Answer:
In our series Talking Trends, we talk to designers in a range of industries, from contract textiles, to finishes, to laminates. It’s fascinating to hear their perspective on what is trending, while at the same time, they are keenly aware of what’s a fad. That got us thinking about the difference between a trend and a fad.
Explanation:
Trends and fads influence all corners of our lives. The clothes we wear, the décor in our homes, the cars we drive, the art we experience, and even our core belief systems. Trends evolve more slowly over time and build gradually as opposed to coming and going. Many trends eventually lead to long-term change, with their popularity building over time. Trends also influence our culture broadly, beyond just an individual industry. You can think about trends as helping to solve problems. They gain power over time because they aren’t about a specific moment in time but the progression of time.
On the other hand, a fad comes and goes more quickly. They appear on the scene seemingly out of nowhere and take people by storm. Rather than taking root in the culture, though, fads fade as quickly as they appear. People embrace them and then move on to the next fad that comes on the scene. Fads don’t contribute lasting change to a culture and mostly show up in industries that can change and respond quickly.
