Societies are often defined by the actions of the young. Let us look at four trends in health, fashion, cuisine, and beauty currently in the vanguard.
Health and Wellness: The Sharing of Information
Trust me, I’ve been there before. When somebody tells you this, you know they probably understand what you are going through. If you are in the middle of a messy divorce, you might want to talk to a friend who has had the same happen to him. If you are getting ready for the big game, you could seek the advice of others who have played it before you.
Empathy is the greatest quality of human beings. It is the biggest differentiating factor between people and other living creatures. We can relate to the experiences of others. We can share their joy and their sorrows.
In terms of health, technology and the internet have provided us the tools to collaborate, to share our knowledge. An example is patient panels for market research where survivors, doctors, and advocacy groups can voice their opinions with those currently in the trenches.
Young people are not afraid of talking about their own health struggles if that means helping someone in need. The result is the saving of valuable lives.
Fashion: Convenience and Affordability
If somebody were to ask you the difference between a Louis Vuitton bag and one made by Zara, what would you say? Perhaps you could start by mentioning the gigantic difference in price. You could then move on to quality, brand reputation, materials, size, and personal taste.
But what is the actual difference? And if there is one, are you willing to pay more than five times the price for it? For younger generations, the answer might not be as straightforward as one would think. Of course, nobody would reject a Louis Vuitton bag, Gucci jacket, or Armani pair of jeans. Still, there is currently an ongoing shift in the fashion industry, specifically that which relates to opulence.
People see and are amazed by extraordinary pieces from well-known fashion houses and designers. But in real life, they want convenience and affordability. They want something they can mix and match with many other different items of clothing. And if they don’t like it, they want to have the financial recourse to change it.
Enter fast fashion, a concept even celebrities, athletes, and other wealthy individuals are starting to embrace. You don’t need a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes to look good. What you need is a good sense of style and a bit of originality.
Cuisine: Luxury With a Twist
In the high-end district of Ginza in Tokyo, Japan, there is a restaurant named Kyubei. When former U.S. President Barack Obama paid a visit to his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, this is where they ate.
For those of you planning to go there, expect to pay a minimum of one thousand dollars for a two-person course meal without drinks. Expect also to be satisfied when you’re done, but not full.
In the past, high-quality cuisine was synonymous with a high price. It is no longer the case. For today’s youth, saving money is an integral part of their lifestyle. It doesn’t matter whether they are rich or poor. Financially-conscious individuals are now present much more than ever before.
It doesn’t mean that they want bad food. Nobody does. What they demand is healthy, nutritious dishes that won’t put an irreparable dent in their wallets. They want top-notch tuna or salmon in their California rolls and real grapes in their French wines. Whether the restaurant is Michelin rated or not is irrelevant. What is relevant is how good the food is and how much you have to spend on it.
Beauty: From the Inside Out
Tom Cruise is already 58 years old. But most people wouldn’t say he is a day over 45. His ex-wife Nicole Kidman is 53. Her radiance and the glow of her skin remain as though she were in her twenties.
The beauty staples of today are not cake-like makeup and over-the-top lipstick. Rather, they focus on a natural look, one that comes from within. An example of this is the proliferation of hydrating and moisturizing products. Another one is the use of organic compounds and cruelty-free ingredients in soaps, shampoos, mascaras, and everything in between.
Human beings, especially younger knows have access to plenty of information. Thus, the level of beauty knowledge they have is unmatched. They understand that makeup should complement your face, not take over it. It should provide a fashionable look but also a long-term benefit to your skin.
Four of the most important lifestyle trends are the sharing of health information, convenience in fashion, affordability in cuisine, and inner beauty. They continue to influence the decisions and daily choices that we make.
