BackIdeas & Inspiration >> Fall/Winter Trends >> New Eccentric
Eccentricity has always abounded when strength of character has abounded; the amount of eccentricity in a society has generally been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigor and courage which it contained.
The New Eccentric Movement
Over the years, eccentricity has gradually been eclipsed by a sense of conformity, strongly driven by consumers’ need to belong, “fit in” and be on trend with the masses.
However, the tide is once again turning, and returning, to a time where eccentricity is not only celebrated, but is a trend in itself. In a society once obsessed with uniformity and sameness, there has emerged a new group of consumers defined by their powerful drive for freedom, individuality and self-expression. They are at the heart of the New Eccentric movement.
Eccentric is Electric
The New Eccentric has evoked in consumers a burning desire to break free from all labels, societal expectations and restrictions, and strongly challenge convention and conformity. Their desire to eliminate monotony and all lackluster elements from their daily experience has fueled a resurgence in creative design characterized by the combination of boldly graphic patterns, odd color mixes and extreme tactility.
The riveting and interactive trend of The New Eccentric has reignited consumers’ intrinsic sense of fun and imagination and reawakened in them a renewed spirit which embraces colorful characters and audacious, playful expression.
Consumers are hungry for new experiences, and enjoy experimenting with non-traditional pattern combinations as well as new materials, oftentimes in an array of bright, vibrant colors.
Ultimately, consumers want to live their lives “in color” further driving the New Eccentric trend of more vivid, happier tones, diverse color patterns and extreme textures.
Marketers have heeded the consumer call to infuse an air of bold, playful “eccentricity” into their creations. The evolution of the “New Eccentric” extends across a diverse spectrum of markets from home design, to fabrics and fashion, to food and flavor, beauty, personal care and fragrance.
Similarly, the essence of “eccentricity” can be seen in all aspects of a creation’s marketing and presentation, specifically in its color, packaging and logo. Out-of-the-box compositions are designed to “pop,” ignite the senses and exude an air of whimsy.
Home Design
Vibrant bursts of color inject an “energy” and excitement into otherwise neutral pieces. Colorful characters are showing up everywhere. At one time these playful, bold hues were prevalent solely in the “artsy, creative” industries and whimsical had the stigma of being silly.
Today, however, brilliant hues have gone mainstream and playful and fun are now seen to be professional and more importantly, on trend and in line with the needs and wants of consumers.
Additionally, collections featuring pieces in various colors give buyers a wide range of choices. Today’s consumers are all about having choices.
Fabrics & Fashion
Marketers in fashion are also bringing a lively and eccentric energy (along with a sense of optimism and joy, excitement and intrigue) to their professional lines.
A cut-and-paste approach to design, along with adventurous, clashing color combinations, bold stripes and pop florals has led to a renewed approach to graphic prints and a host of new eccentric vibrant fabrics.
Food & Flavor
The New Eccentric trend is all about embracing the unexpected and celebrating a spirit of discovery and experimentation. Culinary artists are capitalizing on this hunger for the “unconventional”, with provocative new palette pleasers which highlight mash-ups of bizarre flavors and flavor pairings of offbeat, yet delectable combinations.
- Peanut Butter and Curry Ice Cream
- Kaya Toast – Fresh Eggs and Coconut Milk
- Coffee Granita
- Smoked Salmon and Yogurt
- Lavender White Chocolate Macarons
Color
The New Eccentric is all about playfulness, individuality and an essence of light-minded fun and freedom. The color scheme reflecting the heart of this trend exudes a sense of liberation through punchy optical brights, unexpectedly juxtaposed with a modern and edgy black accent.
Packaging and Labeling
The New Eccentric movement was evident at Cosmoprof. Many of the brands featured at this international beauty trade show showcased products with eye-catching packaging i.e. energetic colors and prints. Some even used rubber materials on their packaging to ensure products would stand out on the shelves.
The influence of this growing trend was also evident at Christmasworld. The traditional story of Christmas was translated into a more contemporary decor through the use of color and kitsch.
Beauty and Fragrance
The metamorphosis and awakening of the eccentric, creative spirit has given birth to a bold new movement which embraces colorful characters and playful expression. Consumers have begun to enjoy experimenting with non-traditional pattern combinations as well as new materials.
Consequently, fragrance marketers are challenging preconceived perceptions of scent and instituting innovative new strategies for repositioning fragrance as an art form. They continue to explore different and inventive ways to develop new concepts and transform the way consumers view smell.
- Kokeshi Parfums – Bambu by Valeria Attineli
- BBW Sheer Cotton & Lemonade
- Oak Bushwick
- The Body Shop Smoky Poppy
- Frederik Malle Outrageous
- Kiko Visionary
- Moschino Toy
- Jo Malone Blue Agave & Cacao
The New Eccentric…Stroke of Genius
“I’d rather go with something eccentric – but beautifully eccentric….”
Intriguing, innovative and always interesting, the “New Eccentric” is far more than a trend. The New Eccentric is a movement, a spirit and an energy that inspires marketers and consumers alike to experiment, explore and experience life in exciting new ways.
The eccentric perspective challenges conventional perception, infusing all aspects of the daily experience with a fun, offbeat aura and daring consumers to be bold, brave and begin to harness their own creative genius.
