Design Talk | 2022 Trend Forecast

It’s that time of year again; we’re super excited to announce that the Soft Serve Studio Forecast 2022 is out today. And to add to the excitement, for the second year running we’re presenting the report in partnership with Carryology.

You can download it here now.

If you missed last year’s edition you might be wondering what it’s all about? The Soft Serve Studio Forecast is an annual publication where we share what we’re seeing on the carry horizon for the coming year. From the broad forces that are shaping our everyday lives, down to the small design details that are emerging, we plot what’s changing and how it’s all connected. For us, the report is a practice in taking time to look beyond the day-to-day. It’s an opportunity to take stock of all of the little trends that might otherwise be disregarded. As well as to deep dive into the latest releases, new fabrics, and recent hardware developments. 

So what are the big topics influencing 2022? It goes without saying that Covid is a major theme. But it’s not so much the direct result of the pandemic as the knock-on effects. Richard Kestenbaum from Forbes put it best when he said, “The idea that the pandemic has accelerated pre-existing trends is talked about so much that it’s become a cliché. But it’s become a cliché because it’s true”.

From work to working out, many of our old routines have been flipped on their head in the space of a year with no going back. And for each of these new routines, the design of our everyday gear is racing to keep up. It’s given rise to a new wave of portable work and digital home fitness solutions. As well as trends like Biz-Leisure. “What’s Biz-Leisure?” you may be asking yourself – you’ll have to check out the full 2022 trend forecast.

But the Covid effect hasn’t only brought about a shift in new designs. It’s also highlighted the intrinsic value of the objects around us. For many, it’s spurred on a demand for shopping locally and added more luster to buying locally-made products. And for a small but growing number of people, it’s prompted them to go one step further to start making their own gear. While still niche, designers such as Reese Cooper are now starting to tap into these emerging sewing skills. In 2020 Reese launched a DIY version of his Chore Coat. His pattern and a sewing kit gave homemakers all the tools to make a custom coat for a fraction of the price of the original. This willingness to get hands-on with gear is a promising trend given the growing environmental need to mend and reuse the things we buy.

To get the full, free 48-page report follow this link to download. You’ll find the full rundown of all the above as well as a detailed look at the styles, fabrics, details, and colors influencing the coming year’s releases.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the 2022 trend forecast. Get in touch at contact@softservestudio.com to let us know what you think.