Fashion and it’s Changes

Fashion's Shift Towards Escapism

In response to global challenges such as climate change, economic uncertainty, etc, the fashion industry is embracing escapism (the embracing of dressing in a new and whimsical fashion to improve mood) . Designers are moving away from minimalism and practicality and instead opting for fantastical, dreamlike aesthetics that take consumers to another world. By introducing unconventional styles, such as the one-legged trouser trend seen in Spring/Summer 2025 collections by Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, and Coperni. Accessories have also become more lively, with handbags fashioned into unique shapes like turtles and apples, reflecting a desire for playfulness in daily life. These developments indicate a shift towards exploring and breaking traditional fashion codes, offering an escape from everyday realities. The rise of dopamine dressing (a term which refers to the focus on mood-boosting, bright colors, and unconventional designs) reflects a growing desire for clothing that brings joy and self-expression. Additionally, fashion shows are becoming increasingly theatrical, incorporating elements of performance art and digital augmentation to create immersive experiences. This trend challenges traditional fashion norms, encouraging and individuality.

Beyond the physical world, virtual fashion is also gaining traction, with luxury brands investing in digital garments for avatars in the metaverse. Companies like Gucci are exploring blockchain technology to create NFT-based fashion pieces that offer exclusive ownership and digital collectibility. The increasing integration of AI in fashion design, from generative clothing patterns to AI stylists, further indicates that fashion's future will be deeply intertwined with technology. As global uncertainties persist, fashion continues to serve as both an escape and a medium of cultural expression, proving that what we wear is more than just fabric—it's a reflection of the world we live in and our identity. 

Social Media Trends: The Rise of Short-Time Content

Ephemeral content—posts that disappear after a short period—has become a driving force on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. This trend taps into the reducing attention span of young people, which encourages users to engage more frequently with content. Limited-time offers,  exclusive behind-the-scenes, and live streams create a sense of urgency and priority when interacting with some of this media. The psychology behind ephemeral content is rooted in human behavior; people are more likely to engage with something they perceive as temporary and exclusive.

This format also aligns with changing digital habits, particularly among Gen Z, whom studies show prefer raw, unfiltered content over polished, highly curated and perhaps ingenuine posts. The success of ephemeral content has even influenced traditional media, with even a few news organisations experimenting with short-form, disappearing news stories to attract younger audiences. Brands are using this format in advertising, by creating more limited-time discounts, interactive polls, and teaser campaigns, making advertising more engaging and participatory to younger audiences. As algorithms continue to prioritise short, engaging content, this kind of media is set to play an even bigger role in shaping how people interact with online platforms in the future.

AI's Impact on the Entertainment Industry

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an important figure in content creation within the entertainment industry. Warner Bros. partnered with Cinelytic to use AI for casting decisions, by evaluating an actor’s market value to predict a film's financial success in the box office. Renowned filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo, known for their work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, are at the forefront of AI integration in Hollywood, in their latest Netflix film ‘The Electric State’ which was released on the 14th. Moving forwards, there are aims to develop AI-powered filmmaking tools that quicken production processes, from scriptwriting to post-production - for example AI-driven voice cloning and deepfake technology are just a few examples of discussions, in order to bring deceased actors back to life on screen or to de-age performers in real-time.

Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime are also employing AI to generate personalised recommendations, ensuring viewers stay engaged for longer periods. AI-powered tools are now capable of composing film scores, generating background characters, and even coming up with fully AI-generated scripts. This shift has raised concerns about the authenticity of storytelling and whether an AI can bring the same sensitivity and feeling to a film that a human can, as well as the danger in job security within the entertainment industry. Some actors and writers fear that AI may replace human creativity, while others argue that AI can serve as a powerful tool to enhance artistic expression.

Consumer Behavior: The Demand for Hyper-Personalisation

Most of today's consumers expect personalised experiences suited to their wants, and brands are using real-time data, machine learning, and AI to deliver highly relevant and tailored content, products, and advertisements. Hyper-personalisation is visible in everything from curated Spotify playlists, to streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ now using advanced algorithms to create customised user experiences, which influences everything from the  thumbnail images to suggested viewing lists.

The rise of AI-generated influencers, showcases the growing impact of hyper-personalization in digital interactions These AI personas engage with large audiences, promote brands, and blur the line between reality and artificiality. For example, AI influencer Lu do Magalu is now the most followed AI influencer with over 7 million followers from all over the world. E-commerce platforms are also utilising virtual try-on technology, allowing consumers to visualise how clothing, accessories or makeup will look on them before making a purchase. While these innovations make content consumption more convenient, they also bring about concerns of data privacy and the potential manipulation of consumer behavior. As AI continues to refine personalisation, consumers may find themselves navigating an increasingly curated online landscape, where potentially their preferences and interests are anticipated before they can even discover them naturally.

Societal Behaviors: The 'March Theory' in Relationships

A trend gaining traction on social media platforms like TikTok is the 'March Theory,' which suggests that this month of the year is a make-or-break time for romantic relationships. On TikTok, content creators explain that the so-called “theory” is when “you either unexpectedly fall in love or an ex comes back,” or when couples who are meant to break up, end the relationship. Psychologists suggest that the seasonal shift triggers a psychological reset, prompting people to reevaluate their personal lives, including their romantic relationships. “By the time March comes, cuffing season is ending,” Taimi relationship and breakup expert Angelika Koch says, adding that single people are likely to stay in a relationship to “get through the colder months” for “comfort and companionship.” as warmer months approach — a time when “people naturally become more social and optimistic” — they are “ready to move on from relationships that no longer fulfill them.”

Additionally, social media platforms amplify this theory, as users share their experiences, reinforcing the belief that March is a make-or-break month for love. Relationship experts note that while seasonal patterns do influence human emotions, true relationship dynamics are shaped by deeper compatibility and communication rather than the time of year. Nevertheless, the 'March Theory' remains a fascinating reflection of how the mind is affected seasonally and how potentially online trends influence real-world behaviors.