What’s Inspiring Me Right Now
What I love and why it matters in 2025
We’re barely into 2025, and it’s already been… a lot. I saw a meme the other day that said, “I’ve completed the 7-day trial, and I’d like to cancel my subscription to 2025,” and honestly? I relate. But despite the noise, I have a strong sense that this year holds something positive. A shift. Maybe even a return.
Here’s what’s inspiring me right now.
The Rise of Individuality (and the Return of Spectacles)
I’ve worn glasses since I was three. For most of my childhood, they were the source of my insecurity. The second I could get contacts, I never looked back. But lately, I find myself choosing glasses, not just needing them. I love to punctuate my winter look with a great frame, and many of the popular frames today are reminiscent of my childhood frames. My favorites are Caddis, Warby Parker, Miu Miu, and TIJN’s spot-on Miu Miu dupes.
This trend feels bigger than eyewear. It’s a subtle but important shift: after years of quiet luxury, minimalism, and sameness, individuality is making a return. We’re accessorizing again, adding accents. Scarves are back, and I’m particularly drawn to a little Hermes silk square to accent a plain sweater or this cashmere bandana, a perfect nod to the Western influence that’s always in style.
Vintage Charm & a More Romantic Minimalism
Quiet luxury isn’t going anywhere, but I see a desire to soften it—to bring in feminine charm, and personal history. Lately, I’m drawn to monograms, scallops, ruffles, bobbins, and stripes. Not in a frilly way, but in a way that feels considered and character-building. I’m eyeing a striped sofa or dresser for my space and love the sculptural elegance of a scalloped headboard.
And I may or may not be working on a special furniture collab featuring Sara Levitas’ signature bobbins (stay tuned).
Some recent collaborations that feature the scallop trend:
Chairish x Kassatex (pictured above)
And speaking of Chairish—watch for specialty chains and digital-first brands making bold moves into licensing. We’re going to see more crossovers, like brands like Gap getting into full-scale lifestyle offerings. I think we will see these brands enter licensing in a meaningful way over the next three years. I’m calling it.
Lastly, this line of Trask toothbrushes and its brand identity are all of these trends rolled up into one, and I just placed my order.
Handpainted Details & Craftsmanship as Luxury
Luxury today isn’t about logos; it’s about the details. The things that can’t be mass-produced, like hand-painted lampshades by Taylor Mahlke or Inslee Farris’s hand-painted leather belts. Objects that hold the mark of the artist, the imperfections that make them human.
Beyond product, I love seeing luxury houses integrate art into the experience. Van Cleef & Arpels’ and Hermes’ immersive art workshops feel like the beginning of something new. I think we’re moving beyond “retail as theater” into something more intimate—something that makes you feel part of the creative process, not just a spectator.
Luxury’s Existential Crisis
Speaking of luxury, it’s fascinating to watch the category wrestle with its relevance. We’re at a strange inflection point where Walmart is selling actual Hermes bags online through its partnership with Rebag. The Wirkin (Walmart Birkin) started as a joke—but it’s not funny when the lines between high and low are so blurred that you could literally buy a Rolex Daytona at Walmart.com.
Then there’s Louis Vuitton’s Murakami revival, which feels more like a nostalgic cash grab than true innovation. I’ll be watching closely to see how legacy brands navigate re-commerce, dupes, and the democratization of luxury. Some will rise, and some will fade. Either way, I’ll have popcorn in hand.
Strengthening Intuition & Seeing Beyond the Material
Outside of design and business, I’m always drawn to what lies beneath—the currents that shape us, the ways we learn to trust ourselves. Lately, I’ve been exploring Human Design, a fascinating blend of astrology, personality profiling, and self-awareness. I’ve found it to be shockingly accurate and wildly useful, both personally and in my work with clients.
This year, I’m leaning even more into my intuition, and faith to get into alignment and help my clients with their real-world brand strategies. As much as I love analyzing trends and movements, I believe the most important work I do happens during quieter moments, beneath the surface.
That’s what’s inspiring me right now. What’s on your mind? I’d love to hear.
Beautiful words gorgeously crafted. I think you are an oracle ♥️