To mark the launch of our Trends publication – a compilation of 2017s biggest, best and most bizarre trends – we’ll be releasing one a day in the countdown to Christmas. First up, Cacti.
It’s true that we like to surround ourselves with nature, bringing plants (both potted and printed) into our lives. Previously florals have taken our fancy, with Cath Kidston’s bright flowery handbags dominating the high street, hung on the arms of women up and down the country. No longer considered quirky, floral prints were replaced with bold tropical patterns as we got our 5-a-day from fashion, living on a diet of fruity accessories. Playful plastic pieces gave us our fruit fix for a while in the shape of watermelons, pineapples and pears, but now it’s the cactus that’s taking over the high street. No longer the last minute pick-up at the end of an IKEA trip, cacti are everywhere, adorning fabrics, footwear and furnishings – filling our homes, our Pinterest boards, and our hearts. We’re looking for something edgier, or spikier, than flowers it seems, substituting bouquets for potted plants and bringing succulents into our homes in place of fresh blooms.
Is this botanical binge a sign of our growing empathy for the environment around us? It seems environmental issues are on our minds, with more and more people becoming vegan, choosing reusable coffee cups, and feeling less than fantastic about plastic. Flowers are short-lived, whereas a plant will survive and thrive in the right environment – and nothing says ‘I love you’ like a heart-shaped cacti!
If you’d like us to post you a copy of the Trends publication, contact ideas@wearemagpie.com.