Trends do come and go regardless of whether you follow them or not. Simon Moriarty, director of Mintel, the world’s leading market intelligence agency, which tracks global spending, believes people will focus on seven core behaviours and values regarding purchasing power in 2023. These include identity, rights, surroundings, experiences, technology, well-being and value. Here is a taste of what will influence your home, well-being, wardrobe, and beauty bags this New Year.
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The Thrill of Thrift
Perhaps the most significant trend we will see in 2023 is frugality. In our world right now, we are all aware that the 2023 inflation fears, climate change, and growing concern about waste and conspicuous consumption are driving this trend. "Expect a stronger focus on durability, flexibility and timelessness as consumers seek to buy less and own products that last longer and serve multiple purposes," says Moriarty in his report. He adds, "Consumers are refocusing on what value means to them and spending more intentionally as a result. Consumers want to make smart financial choices in a tough economic environment without sacrificing their quality of life.” Our super-glam style director Lousie Hilsz is embracing frugality with a pledge not to shop fashion in 2023 unless it’s from the proceeds of upcycling her existing wardrobe - we will report on how she gets on.
Well-being
Sensehacking
One of the biggest trends for 2023 highlights the crucial role that senses play in our everyday lives. Our senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste) can change how we feel almost instantly, so this trend is about becoming happier and more productive by 'hacking' our senses. But what does it mean? "Sensehacking has got to be one of the most exciting new wellbeing trends for 2023 says, Jasmine Eskenzi, founder of wellbeing and productivity app The Zensory. "Sensehacking means using the power of our senses to improve our mood. As we head into a time of economic turmoil, any way to boost your mood easily and cheaply will surely be welcomed by all. Once you learn to sense hack effectively, you can do it anywhere, anytime." Easy ways to boost the senses at home include using candles, wax melts, diffusers, pillow sprays, and colour psychology to make our environment spark creativity and positivity while boosting our mental health. According to the experts, sense-hacking is said to help improve your cognitive and emotional wellbeing.
SLEEP SYNCING
As the wellness sector continues to boom in a post-Covid world, experts predict 'sleep syncing' will be big next year. In 2023, smart tech is geared around syncing circadian routines and carefully timing biological clocks for regular daylight and dark exposure. New research by the healthcare brand found Holland & Barrett found that two in three people have had poor quality sleep in the last six months, while they have also seen a 9.5 per cent growth in sales of their sleep and calm ranges in 2022. The experts tell us: "As the quest for a better night's sleep continues, we'll see circadian eating – switching from heavy evening meals to afternoon 'light' eating – grow in popularity. The new sleep aid on the block is Glycine, which helps calm neurotransmitters in the brain, supports nerve impulses and helps healthy sleep patterns so we can avoid 'lightmares' from overdosing on digital stimulation before bed.
MOR EMPORIUM CLASSICS SNOW GARDENIA FRAGRANT SOY CANDLE, $32.
Not only will the scent of gardenia from this luxurious candle fill every room in your home, but it’s also an aroma that relaxes and helps relieve stress. This clean-burning soy candle will last for 20 hours thanks to the pure cotton wick, while the gorgeous black vessel makes a beautiful jewellery jar or vase afterwards.
Jo Malone London Lavender & Moonflower Pillow Mist, $72.
An excellent practice in self-care, sleep is youth-boosting in so many ways. Spritzed on your pillow and bedlinen nightly, the blend of English lavender, white musk and night-blooming moonflowers will help you sleep soundly.
Beauty
SPF everything
According to data from Instagram's recent report, sunscreen is moving from a skincare trend to a life-long movement. Two out of three Gen-Z survey respondents said they plan to buy skincare or beauty products protecting against the sun and “extreme weather.” A steady increase in ground-level ozone will emphasise the importance of using products rich in antioxidants to mop up those incidental UV rays our sunscreen fails to shield. That increased heat and humidity call for more dynamic skincare so our skin can cope with seasons, climates, and humidity levels. This also answers the ‘skinminimalism’ makeup trend that continues to grow - going as bare as possible means light coverage and a hefty dose of SPF.
*source Instagram
Alumier Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Versatile Tint, $84.
This is everything your skin needs to stay safe under the sun - every day of the year. This medical-grade skincare brand has an SPF that is a physical block to those harsh UV rays. Being a blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in a base of hydrating vitamin E. The free-radical-quenching antioxidants, including vitamin C, resveratrol, extracted from grape seeds, and glutathione, help decrease the melanin production that causes pigmentation while boosting skin firmness.
Beauty Rx
The medicalisation of beauty leads to the demand for proof behind product claims, with ingredient-led products containing synthetic and natural ingredients. "As the hunger for more efficient and potent products and treatments grows, consumers will look further to find proof that their money is being well-spent," says Andrew McDougal, director of Mintel beauty and personal care. In addition, potential developments from beauty brands could come from the emergence of genetic sequencing and advances in diagnostics and electronic wearable devices. We can look forward to the beauty industry embracing new technologies to develop products and updating existing ones while reducing costs to remain competitive.
*source Mintel
PINK WILL REIGN SUPREME
We hope you're not sick of the Barbiecore trend yet because when it comes to colour, pink will reign supreme in 2023. From light pastel to deep fuchsia, pink, coral and different shades of rose quartz, a pink-red will dominate in winter. We think that’s due to the phycology of this shade; traditionally, pink is a soothing, calming, anti-stress colour while being universally flattering on every skin colouring.
Rose Inc Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Colour, in Ophelia True Pink, $51. Essie Nail Polish in Stretch your wings, $19. MAC Cosmetics Lustreglass Lipstick in Syrup, $42. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise in Pillow Talk, $48.
Seaweed
Praised for their health benefits, the ocean plants, a staple in many Asian cultures, will be high on global menus in 2023. From spirulina to kelp, green algae and nori, sea veggies are packed with minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals and antioxidants that help protect cells against free radicals and inflammation. You will hear more and more about the power sea plants have on our skin and body health. Pinterest forecasts many of 2023's superfoods to hail from the ocean this year. Rising searches for "green algae," "seaweed snack recipes," "nori recipes," and "salmon bowls" prove this nutritious plant category is making a big splash. Seaweed-boosted beauty is on the rise too. According to Mecca Cosmetica, when applied topically, marine algae has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-ageing effects. In addition, studies suggest seaweed can help prevent collagen degradation, improve elasticity and hydration, and reverse the damage caused by oxidative stress and UV exposure.
Kora Organics Active Algae Lightweight Moisturizer, $81.
This certified organic brand ticks every box for the conscious consumer. A refillable lightweight gel moisturiser is stacked with sustainably sourced powerful active ingredients of green tea, Alpine rose, green algae, and Swiss glacier water. This cream is what dry, dehydrated skin is begging for.
Home
The colour of Joy
Colour palettes featuring terracotta, copper and burnt sienna are set to be a hit for bringing joy to any celebrations, including weddings in 2023. Orange is commonly associated with optimism, making it a great colour to have at symbolic events like weddings – and Gen X and Millennials with upcoming nuptials will indeed have no objections to this happy union. Pinterest search stat searches on this shade include a burnt orange wedding theme +695 per cent. Terracotta wedding bridesmaid dresses +230 per cent. Orange wedding centrepieces +150 per cent. Copper saree +285 per cent and Orange dress outfit wedding +285 per cent.
Resene Karen Walker Clementine Orange paint, available at Resene ColorShops. Zimmerman orange floral print dress, $12.18 from Farfetch. HERMÈS Rouge Hermès, Satin Lipstick Refill, $56. Vivienne Westwood Conscious Cuban flame leather boots, $1242.
Wallpapering powder rooms
While wallpaper in powder rooms is not a new or groundbreaking trend, Lauren Robbins, founder and lead designer for Lauren Robbins Interiors, says it will only get bigger and bolder in 2023. “Powder rooms are a great place to execute pattern play and colours that you may be cautious about putting in larger spaces in your home,” she says. “We like to call our powder rooms the jewel box of a home, as you can experiment with layered colours, texture and unique decorative accessories that add an element of surprise when your guests open the door.”
*source VERANDA
Resene Smitten paint available at Resene ColorShops. Resene 91172 Utopia wallcovering collection is available from Resene ColorShops. MISSONI HOME Giacomo Collection hand towel, $29.
KARTELL All Saints Mirror, $2580 from Smith & Caughey.
Biophilia reconfigured
The past few years saw us clinging to as many interior greenery elements as possible (our editor started her indoor plant obsession in 2020, and now it’s a full-time job caring for her jungle), from botanical patterns to statement plants. That passion still runs deep but is morphing into something different. "Biophilia is still important; this year's trends are less inspired by lush nature but instead by the irregular and imperfect," Lindsey Smecker, principal at ESP Trendlab. "This trend celebrates desert landscapes, mineral shades, mossy greens, and raw, unfinished textures. "Groundbreaking brands are speaking the language of the land, discussing biodiversity and insect populations, permaculture, and the harmonious integration of fibre, farming, and food. Fabrics are being developed from orange skins and rose stems, and we are working in harmony with mycelium, clay, fungus, grape skin, dried peel, pineapple skin, brick, earth, shells, kelp, blood, pig skin, and petals," adds Smecker.
Maybe our compost bins will dictate our dècor style in the future.
* sources Architectural Digest
Fashion
Fashion brands are operating in a world that is more than an ever-changing mash-up. “Trends in 2023 will continue to be defined by a melting pot of aesthetics,” said Kayla Marci, market analyst at data specialist at Edited. “The fashion cycle has evolved so much in recent years, with consumers having more options than ever before, supporting the perception that no one single trend is ‘in’ or ‘out’ but instead - everything is trending.” Given the high number of micro trends fuelled by pop culture and lifestyle moments on TikTok with urgency for consumption, contrasting themes like grunge, minimalism, Barbiecore and feminine glamour will coexist in 2023,” Marci said.
Cargo style
This trend gained momentum in 2022, but it's coming in a big way this year. Oversized pockets were seen on just about every spring/summer 2023 runway, including Miu Miu, Fendi, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Marant, Versace, and Brunello Cucinelli. Dust off any cargo pants you may have deep in your wardrobe; it’s time to wear them again.
Norma Kamali cargo pocket playsuit, $442 from Farfetch. Pistola Camilo Military Jacket, $223 from Revolve. Zadig&Voltaire flared cargo jeans, $386 from Farfetch. POPPY LISSIMAN Bobby Bag in hot pink, $199 from Superette.
Ballet flats
It will be challenging to wrestle us out of our comfy designer sneakers, but we see the appeal of an elegant ballet flat. “The ballet flat was the aughts (2000) staple,” says fashion writer and flat ballet enthusiast Tyler McCall. “I can think of so many tabloid moments, whether Amy Winehouse in ballet slippers or Alexa Chung in a pair of denim cutoffs and bright Chanel flats. We're all about mining that nostalgia at the moment.” You can thank Miu Miu and Maison Margiela for this current revival, with designers’ ballet flats on every fashionable girls’ gram.
Country Road CLAUDIA BALLET, $109. Mi Piaci Itty Flat, $260. Conscious Stella McCartney chain-embellished elasticated ballerinas, $444. PORTE & PAIRE Bow-embellished pink satin ballet flats, $398 from Net-a-Porter.
Boudoir dressing
Delicate silky underwear, pretty lace, and playful peekaboo styles define this feminine trend. You can expect lots of bias-cut slip dresses with spaghetti straps, ruffles and frills, while diaphanous lace, which is both sexy and figure-flattering, should be on show.
Trelise Copper Boudoir baby slip in pink, $129. WACOAL Embrace Lace Chemise, $99. Loeffler Randall Emilia Pleated Knot Mule, $634. Gilda & Pearl Conscious Harlow Lace Bra, $272 from Farfetch.
Perennial Pink
It’s going nowhere; from hot pink to soft pastel and coral interpretations, this calming colour associated with femininity and love can be spotted in all the fashion capitals across the globe. Good news, if you invested last season, hold onto those considered pink fashion buys; they’re still bang on trend.
Versace Greca Goddess shoulder bag, $2634. KENZO PARIS Boke Flower Loose T-Shirt, $305 from Smith & Caughey. Vania stud daydreamer pearl and rhodochrosite earrings, $130 from Karen Walker. New Balance 550 pink sneakers, $220.
Ideal for Christmas gifting.