exaggerated features will remain at the forefront if we follow the lead of December’s 2024 Marc Jacobs led cover of Vogue featuring Kaia Gerber in cartoonishly exaggerated accessories and enhancements. In fact, the entire Marc Jacobs collection follows suit, showing uncanny proportions for clothing and accessories. As mentioned previously, almost all of the major fashion houses have attempted their take on larger than life marketing… but 2025 let’s see them put their money where their mouth is and make them real. 

Brands that should do this soon: Although exciting, the rapid changes with AI cause a decent amount of ethical, environmental and private security concerns. Cyber security hacks, personal identity biometrics, and digital exploitation (see Donald Trump’s AI Taylor Swift endorsement) are all on the docket for deep discussion and legislation in the new year (listen: Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast episode 168 with Claire Xue). There seems to be a lot of work to be done in the education space around AI, VR and AR. The first online educators that can create a comprehensive AI Media Literacy course in 2025 will make bank. Other businesses that could thrive in 2025 are installation artists, muralists, sculptors, and set designers who have the opportunity to meet the market needs by bringing those visions to life in visual merchandising, sculptural installation and event design.

IN CONCULSIOOONN…

These are just a select few trends and themes we’re anticipating in the new year, but by no means is this everything. I’ll be keeping this Pinterest board active with more sub aesthetics and trends as they come across my desk. The main takeaways being these consistent threads:

• DO lean into transformation and take creative risks that challenge the norm. Is your brand ready to embrace a bolder, more inclusive version of itself? Can you take traditionally exclusive aesthetics and make them a place where everyone belongs? The spirit of 2025 is all about reclamation and ingenuity…this is your invitation to be a part of it.

• DON’T shy away from materiality and human tactility. Whether it’s rugged camo, serene wellness textures, or elaborate handcrafted details, 2025 is a year to explore the physical, tangible side of branding and to bring your designs into the real world in a meaningful way, large or small.

If you made it all the way to the end of this blog post, you deserve all the accolades for staying curious and connected to what's next. Stay tuned for the accompanying podcast on Kiss My Aesthetic, which you can listen to anywhere you find your podcasts OR tune in on YouTube. You can also find @mkwcreative.co on TikTok and Instagram.

Ready to implement one of these trends for your brand in 2025? Let's make magic together.

2024 Design Trend Predictions: The Aesthetics you’re about to see Everywhere Next Year

As we gaze into the crystal ball of 2024, a few clear narratives emerge to pick up where 2023 left off. In order to know where we’re going we must start where we’re coming from. In summary…

LOOKING BACK: OUR 2023
ERAS

WOMEN RULE ERA

We’d be remiss to not call them “Eras” after the chokehold Ms. Taylor Swift had on pop culture this year (like being named Time’s Person of the Year, hitting Billionaire status, and producing the highest grossing tour of all time). But she’s not the only female at the top of her game. From Beyonce’s glass-ceiling-shattering Renaissance Tour, to Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, to the Rihanna Superbowl Halftime Show (most watched halftime show in history), these iconic moments cemented the year of the woman, and simultaneously ‘eventized’ the in-person experience. Almost all of these events ignited their own dress codes to match, giving super fans a chance to pledge their loyalty (and super fandom) in costume and flex their creativity online and off. More of that in ‘24, please.

APEROL SPRITZ ERA

Speaking of themes, in 2023 we said “andiamo a italia” for a summer of la dolce vita. After my over-the-top white lotus italian 30th birthday theme invites went viral on TikTok, it was no surprise we noticed tons of Italian design influence flooding our feeds (or hey, that’s just how the algorithm works). Photo dump carousels and compilation reels consisting of bikinis, boats, spritzes, stripes, pizza, pasta, and more pistachio gelato that anyone should have in their lifetime gave us an Italy hangover in the best way… but felt very 2023 in retrospect. (All recapped on Ep. 125 Bday Boxes and Aesthetic Themes).

R.I.P. TWITTER, HELLO THREADS ERA

Elon Musk’s $44 Billion dollar acquisition of Twitter and rebrand to X was like a dagger to the chest for all branding and marketing enthusiasts. The lackluster logo and seemingly nonexistent accompanying brand suite felt like bro marketing flop at its finest.. or its worst? (He should have tuned in to Kiss My Aesthetic Ep. 127 about Common Branding Mistakes). The silver lining (and polar opposite) was Meta’s rollout of Threads. Discussed on KMA Episode 121 with Ashli Pollard of Team AP Consulting.

EVERYONE’S OBSESSED WITH AI ERA

I mean, guilty as charged. From skeptic to superfan, AI totally transformed the way we run our agency this year. Personal sensei, guru, and self-proclaimed AI Auntie Lauren DeVane of Bemused Studio spilled it all on Kiss My Aesthetic Episode 117 & again on Episode 133: Midjourney & AI Part 2. Creators on Instagram and TikTok started popping off with their AI creations, like how @glamseasons transformed a soccer field into a mystical castle scene blending video and AI image generation or how I can’t stop making Faux-tels for Hotel Lobby Candle. Sitting out on integrating AI into your business in 2024 will the equivalent of choosing to run your business without using the internet in the dot com boom. Saving myself from writing an entire dissertation on the ubiquitous-ness of AI in the creative space, I just want you to know that in 2024 we are going to be seeing MORE AI, not less… and therefore each of the themes outlined in this article will hint at how that can be integrated.

TREND 1: CHERRY, CHOCOLATE, SILVER 🍒🍫🍴

Move over vanilla aesthetic, grab a spoon, and dive in to the chocolately deliciousness that is the 2024 version of Cherry Garcia. In both fashion and art a cherry chocolate color combo speaks to a broader cultural fascination with blending the tart, with the sweet and the sultry. These colors on their own carry such individually rich history and symbolism, but together create a combined palette that is warm, nostalgic, and decadent. You might recall this combo from late 90s & the early 2000s, where it was actually a revival of 1970s fashion trends that brought back chocolate browns into vogue: influencing attire, interiors, automotive, and cosmetic industries. The internet’s PR agent Girl Boss Town’s titular Red Nail Theory summarizes this on the cherry side.

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

Embracing the Cherry/Chocolate/Silver trend in your brand aesthetics means going full bore moody, reflective, seductive, and fruity sweet. Here’s where you’ll see it most:

BRANDING & DESIGN - Color palettes will start to shift from dreaded beige, greige, tan and black to incorporate more richness like dark chocolate or espresso color tones. Typography will also start to look more fluid and sugary, mimicing a sense of thickness and viscosity reminiscent of these candy coated visuals (does the Wonka movie have anything to do with this?). Packaging designers can draw inspiration from old candy wrappers (see DumDums) and dive in to blind emboss effects to give physical depth to pieces they make. Anticipate playing cards and board games making a huge comeback in 2024, as more Gen Z and millennials are drawn to an alcohol-free lifestyle but still want to stay connected with friends.

PHOTO & VIDEO - The photography style for the Cherry/Chocolate/Silver trend carries the baton of flash photography low res grainy edit of 2022 and 2023 but peppers in the late 90s early 2000s white wall backlit studio headshots a la Christian Dior, Chanel, and Tom Ford. The Cherry/Chocolate/Silver brand brings their brightness all the way down, and saturation all the way up, yet counts on the hint and glimmer of chrome, motion blur, and sparkles to bring romantic mystery.

FASHION & CULTURE - From the runway to your timeline, Red Stockings and Tights have already picked up steam and chrome and silver jewelry are quickly replacing it-girls’ gold dainty chains. I’d guess to say that Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn set to come out next October has Cherry/Chocolate/Silver potential… and something about this moodboard is also very Taylor Swift Reputation (Taylor’s Version) coded… but also a hint of Shania Twain?

Brands that already do this well: Shop Natalie MCM What Happens in Vegas Fragrance which morphs on the skin and smells like nothing you’ve ever smelled before, trust me. Summer Friday’s Midnight Retinol Launch Campaign, Schutz Cherry and Silver Fiorella Pumps or even Chocolate brown Croc boots, Jacquemus Cherry and Silver, Rhode Lip Glosses

Brands that should do this soon: Imagine if department store Macy’s reinvented themselves with this look? They’re halfway there with the red star already, but a revamp of the brand to 90s/2000s mall rat nostalgia would crush. In fact, I’m very down for a revival of mall culture. Additionally, a Miley Cyrus x Lana Del Rey collab again is long overdue for this look, since their last team up was way back in the Charlie’s Angels reboot era and a Gucci (already cherry red) shoot on top… why not. Lastly, Coca Cola could save face by bringing back Cherry Coke after dropping it from their line up in 2023.

TREND 2: BOW ADORNED BALLERINA 🩰🦢🎀

It’s no doubt that bows are having their moment. You’d be hard pressed to find any influencers holiday tree sans-ribbon this season, but here’s why bows and ballerina-core are here to stay.

Bows, historically a symbol of femininity and grace, have seen various iterations in fashion over the decades. Prominently featured in the voluminous and elaborate dresses of the Victorian era, bows symbolized luxury and refinement. In the mid-20th century, bows were reimagined in a more subdued manner, often as accents on collars, waistlines, and hair accessories. The return of bows in 2024 continues the Barbie legacy of 2023, allowing women to embrace and celebrate their femininity not as an antithesis to masculinity but as its own asset; its own attribute to be proud of. In 2024, ballerina-core is poised to make a significant comeback filling a craving for fluidity, grace, and elegance and intoxicatingly sweet silliness. This trend will likely emphasize soft fabrics, flowing silhouettes, and a palette that includes pastels pinks and neutral tones.

This trend is also nicknamed the coquette aesthetic (and seen via personal favorite: the coquette trend on TikTok, or read Bustle’s snarky take here). The term coquette quite literally translates to “to deal with something playfully rather than seriously.” Don’t forget — Mean Girls reboot comes out in 2024, and we would bet that one of the plastics will be repping this style & attitude in the movie musical.

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

BRANDING & DESIGN - Where 2023 was the height of the hand written calligraphy, the Bow Adorned Ballerina brand is going to use classical style cursives and formal script fonts that feel more regal and prestigious. Edge embellishments on print invitations and monograms fit for monarchs will be popular among personal brands, luxury lifestyle products, fragrance houses, and confectioners. This style is about all things light, airy, and delicate, meaning that the color palettes and packaging designs would look just as natural on Marie Antoinette’s bed side table as it does in your favorite influencer’s GRWM. Textures will also be huge in carrying out this aesthetic to its fullest: lace, tulle, satin, silk, bronze, and pearl are all on our watch list.

PHOTO & VIDEO - The photography and videography of this Ballerina-core/Coquette aesthetic will undoubtedly be soft focus, hazy, monochromatic, with billowing clouds of fabrics framing feminine features. This aesthetic could take a turn for more grunge-y/less pretty in pink when toughened up with harsh flash, black accents, or unnatural posing, but overall the sweetness and innocence as seen in this moodboard will prevail.

FASHION & CULTURE - Ballet, with its fantastical settings and costumes, offers a form of escapism. The world of ballet is often seen as a magical realm appealing to those who seek a sense of wonder and fantasy. With the Paris Olympics taking place in the summer in the city of love, anticipate french culture dominating the fashion and aesthetics landscape. We can speculate that attending the a ballet, opera, or museum event will become more popular after the Met Gala 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion' takes place the first monday in May.

Brands that already do this well: Christian Siriano SS24, Belle of the Ball Selkie, quickly followed by LoveShackFancy, creator @isa.bella.ricci or @thesandraduran

Brands that should do this soon: Van Cleef and Arpels should claim this space after Swarovski rebrand went more bold in 2023. This aesthetic could be reclaimed by pop princess Ariana Grande in anticipation for her role as Glinda the good witch in the upcoming movie adaptation of Wicked slotted for November 2024.

TREND 3: NEON FAUVISM & SHEER SURREAL 🪲🍸🌀

The Aperol Spritz is to the Amalfi Coast what Chartreuse and Absinthe is to Copenhagen on an acid trip… or what I’ll coin “Neon Fauvism.” Different but not dissimilar to the Gen Z affinity for lavender purple and citrine green, this design movement will be as if that Gen Z-er got a job in a French/Danish fashion house or art museum.

Fauvism was a radical early 20th-century movement where vivid color reigned supreme. Spearheaded by visionaries like Henri Matisse and André Derain, Fauvism broke free from realism's reins and took an emotional, surreal and sometimes garish approach to the ordinary. These 'Wild Beasts' (‘Les Fauves’ in French) dared to use bold, unorthodox hues to express emotions, rather than replicate the natural world's tones. Their canvases were a riot of color, unapologetically loud and emotionally charged, making Fauvism a brief but blazing comet in the art firmament, forever altering the trajectory of modern art.

Envisioning Fauvism in 2024, we might expect a contemporary reinterpretation that blends its foundational ethos of bold color and emotional expression with modern artistic trends and technologies. In the digital age, Fauvism could evolve through new mediums like digital art/generative AI, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), where its characteristic vibrant colors and emotive forms take on a new life in interactive and immersive environments. Colors that were relegated beyond the pantone swatches (or only designated in the neon palettes) can be reintroduced thanks to the boundless limits of modern tech, pushing the boundaries of what we expect things to look like.

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

BRANDING & DESIGN - Expect a painterly approach to brand work, incorporating loose brush strokes with a wide range of funky color tones. This look will work best with products and services who don’t shy away from the weird and unconventional. They’ll use loosey goosey fonts like this free one called Donut, sheer shape-shifting textures like tulle, chainmail, chiffon and gauzy linens. These brands love a highlighter pop of color to bring emphasis to the emotions they most want you to feel.

PHOTO & VIDEO - The photography and videography styles that best encapsulates this trend are pieces that feel like a dreamscape — hazy, burry, sometimes garish, but all in the daytime. This aesthetic is NOT nighttime neon from Blade Runner or Pulp Fiction, but instead a fluorescent that feels herbaceous, floral, and otherworldly. Quirky architecture and street style fashion photography come to mind with this trend, especially when unconventional colors, textures, or materials are at play.

FASHION & CULTURE - In a nod to Fauvism’s dramatic flair, accessories in Fauvist-inspired fashion can be statement-making, with vivid colors and unique, sculptural designs that stand out as art pieces in their own right. This might manifest in unexpected drapery, asymmetrical lines, or unconventional garment construction that challenges traditional forms. Culturally, hoteliers, artists, architects, and interior designer will incorporate a fauvism approach as instagram eyecandy.

Brands that already do this well: The GOAT of this trend is Schiaparelli, especially Hunter Schaffer’s dress for the 2023 Hunger Games Premiere, also loving Glassworks and Homewares by Completedworks, Ganni, Artist Tiel Duncan, Delightfully Neon Illustrations by @theintuitivecreative, & @jw_horner ‘s Mirrored Florals.

Brands that should do this soon: Poppi Sodas (they’re sooo close as it is, we’d love to see them go full bore with this theme). Also in the food category, Altoids should bring back their Citrus Sours as a millennial throwback. Brands in the cannabis and psilocybin realm could have a field day with this theme, due to the trippy color combos and painterly aesthetics. Lastly, if Green Chartreuse could get whoever did Aperol’s PR, they’d be flying high all year long.

TREND 4: FOODIE-TORIAL 🍅🥒🥨

Permission to play with your food: granted. 2023 had its fair share of food induced themes from butter boards to flavored water, everyone’s cottage cheese obsession to girl dinner (which inspired my halloween costume). In 2024 however, you’ll see food in more of a high fashion context. Following the footsteps of Jacquemus and Loewe (Read: Food as a Status Symbol or the Culinary Team behind Luxury’s most Exclusive Dinners), integrating food into fashion, fragrance, homewares and lifestyle accessories will become mainstream in the new year to embody the “art of multi-sensory marketing”.

Our cultural obsession with food as status is not new. Renaissance and Dutch Masters made painstakingly accurate renditions of food-filled tablescapes until the invention of the camera in the 19th century. Yet it wasn’t until the mid-20th century, with the boom of advertising and print media that food photography started to gain significant commercial importance. The gourmet food scene of the 70s and 80s led to a more sophisticated approach to food photography emphasizing elegance, opulence, and authenticity. Today, in the digital and social media era, food photography is a blend of professional and user-generated content, reflecting both artistic expression and cultural trends in food consumption and presentation while also flashing to your friends and followers “look what I can afford”.

In 2024, the avant-garde depiction of food as high art is likely to transcend traditional boundaries, blending culinary mastery with innovative artistic expression. As the lines between art, technology, and gastronomy blur, we can expect to see food presented in ways that challenge and expand our understanding of aesthetics and taste. Interactive and immersive experiences, possibly utilizing augmented and virtual reality, will elevate the dining experience to a form of performance art. This evolution will mark a new era where food is not just sustenance or pleasure, but a powerful medium for artistic and social commentary.

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on where you stand on the issue), weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Monjaro have already undoubtedly changed the way we look at food as a society. We predict that in the new year, you’ll see food presented as art objects & in avant garde ways. Mark my words butter pyramid towers are coming because Gwyneth Paltrow had one at her Goop holiday party (…its giving the party scene at the Capitol in Hunger Games). How is this possible when everyone else is feeling the crunch of economic downturn due to high cost of living? Read more in this fascinating Nylon article: Fashion’s Obsession with Bread is Recession Camp.

WHERE YOU’LL SEE IT

BRANDING & DESIGN - Don’t be shocked to see food used a as styling tool for selling goods and services unrelated to the food itself. Foodie Editorial or “Foodie-torial” craze as I’m dubbing it, across visual communications pairs well with bold, san serif, poster-ready fonts for max impact. Bold color palettes will be derived from the produce itself: tomato red, buttery yellow and leafy green. Patterns you’ll see accompanied with this look will be traditional restaurant tablecloth inspired like gingham and checker.

PHOTO & VIDEO - Food as prop seems to be the most obvious theme but food looking like things that aren’t food and vice versa also seems to be an impending trend. This photo/video style makes use of naturally lit UGC just as much as a high gloss studio setting. The primary ingredient in these compositions is fun and absurdity. You’ve got to be ready to take on the silly excessiveness of using food in this way in order to do the trend justice.

FASHION & CULTURE - As explained in CNN’s article Conspicuous consumption: Why the worlds of food and fashion are Colliding “fashion brands including Prada, Gucci and Ralph Lauren have opened cafes and restaurants, allowing shoppers to literally consume their favorite brands.” Expect more of this in 2024 as fashion and food are two industries that everyone does participate in (cue Cerulean scene from Devil Wears Prada). We also think that we’re overdue for a new era of celebrity chefs to hit the scene maybe due in part to the popularity of The Bear which is renewed for Season 3 in 2024.

Brands already doing this well:  Iconic food fashion hybrids Lisa Says Gah & PanacheBklyn, Food Artist @thisismold, @badtaste.biz, Jacquemus, Loewe, Schiaparelli again with the Lobster Dress, Oscar de la Renta’s Creative Director Laura Kim’s feed is half dedicated to food > fashion. Ultimate brand crush doing Foodie-torial right is Flamingo Estate. If you don’t know them you better… and you can thank me later.

Brands that should do this soon: We’ve seen fashion and food paired well together, but not as much with beauty, haircare, or skincare. Imagine DryBar did a campaign themed around hair food for a new product line launch. What if Ilia or Rare Beauty’s next shoot had juicy fruits and farm fresh veggies in scene? Additionally interior design brands should use this approach in their brand visuals to create quirky renditions of lighting setups, chairs, furniture installations, wallpapers and fabrics. Not that 2000’s tuscan kitchen trompe l’oeil or stuffed olive oil jars need to make a comeback, but interior rooms decorated for dinner parties with unexpected off the wall presentation & themes are welcome to stay.

IN CONCULSIOOONN…

These are just a select few trends and themes we’re anticipating in the new year, but by no means is this everything. I’ll be keeping this Pinterest board active with more sub aesthetics and trends as they come across my desk. The main takeaways being these consistent threads:

• DO double down on your brand adjectives to drive your aesthetic. Is your brand sweet or sultry? Quirky? Unconventional? Traditional and nostalgic or modern and avant garde? These descriptors should represent your home base (making any deviations from home a true experiment worth pursuing by the way!) and be something you come back to as a core tenant of what you offer in the broader communication of your visual style

• DON’T be afraid to push the envelope and create ART in your marketing… with food, with color, form, texture or messaging, 2024 is a year to embrace your frenzied creative mind and make something magical, either physically or with the help of your favorite AI tool of choice

If you made it all the way to the end of this behemoth of a blog post, thank you, and I want to reach through my computer and kiss you. Stay tuned for the accompanying podcast on Kiss My Aesthetic, which you can listen to anywhere you find your podcasts OR tune in on YouTube. You can also find @mkwcreative.co on TikTok and Instagram.

Looking to implement one of these trends with your brand in 2024?