Day 52

From the archives: January 2020 - Entering a new decade I couldn’t help but ponder what would become the defining trends, fads and social movements of the 2010s. In no way comprehensive or researched, the following items came to mind:

• The awful trend of food being served on boards, slate or on any inappropriate surface, which doesn't capture the juices, crumbs or contain the food. During a trip to Singapore, I once ordered a latte in a chocolate coated cone: an impractical experience to say the least.
• Smashed avo; unaffordable house prices.
• The influence and infiltration of social media on political elections and governance.
• Social media used as a vehicle for protests and social justice: #metoo, #blacklivesmatter, Occupy Wall Street, School Strike for Climate, Extinction Rebellion, etc.
• Seracha, kewpie mayo and yuzu.
• Mylks. No longer is coffee, just coffee. In fact, I did a shift as a favour to a good friend at Ultimo once and had to contend with seven types of milks: full, skim, macadamia, almond, soy, coconut and rice.
• IKEA.
• Cryptocurrency.
• Brioche buns.
• Hipsters: indoor plants, the male hair bun, beards, coffee (see previous point on mylks), vegans, cold brew, coconut water, kombucha, farmers markets, etc.
• Linen: clothes, bed sheets, tea towels, napkins, ties, etc.
• Minimalism. Meditation. Mindfulness.
• The rise of “influences” and standard folk reaching celebrityhood through streaming services and social media.
• Gay rights, including marriage equality.
• Fidget spinners.
• Royal Commissions.
• The revival of austerity-era fashion; the ‘preppy’ look.
• Craft beers. I still find it amusing, however, that rebranded VB won the best beer at the 2014 Sydney Craft Beer Festival.
• The advancement of HIV medication, including PREP, which has eliminated a previously lived fear about HIV and AIDS, whilst also allowing those with the virus to live healthy lives.
• Hybrid pastries: cronut, chuffin, dangel, sfogembouchatelle, dookie, etc.
• Cement and wood; the return and rise of Scandinavian design.
• Tote bags.
• Diversity of food and the infiltration of food trucks.