# Character Emulation Style inspiration shifts from celebrities to fictional, on-screen characters. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Nov 18, 2014 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/character-emulation ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Character Emulation trend? **Character Emulation:** As pop culture fandom expands, elements found on the big and small screen are being creatively imitated among consumers. Using cult TV and movie characters as a source for style, consumers are seeking to showcase their admiration for pop culture awareness in a more practical, day-to-day manner. Making subtle nods to shows like Doctor Who and Saturday Night Live, consumers are using clever on-screen references to embody cult characters in a visually stimulating manner. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 7, 2013 to Jul 21, 2015 - Published: Nov 18, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Character Emulation trend ### Pop Culture Fashion Consumers are creatively imitating cult TV and movie characters as a source for their daily wardrobe. ### Incorporating Animation Fashion brands are using animated characters as a source of inspiration when creating their products in an effort to make their designs more playful. ### Fantasy Photography Photographers are taking fairytale themes and creating shoots focused on folklore with strong feminine characters, as opposed to the traditional male knights and princes. ## What the Character Emulation trend means for industry ### For Fashion Fashion designers and brands are using popular culture and animation references to create new apparel lines and accessory design collections. ### For Photography Photographers are now finding value in shooting fantasy themes, playing on classical tropes and femininity to bring new messages into images that are already steeped in lore. ### For Film and Television Pop culture references showcasing popular TV shows and movies are influencing and inspiring fashion and photography work, creating a new hybrid industry that is playful and creative. ## Trend signals for Character Emulation Trend score 6.0 out of 10, from popularity 89%, activity 83%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 89% - Activity: 83% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Character Emulation trend 5 featured examples from Jul 7, 2013 to Jul 21, 2015. - [Sci-Fi Engagement Photos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doctor-who-wedding): This Couple Staged a 'Doctor Who' Wedding Shoot (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Photographers can tap into the demand for themed and personalized photoshoots to expand their portfolio and services. - [Female Fairytale Photoshoots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darya-kondratyeva): Darya Kondratyeva Captures Images Inspired by Empowering Female Leads (Category: Fashion) Implication: Photographers can explore innovative ways to depict fairytale characters through their lens, creating captivating and empowering images. - [Sci-Fi Winter Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moncler-fallwinter): The Moncler Fall/Winter Campaign Stars Lucky Blue Smith and Pyper America (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion brands can take advantage of the trend towards futuristic designs and materials in their collections - [Cartoon Couture Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivid-ad-campaign): Chanel's Vivid Ad Campaign Pays Homage to Flintstones Character Pebbles (Category: Luxury) Implication: The fashion industry can utilize pop culture references and a mix of classic and contemporary styles in their ad campaigns to stand out in a competitive market. - [Unlikely Fashion Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/key-to-the-cure): Saks Fifth and SNL Team Up for a Key to the Cure Collection (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion brands can collaborate with entertainment properties to create innovative product offerings and drive sales while supporting charitable causes. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)