It's undeniable that vintage toys have a lot of charm that's not present in modern-day action figures, and Penny Cottee captures that ineffable quality in this series of photographs of childhood playthings from yesteryears.
Penny Cottee's series, appropriately titled 'Toys,' started out only with dolls, robots and teddy bears from her personal collection, but has since expanded thanks to contributions from friends and other enthusiasts. By photographing the toys as portraits, Penny Cottee's series forces viewers to engage with each plaything in an entirely different context. What's your relationship with your childhood toys?
Implications - Consumers are gravitating towards nostalgia-inducing objects as it reminds them of their youth, which in turn provides them with euphoric sensations. Corporations may consider releasing a line of products with vintage design elements in order to satiate consumer demand for simplicity.
Vintage Toy Galleries
Penny Cottee's Photographs Show Children's Playthings in New Light
Trend Themes
1. Nostalgia Reminders - Consumers gravitate towards objects that remind them of their youth, presenting opportunities for corporations to release products with vintage design elements.
2. Vintage Toy Market - The demand for vintage toys and their charm presents an opportunity for businesses to create specialized marketplaces and retail spaces for these products.
3. Toy Portrait Photography - Toy portrait photography can be a unique way to engage with consumers and showcase the personality and charm of vintage toys to potentially increase sales.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Toy manufacturers can explore creating new lines of vintage-style toys and collections to appeal to consumers seeking nostalgia-inducing products.
2. Antique and Vintage Marketplaces - Antique and vintage marketplaces can expand their offerings to include vintage toys, creating new avenues for sales and appealing to a wider range of consumers.
3. Photography Services - By offering toy portrait photography services or creating their own series of toy portrait photographs, photography businesses can leverage the trend towards childhood nostalgia to increase revenue.