# Audio Couture Aesthetically aware speakers meet function with decor. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Nov 28, 2013 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/audio-couture ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Audio Couture trend? **Audio Couture:** As the population increases, consumers -- especially those living in major cities -- are forced to live in smaller spaces. This places every piece of furniture in the spotlight, meaning even functional pieces like speakers must match decor. At the base of this demand is a desire to mask functional pieces as a part of an aesthetic, allowing consumers in small spaces to maintain an element of luxury. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 8, 2013 to Sep 18, 2014 - Published: Nov 28, 2013 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Audio Couture trend ### Speaker Aesthetics Consumers are increasingly demanding that even functional pieces like speakers blend in with their decor, offering opportunities to create audio equipment that is both functional and visually appealing. ### Personalized Amplification The popularity of customized, fashionable audio equipment, such as sound system purses and customizable retro-styled boom boxes, presents opportunities for brands to create unique products that stand out. ### Alternative Speaker Designs New speaker designs, such as embedded amplifier stools, multi-sided speakers, and phone trumpet speakers, offer opportunities to create audio equipment for specific audiences or needs. ## What the Audio Couture trend means for industry ### For Audio Equipment Manufacturing Opportunities for innovation and customization in traditional audio equipment manufacturing, including speakers and amplifiers. ### For Fashion The trend towards aesthetically pleasing, dual-functional audio equipment represents opportunities for collaborations between audio and fashion brands. ### For 3D Printing New speaker designs like the Gramohorn II demonstrate the potential for 3D printing technology in creating unique, customized audio equipment. ## Trend signals for Audio Couture Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 59%, activity 41%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 59% - Activity: 41% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Audio Couture trend 7 featured examples from Aug 8, 2013 to Sep 18, 2014. - [Gold Horn Amps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/megaphone-iphone-amplifier): This Megaphone iPhone Amplifier Optimizes Sound in Style (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new materials and designs to create innovative audio products and enhance the overall user experience. - [Phone Trumpet Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gramohorn-ii): The Gramohorn II by Justin Wolter Amplifies the HTC BoomSound's Audio (Category: Tech) Implication: The increasing popularity of using smartphones for audio playback highlights an opportunity for manufacturers to create specialized accessories such as acoustic amplifiers. - [Retro-Styled Boom Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ibox-xc-by-thodio): The iBox XC by Thodio Blends New Technology with the Design of Yesteryear (Category: Eco) Implication: There is potential for disruptive innovation in the consumer electronics industry by catering to the demand for retro-styled technology. - [Sound System Purses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stell-audio): The Rebecca Minkoff and Stellé Audio Clutch Allows Music on the-Go (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fusion of fashion and technology presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation, creating new product categories and experiences. - [Luxurious Copper Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bowers-and-wilkins-empire): The Bowers and Wilkins Empire Steam Speakers are Made of Copper (Category: Tech) Implication: The audio technology industry can leverage the use of copper and other premium materials in speaker design to create innovative and high-quality audio products. - [Multi-Sided Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speaker-cube-design): Nano HiFi's Speaker Cube Design is Tri-Sided to Envelop You in Music (Category: Tech) Implication: The audio industry can continue to innovate and disrupt the traditional stereo market with compact and powerful devices like Nano HiFi's tri-sided speaker cube design. - [Embedded Amplifier Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guitar-amplifier-furniture): The PIK Stool is an Acoustic Guitarist’s Dream Travel Companion (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the integration of audio and amplification technology into furniture design, creating unique and multi-functional pieces. ## Recent trend clusters - [Fixable Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fixable-devices) (Tech) - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) - [Autonomy Stacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomy-stacks) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Variable Aperture Smartphone Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iphone-18) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Self-Cleaning Smart Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinecos-pure-one-station-5) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)