# Aphotic Obsession As edgy is correlated to the concept of macabre, consumers idolize the sullen. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published May 21, 2014 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/aphotic-obsession ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Aphotic Obsession trend? **Aphotic Obsession:** Anonymity on the Internet has reared a generation more comfortable expressing their emotions, which has led to the acceptance of melancholic feelings. As a result, consumers are looking to actualize emotions via wares that are in-line with their lifestyles as opposed to adhering to cultural subgenres. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 7 to May 21, 2014 - Published: May 21, 2014 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Aphotic Obsession trend ### Emotional Expressionism Consumers are actualizing emotions through wares that represent their lifestyles instead of cultural subgenres. ### Disney Subversion Disney art and products are being reimagined, subverted and given a darker or punk aesthetic. ### Victorian Royalty Modern Victorian-inspired jewelry is gaining popularity, with delicate and dainty designs reminiscent of royalty and precious antiquities. ## What the Aphotic Obsession trend means for industry ### For Fashion Retail Offering customers with customizable Punk and Prom couture, rejecting conventional style choices. ### For Visual and Digital arts Refurbishing popular cartoon characters with a darker sensibility, reflecting a new expression of visual media art. ### For Jewelry and Accessories Offering a collection of precious and customized antique-inspired articles, providing an alternative to conventional jewelry designs. ## Trend signals for Aphotic Obsession Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 62%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 62% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Aphotic Obsession trend 6 featured examples from May 7 to May 21, 2014. - [Terrifying Cartoon Illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cartoon-illustrations): Dan Luvisi's Cartoon Illustrations Turn Disney Characters Dark (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The entertainment industry can capitalize on the trend of dark reimaginings of iconic characters through edgier adaptations in movies, TV shows, and video games. - [Gothic Frozen Film Adaptations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frozen-illustrations): Tim Burton Inspired Frozen Illustrations Combine Cinematic Classics (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The art and design industry can leverage the concept of Tim Burton-inspired illustrations to explore new visual aesthetics and attract a broader range of consumers seeking alterna… - [Dark Disney Mobile Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/punk-princess-iphone): These Punk Princess iPhone Covers Remix Iconic Cartoon Characters (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for retailers to capitalize on the popularity of remixed cartoon icons by offering a range of unique products to customers. - [Punk-Inspired Prom Couture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daenerys-asymmetrical-dress): The Gothic Shop's Daenerys Asymmetrical Dress is Unexpected (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The fashion and apparel industry has the potential to embrace the trend of punk-inspired prom couture by creating collections that cater to the demand for unconventional and rebel… - [Delicate Diadem Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crown-ring): This Stylish Crown Ring Instantly Turns Your Finger into Royalty (Category: Fashion) Implication: Jewelry designers can take advantage of the vintage trend and incorporate oxidation techniques and subtle royalty themes into their designs. - [Horrifying Disney Tributes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frozen-movie): YouTuber Bobby Burns Turns the Frozen Movie into a Horror Film (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The entertainment industry could capitalize on fan-made horror adaptations and darker reimaginings by creating content for niche audiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)