Identify a current emerging consumer trend

California State University Northridge American Institute of CPAs Question
The purpose of this assignment is to identify a current emerging consumer trend. Deconstruct a current trend at USF/in Tampa/in the US/worldwide (you decide)—A brand, product or style trend (e.g. Converse, water bottles, nose ring) which is spreading through observation, word-of-mouth and/or viral marketing.
Present a summary of your analysis either in a deck with voiceover or text supers (max. 10 slides) OR a document (max. 5 pp). Take/find mages of the trend’s manifestation in your chosen location (e.g. USF, Tampa etc).
1. Select a current trend with a high number of adopters (fashion, hairstyle, sportswear, color, maybe avoid anything too abstract/intangible like NFTs but go for it if you wish) and deconstruct it by tracing it back to its likely origin. Trend should be detour from mainstream. e.g. Harem pants: start from origin, harems of Arabia, dhoti in India, first trousers for women in 1910 by Paul Poiret. . .80s MC Hammer pants, today’s silk/denim/satin joggers, etc.)
2. Discuss the trend: what is it, describe it, who/what types of people are embracing it? Specify who in terms of geography (where are they?), demographics, psychographics, behavioral characteristics.
3. Report on or hypothesize where trend first emerged or who got it started (city, certain trendsetters) or what/who inspired it? (Apple watch: the wristwatch + iphone + Dick Tracy + Mission Impossible)
4. Give evidence that product or style has been imitated or copied, spreading all over. Find 8 examples in popular media that feature the trend in posts, articles, video, memes, tv, movies, connections to music, celebrities, more. Can’t all be from TikTok and social media. Or your own photos. Be polite and stealth when taking photos.
5. Will this trend last? Why or why not?
Suggestions if you’re stuck:
Athletic shoes (pick one brand a/o style)
Aran sweater
Fold-up bike
Avocados
Backpack (pick one brand a/o style)
Food truck
French bulldog
Breton shirt
Color trend (ultra-violet, whatever Pantone says is in)
Dashiki
Animal prints
Kilt
Sports jersey
Face masks
Letter necklace
Yankees cap