As reported in China’s New Fashion Status, the emotional consumption economy – where consumers prioritise psychological pay-off, like stress relief or comfort, over utility or status – is growing exponentially, with East Asian countries leading this shift. Expressive charms, trinkets and talismans are key to its growth within the fashion industry, with different trends targeting a variety of customer types.

In 2025, The Active & Outdoorsification Opportunity highlighted how the intersection between fashion and active/outdoor apparel was evolving a new visual language – one which suggests a physical lifestyle, but in pure fashion form. This relies heavily on sports-based details and trims, and, as we predicted, is inspiring novel and fresh-feeling design treatments, with plenty of scope for future development.

It’s been nearly two years since we first mentioned Designing Beyond Data-Led Homogeny. Today, it’s one of fashion’s biggest challenges and opportunities. Embellishments, details and trims are the key way for the industry’s creative minds to design beyond the algorithm – as well as for consumers to express themselves, via DIY crafty experimentation and even injecting a little bit of soft protest into the mix.

As highlighted in Tomorrow’s Cost-Conscious Consumers, nearly 70% of Americans believe a recession is likely in the next year, while 90% of Brits cite the cost of living as their biggest concern. Even when it comes to frugal mindsets, embellishment is an important factor, with beautiful mending on the rise and adaptable add-ons getting the most out of products to fulfil multiple functions.