TrendWatch December 2024

In this month’s edition of TrendWatch we focus on Ada Sweatshirts, Versace Dylan Purple Perfume, the song Pink Pony Club and many more interesting trends. Join us in discovering these trends and their backgrounds.

C-Folds

The Bear is a critically acclaimed FX and Hulu series that follows Carmy Berzatto, a young chef from the fine dining world, as he returns to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop, navigating the chaos of the restaurant industry. Its popularity stems from its unique blend of humour and drama, relatable character struggles, and impressive storytelling, earning it numerous Emmy nominations and high ratings.

A memorable scene with Natalie ‘Sugar’ Berzatto, Carmy’s sister, who is seen struggling to lift a box of C-fold paper towels while going into labour. This intersection of mundane tasks and significant life events illustrates how the characters navigate both professional and personal struggles, revealing their vulnerabilities and resilience.

C-folds are tri-folded paper towels commonly used in restaurants for their efficiency in drying hands and cleaning up spills, making them a staple in the authentic, fast-paced kitchen environment depicted in the series. Their presence in The Bear not only underscores the realism of the culinary setting but also reflects the everyday tools that chefs and kitchen staff rely on to maintain hygiene and efficiency amidst the chaos. This attention to detail enhances the show’s authenticity, immersing viewers in the gritty realities of restaurant life while highlighting the small yet significant aspects of working in such an intense atmosphere.

Disneyland Paris Christmas 2024

Trend graph showing a strong increase in search volume for "Disneyland Paris Christmas 2024".
Trend graph for “Disneyland Paris Christmas 2024” (UK)

The Paris 2024 Olympics significantly impacted Disneyland Paris, diverting attention from the theme park which led to a notable drop in visitor numbers during the summer. Disneyland Paris has been working to strategically positioned itself as an ideal post-Olympic destination, they targeted both athletes and their families with marketing campaigns that emphasised the magical experiences available at the park. While attendance initially suffered, the resort continued its advertising efforts, particularly focusing on upcoming holiday events, including Christmas where we can find this search term. This sustained marketing activity appears to be paying off, as search traffic for Disneyland Paris and its festive offerings has been steadily increasing, indicating a growing interest among potential visitors looking to enjoy the holiday magic at the park.

Versace Dylan Purple

Graph showing a decrease, then a significant increase in searches for "Versace Dylan Purple".
Trend graph for “Versace Dylan Purple” (UK)

Perfume is an interesting world, in school I was required to write a Semiotic analysis of a perfume ad. I was learning how meaning is constructed and communicated through signs and symbols. To this day I enjoy looking at an ad and smelling a fragrance and imagining a team of people in a room making up a story to go with that smell.

Versace Dylan Purple has succeeded in creating an annual campaign for its vibrant and refreshing floral-fruity fragrance that captures the essence of summer, making it a seasonal favourite.

Launched as part of the Dylan fragrance line, it features notes of sparkling bergamot, juicy pear, and a floral heart of freesia, creating an uplifting scent perfect for warm weather. Each summer, the fragrance garners attention through high-profile marketing campaigns. Iris Law starred in the 2023 campaign, embodying the spirit of a modern Versace woman with her energetic presence on stunning beaches in Mexico. In 2022, Hailey Bieber represented Dylan Turquoise, showcasing a sophisticated yet playful vibe that resonated with younger audiences. The previous year featured Bella Hadid for Dylan Blue, further establishing a connection between the fragrances and their youthful, glamorous ambassadors.

The narrative surrounding Dylan Purple is a shining beacon of the semiotic magic I first encountered back in university, transforming a fragrance into a complex symbol of summer, youth, and glamour through carefully constructed signs and stories.