Japanese apparel maker Neighborhood has created an ashtray in the shape of a horseshoe for their Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The Neigborhood Horseshoe Ashtray is an all-white ceramic ashtray with a spooky skull in its center.
I'm not a smoker, but I will say that the Neigborhood Horseshoe Ashtray is one of the nicest ashtrays I have ever come across. The horseshoes around the sides and the wood lining along the upper rim really make this ashtray look as if it belongs on a horse as opposed to on top of a coffee table. Perhaps the most poignant feature of this ashtray is the skull in the center with the words "Ashes to ashes dust to dust" encircling it. While this ominous statement could be meant purely to add artistic value, I would like to think of it as a warning to smokers regarding the chance they're taking with their health.
Horse-Inspired Ashtrays
The New Neighborhood Horseshoe Ashtray is Artistic and Ominous
Trend Themes
1. Artistic Ashtrays - Creating ashtrays that are visually appealing and incorporate artistic elements, such as a spooky skull, can revolutionize the traditional perception of ashtrays.
2. Horse-inspired Designs - Incorporating horse-related elements, like horseshoes, in product designs can attract customers looking for unique and unconventional items.
3. Emphasis on Health Consciousness - Using ominous statements or imagery on ashtrays can serve as a subtle reminder for smokers to consider the potential health risks of their habit.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Accessories - Fashion accessory brands can explore incorporating unique and artistic designs into their ashtray collections to capture a niche market.
2. Home Decor - Home decor companies can capitalize on the trend of unconventional ashtrays and offer horse-inspired designs as statement pieces for interior decor.
3. Health and Wellness - Health and wellness brands can leverage the ashtray's warning message to promote smoking cessation programs and products.