Skip to content

Sphere-spotting: NY NOW

By Cathy Schneider, Sphere Trending Trend Futurist, Director of Color Theory

Another dispatch from New York – this time with a focus on the tradeshow, NY NOW, a leading event featuring brands and makers.

The unbreakable tableware from Japanese Studio Aras is made from a unique blend of recyclable resin and glass, designed to last a lifetime and reduce waste. Aras chooses to present values ​​that contribute to society. “The Sustainable Collection began with the question of whether we could reuse natural materials that had become industrial waste, such as “cedar bark” and “seawater,” and convert their value into materials that enrich the food experience. The Sustainable Collection is a proposal for the tableware of the future.” – Project Manager Mizukami from the Eras Team. The traditional Brown from the Cedar Bark Series expresses the vitality of plants in a deep, dark forest, while the Black expresses the scene of a cedar forest lined with rows of cedar trees.  The Seawater Series depicts the traditional Mineral White, a Marine Blue which depicts the clear, vivid blue sea of ​​the south, and Coral Pink which depicts the sea dyed pink by the setting sun.

Next up? Our team is headed to Paris and Berlin. Follow along for more dispatches from our travels! We have a lot more coming in September so don’t miss out! Click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.

Sphere-spotting: New York

By Cathy Schneider, Sphere Trending Trend Futurist and Director of Color Theory

Our team recently attended Shoppe Object in New York and D.A.R. Proyectos was a brand that stood out – blending smart design with traditional Andean artisan techniques.

Using indigenous stones and minerals, they create unexpected and playful yet relatable everyday objects. They believe the world is full of life, not only from plants and animals, but rocks as well and they believe these rocks to be symbols of life. In pursuit of finding new ways to keep the essence of their cosmovision alive, they are always looking for design spaces in which to preserve their creative expression. Cultural traceability is key to keeping the intricate patterns and the forgotten symbolism of indigenous Peru alive.”

Follow along for more dispatches from our travels! We have a lot more coming in September so don’t miss out! Click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.

Brands Get Revved Up

Cathy Schneider, Sphere Trending Trend Futurist, Director of Color Theory

Dubbed the ‘Summer Railroad Racetrack’ and located in a former car repair facility across from the East Hampton railway station, this pop-up store by Mytheresa x Flamingo Estate pays homage to its location’s history, integrating racetrack motifs into its decor.

The centerpiece of the store features a miniature racetrack garden featuring race cars surrounded by Mytheresa products. This temporary shop creates a community for luxury enthusiasts and brings customers a creative, luxury immersive shopping experience. 

Follow along for more spherespotting! Click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.

Design Chemistry

By Lori Salem, Sphere Trending Market Research & Trend Analyst

As we move into 2024, I am grateful for the return to travel and being able to attend incredible tradeshows that provide us with the opportunity to learn about new products, creative collaborations, design innovations, and give us inspiration for the year ahead.

The design industry has been fortunate enough to experience a plethora of tradeshows worldwide. Being connected to press coverage allows me to gain further insights, product details, and enhanced conversations with vendors. I really enjoy immersing myself into the design community and city that hosts the event.

1.Weaved woven wickers

Woven materials still had a strong presence at High Point, NC in furniture and lighting. However, it took on more of a structured interwoven pattern instead of the traditional lacing we’re used to seeing. Made Goods had credenzas and cabinet doors in this material, which resembled a clean, tailored look.

2. Gray Burl 

Burl was a statement at the show in many different collections. We generally think of burl as a lighter maple finish, but this new gray burl by Made Goods really made an impact.

3. Power Motion

Motion was the new technology for reclining sectionals. Four Hands was one who introduced Power Motion, a sectional that could fully recline with a touch of a discreet button.

We look forward to more travel and tradeshows in 2024 including the upcoming Spring Market at High Point in April! Follow along to see our insights from trendspotting around the US and abroad. Click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.

Holiday Windows

By Cathy Schneider, Sphere Trending Trend Futurist, Director of Color Theory

Throughout the year we visit cities at home and abroad to look for new shifts. I just returned from holiday retail trendspotting in New York, and I feel so fortunate to be able to scout out seasonal trends during this special time of year.  Of course, the trip includes documenting the iconic and always breathtaking window displays throughout New York City, but it’s not just limited to windows anymore. Murals, such as the one at the Louis Vuitton flagship store, are getting a lot of attention as well. Three of my favorites are shown below.

1. Isn’t It Brilliant

Sphere Trendspotting – Bergdorf Goodman NYC

Brilliant lights, mirror mosaics, and chrome decorate the displays of Bergdorf Goodman in New York, along with vintage inspired themes and touches of neon.

2. Joyeuses Fetes

Sphere Trendspotting – Louis Vuitton NYC

The new Louis Vuitton Christmas mural is up at their flagship New York store at 1 East 57th Street at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, aka Billionaire’s Row.

3. Give Love

Sphere Trendspotting – Macys NYC

This year the displays at Macys celebrate the magic of friendship with Tiptoe the reindeer as she enjoys activities with her friends, Polar Bear and Penguin.

Stay tuned to hear from the rest of our team as we close out the year on what they are grateful for over the next week – click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.