Ever wonder where trends come?   Their influence is all around us . . . politics, the economy, sports, entertainment, religion, etc.  Most people recognize their origins in hindsight while trend forecasters have to go out on a limb in making future predictions; hoping that most of the time we are correct!

Last winter as the hype was building for the 2008 Summer Beijing Olympics I made a safe prediction that design would be influenced by the games.  Specifically I mentioned that there would be a lot of hype around the Olympics’ emblematic symbol, the National Stadium.  The National Stadium, designed by a Swiss architectural firm, is the one that looks like a Bird’s Nest.  It is an incredibly, creatively unique design and was the featured landmark of the games, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, plus numerous sporting events throughout the games.  I don’t believe anyone could have survived the summer without seeing at least one picture of this distinctive structure. 

In September I was in Paris attending Maison et Objet, the home décor show which is the showcase for French manufacturers (with their wonderfully innate sense of design), in addition to an array of international manufacturers.  I’m proud to announce that I saw a number of products that were obviously influenced by the Bird’s Nest: wall screens, hurricane lanterns, baskets, and outdoor woven furniture. 

Additionally, I’ve seen several interpretations during New York City’s Fall Fashion Week including a dress by Thakoon whose fabric looked like the Bird’s Nest stadium’s structural design. 

And, have you noticed the recent spate of circles utilized in product design . . . on rugs, pillows, lamps?  They are a direct influence of the five Olympic rings.

The applications of design trend influences are all around us.  Look at things a little differently.  What do you see?  Please share your observations of the influences on product design from the Olympics, the political campaign, the economy, etc.  

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