Lifestyle

The traditional media pyramid has been shifting for years now. And as a result of social media, the historical model has been turned upside down and now the masses are dictating the news. (Historically, media - or news - has been designed, developed and pushed from a few at the top to the masses at the bottom.) History is being made before our eyes…..

A survey developed by KWE group for Casa Velas Hotel Boutique in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico indicated that 70% of their guests were interested in learning to put their best profile forward on Facebook, establish a Twitter account, upload videos and the like. Happy to oblige, the hotel is offering twice weekly workshops, free to guests.

with the growing awareness of carbon emissions associated with the mass production and transportation of food, the number of individuals who are cultivating at least some percentage of their own produce is expected to increase.

Sure, having Wifi on hand is convenient, but what’s the point of a vacation if it’s constantly being interrupted by email? To provide the most relaxing experience, expect to see more hotels and resorts that force (or allow) guests to unplug whilst they unwind, stowing away all electronics upon check in.

Speaking to the New York Times, “Standing apart on an attraction other than price is important,” said Leonard M. Lodish, vice dean of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. “If competitors continually undercut each other’s prices, it’s a race to the bottom,” he said.

After a gloomy 2009, floral prints are THE trend for spring/summer 2010. Designers adorned their spring collections with garden varieties of rosettes and sweet floral patterns on just about everything from accessories to dresses and jackets. British brand Liberty kicked off thes season earlier this year by bringing its iconic florals to America in the form of a Target collaboration. This bright, happy trend has also influenced the beauty world, causing an explosion of pretty pinks and cotton candy hues for lips, cheeks and nails in shops.

I was recently involved in a LinkedIn group discussion on what constitutes “new” luxury. Here’s my “sound bite” on the subject - and feel free to chime in if you agree or disagree:

A recent online survey of spa professionals conducted by KWE group revealed some interesting trends and opportunities:

Exclusionary and elusive experiences still appeal to consumers and remains at the top of what is appealing and sexy in the minds of consumers, despite the recession. They want to feel as if they are a part of a select elite group, even if it’s only a temporary illusion. The more privileged a consumer feels for having access to a product or service, the more the added level of mystique will sell. Here are some nifty examples of selling the mystique factor….

Do-it-yourself retailing - personalization to the max - is coming into its own. Following in the footsteps of companies we’ve already written about that lets consumers customize their own products (dresses, handbags, lingerie and duvets, Maps, LEGOs, even original shoe art) Sydney-based online shoe retailer Shoes of Prey is leading the design-your-own trend towards stylish, custom-made women’s shoes.