OBSERVATIONS ON TOYS AND TRENDS In addition to providing updates on toy trends in the marketplace, Toy Industry Association (TIA) staff is monitoring trends in other industries that can influence future toys and games. Brief reports and observations are provided periodically to members; questions can be directed to TIA’s toy trends team. The Top Colors and Materials for 2016 The latest items in lifestyle collections, giftware, home furnishing and décor filled the Jacob K. Javits Center last week as the NY Now trade show kicked into high gear. The show floor was a kaleidoscope of color, pattern and texture — all design elements that have great potential to impact children’s DIY sets, dolls & accessories, infant toys, and more. The following are some of the major trends in color and material expected to reign supreme for 2016, announced at a presentation by design guru Stacy Garcia of Stacy Garcia, Inc. Urban Nomad This trend is the classic case of “what’s old is new.” The hippie influence of the 1970s is back in full force, encouraging designers to play with layered patterns and find inspiration from global aesthetics (think: Morocco, India, and the American Southwest). Next year’s hottest colors will revolve around cool greens, hot pinks, purples, oranges and burgundies. Flowing fabrics, fringe, leather and macramé all fall into this trend — but carefully edited, giving “Urban Nomad” a modern edge. The hippie styling could make its way into everything from fashion doll outfits to items for the tween and teen crowd. Blush & Plush Positioned as a counter-­‐trend to technology, “Blush & Plush” embraces a sense of silence and simplicity. Soft textiles, serene colors and natural materials will be making a strong appearance across product categories: think felts, feathers, velvets and chunky knits, in a color palette of oatmeal, buttery cream, blush and pastels. High tactility is central to this trend, making it an important one to watch for makers of arts & crafts kits and infant toys. It’s very similar to the “Quiet Comfort” trend that we reported on in July out of the TexWorld show. Surfaces While “Blush & Plush” is all about creating calm, comforting environments that encourage people to step back from technology, it’s impossible to ignore the innovation that’s hurdling along at light speed. “Surfaces” draws its inspiration from an interesting mix of technology and cosmology. The colors driving this trend are the purples, teals, bronzes and grays that you’d find in Hubble images of faraway galaxies. Iridescent, reflective surfaces add to the otherworldly feel. But while much of this trend exudes a futuristic vibe, it’s also about leveraging the technologies available today. 3D-­‐printed materials and digital capabilities that allow for hyper-­‐customization are making big headway in the design sector, underscoring that the “Maker Movement” trend of allowing kids to create and personalize their playthings is showing no signs of receding. For information about this year’s hottest toy trends, visit www.toyassociation.org/trends. About the Author Ashlee Neuman serves as a trend specialist for the Toy Industry Association (TIA). She maintains close communication with TIA members to stay abreast of what’s new, next and cutting-­‐edge in the toy industry and is constantly on the lookout for trends in other industries that will cross over to influence future playthings. Ashlee can be reached at 646.454.5590 or via e-­‐mail at [email protected]. Posted August 21, 2015