Obviously as Trend Forecasters it’s our job to be thinking about the future…we’re Futurologists we are! The major events and happenings over the next few years will help to shape the design trends for both Fashion and Interiors. Everything from sporting events, film releases, elections, exhibitions, commemorations and much more will set the coming styles and define what resonates and reaches consumers on emotional and motivational levels. Part of our work involves translating all of the information we gather on coming events into actual trend forecasts – the colours, patterns, shapes, materials, styles etc… that will be ‘on trend’ in the future. So to give you a heads-up on some of the most significant events of next year, here is our month-by-month breakdown of 2012:

January sees the beginning of a year-long celebration of James Bond because it will be 50 years since the dashing British agent first appeared on our cinema screens. It’s going to be Bond everything!…including the release of the Skyfall movie, no end of TV re-runs, new merchandise and an influence on men’s fashion & interiors too…check out these fab James Bond bar stools from Hyde House (click link & scroll down the images on the right) if you want to stay ahead of the curve. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Oscars are always a significant indicator of Fashion influences and of course the influence also filters through into Interiors. We keep a keen eye on the nominees and the eventual winners of categories such as best film and best costume design. So keep your eye on the 84th Academy Awards on February 26th. After Eddie Murphy dropped out Billy Crystal stepped-in as host, making this his 9th innings.

India will host the 2nd summit of the BRICS Trade Ministers in New Delhi in March next year. BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. BRICS are a bridge between the developed and the developing world and the quality and durability of the global economic recovery process depends to a great degree on how the BRICS economies perform and the decisions they make. So it’s well worth keeping abreast of the outcome of the Summit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Titanic set out on its fateful maiden voyage 100 years ago in April. Expect documentaries and TV dramas (inc. a series for the UK written by Julian Fellowes focusing on the 2nd-class passengers & crew) as well as a re-release of the Titanic movie in 3D! There will also be a poignant memorial service at the exact site and time the Titanic sank. The Titanic Memorial Cruise will depart from Southampton on the 8th and the Titanic Anniversary Cruise will depart from New York on the 10th. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The official date of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is actually in February but the main celebrations begin towards the end of May continuing for 3 months across the Summer, with key members of the Royal family travelling to 15 countries. The Jubilee celebrates 60 years since her ascension to the thrones of the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia & her 60th year as Head of the Commonwealth. Note: It’s also the start of the 2012 World Expo in South Korea running until August.

The Rio+20 Earth Summit in Brazil in June marks 20 years since the seminal Earth Summit in 1992, and is regarded as a chance for leaders to put humanity on a sustainable track. Clashes with the Jubilee celebrations might make it a challenge for all the Commonwealth leaders to attend for the full Earth Summit, running from 4th-6th, but the importance of the agenda, including poverty eradication and sustainable development, should encourage most to jet from London to Rio. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Did we mention the 2012 Olympics are in London? The London Olympics 3 hour opening ceremony takes place on 27th July, making London the 1st city in history to host the games 3 times! Filmmaker Danny Boyle is the Art Director and earlier this month the budget was doubled for the Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies to more than £80m. At the closing ceremony there will be the official handover to Rio in anticipation of the 2016 Olympics. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

August will mark the anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s untimely death 50 years ago on the 5th August 1962 (when she was just 36). Expect documentary tributes, touring exhibitions of photographs & paintings, book releases, recreations of her famous photo-shoots in fashion mags, heaps of merchandise featuring the blonde bombshell and fans gathering to pay their respects in Hollywood. Marilyn will also be featured on a USA stamp with Billy Wilder celebrating Great Film Directors.

Join us in London in September when hundreds of design shows, exhibitions & events take place across the city. Running from 15th-23rd, this will be the 10th London Design Festival. Some of our favourite shows include TENT, 100% Design and DesignJunction. With a huge influx of visitors to London because of the Olympics, the world’s eyes will be on the UK during the summer and the UK’s world-class creative community will be showcased over these 9 days of design events. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As a BIG Beatles fan this might seem a touch biased…but in October it will be 50 years since the fab four released their first single ‘Love Me Do’. We hear rumours the powers that be are considering releasing all of the original UK singles on a once a week basis, but for sure it is the perfect opportunity to flood the market with 50th anniversary offerings, re-releases, documentaries, covers & tributes….especially if the remaining Beatles do reunite (as hinted) at the Olympic opening ceremony. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The United States Presidential Election will be held on November 6th. According to the online Wall Street Journal pages, at the time of writing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich topped the polls (with 33%) as the most likely candidate to lead the Republican’s and attempt to snatch a 2nd term away from the incumbent Barack Obama (currently at almost 43%). We’d like to think the One World Trade Center will be completed in New York by then…come on, get a move on!

December will see the release of the big-screen adaptation of ’The Great Gatsby’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire & Carey Mulligan. The US release is scheduled for Christmas Day. Expect a renaissance of the Jazz Age style in men’s and ladies Fashion as well as a renewed interest in the patterns, furniture and interior styling of the period. I for one will be sporting a cloche hat next winter and I’m currently coveting this Art Deco daybed … so stylish! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special Scarlet Opus 2012 Event! We are thrilled to announce that in the first quarter of 2012 we’ll be launching an all-new Membership area on the blog. That’s right, you heard correctly! As a subscriber you’ll have access to all the latest Scarlet Opus trend information – from both a design and business perspective; the season’s key colours, Pantone referenced; We’ll be presenting our inspirational design webinars; we’ll be reviewing major international design shows; posting interviews with your favourite Designers; offering free mini consultations with our Futurologists; PLUS exclusive discounts on our Trend reports and inspirational visual boards and much, much more! Have a great year and keep in touch with us. phil@scarletopus.com / victoria@scarletopus.com / shelley@scarletopus.com http://www.trendsblog.co.uk