Society Culture Politics

Color and Design Trends for Home and Fashion in 2007 and 2008 are Tied to Politics, with Environmental Concerns Leading the Way

St. Louis, MO (PRWeb) December 14, 2006 -- Trend expert and marketing strategist Kim Barrington, editor of Trendcites, a new monthly trend newsletter bearing light on what's to come for the home decorating, fashion and stationery markets, says fashion is no longer the sole predictor of trends -- in fact Ms. Barrington points to the recent citing of the more somber color palettes for fall fashion 2006 as one example of how the trends are now being driven by politics, both domestic and international.

"This darkness of color, these deep blues, dark purples, dark greys are really reflecting how we all feel right now about things going on around the world ... such as all the sobering statistics on global warming and the extent to which we are directly impacted, life in a post-9/11 world and the pall cast from the more recent natural disasters happening here on U.S. shores and in other parts of the world, the endless conflicts in the middle east," Ms. Barrington said. "The world view can be seen as sad and weighty, why not dress accordingly?"

Taking this notion of politics defining the times further, Ms. Barrington cites the use of sustainable materials in packaging, cleaning products, cosmetics, interior design and fashion, the popularity of many hues of the color green, and to come, the popularity of blue reflecting the colors of our fresh water lakes and favorite ocean views as an outcome of the push for doing things to save our planet.

"Where once this was the domain of overachieving conscientious children in school supporting recycling efforts, it's now a mainstream effort on the part of retailers, manufacturers, country governments, and even past presidential candidates ... now the U.S. Supreme Court is taking on the issue," Ms. Barrington said. "It's difficult to deny that fashion trends and buying patterns of today aren't influenced by political sway. And, increasingly doing ones part in saving our planet is a moral obligation, not just a winning strategy to gain the hearts and minds of our customers."

For more on trends and the things that shape them, visit www.trendcites.com.

Kim Barrington, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, is the founder of kimbro, a marketing services agency, and editor of Trendcites, a monthly trend newsletter covering the housewares, home decorative accessories market, craft, stationery, office, home office, back to school and back to college markets. More information can be found on her agency at www.thekimbroagency.net and kimbro's newsletter at www.trendcites.com or by contacting the company directly by phone at 314-918-0201.

Ms. Barrington is available to the media for interviews and can also be reached at 314-918-0201.

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