# Cultural Customization Consumers turn to DIY techniques to acquire cultural goods on a budget. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jul 14, 2014 | Category: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/global-trends-and-hip-travel) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/cultural-customization ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Cultural Customization trend? **Cultural Customization:** Offering a cost-effective alternative to travel, consumers are turning to DIY goods to replicate cultural elements. Handcrafted Kimonos and tribal accessories allow consumers to experience foreign traditions without having to leave their homes, reflecting a desire for more cost-effective, yet personalized methods of exploration. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 14, 2012 to Jul 14, 2014 - Published: Jul 14, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Cultural Customization trend ### DIY Culture Consumers are favoring DIY techniques to acquire cultural goods at a reduced cost. ### Widespread Tribal Fashion Feathers, crowns and other hippie headbands along with tribal-inspired patchwork and print designs are becoming more mainstream. ### Embroidery for Fun Iron-on embroidered patches are making a come-back as personalized and artistic accessory options. ## What the Cultural Customization trend means for industry ### For Fashion Retailers and fashion designers can incorporate DIY techniques and tribal designs into their apparel and accessories lines. ### For Crafts Craft stores and hobby shops can promote DIY products and embroidery/patch-making kits. ### For Travel Travel agencies can explore travel packages that offer cultural workshops and arts & crafts classes for tourists who seek a hands-on cultural experience. ## Trend signals for Cultural Customization Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 61%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 61% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Cultural Customization trend 5 featured examples from Sep 14, 2012 to Jul 14, 2014. - [DIY Fringe Kimonos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-kimono): This Handmade Japanese Kimono is Made Without Any Sewing (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for fashion brands to offer DIY kits for creating fringe kimonos. - [Abstract-Accented Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-pair-and-spare-diy-japanese-obi-panel-skirt): Get Creative with the ‘a pair and spare’ DIY Japanese Obi Pa (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion designers can explore abstract prints and accents in their collections to cater to consumers looking for unique and visually striking apparel. - [Tribal Lawn Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-lawn-chair): The Latest 'A Beautiful Mess' DIY Involves an Aluminum Lawn Chair (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The furniture industry can explore innovative ways to incorporate tribal-inspired designs and encourage upcycling of old furniture to tap into consumer demand for unique pieces. - [Handmade Tribal Headdresses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-beautiful-mess-diy-feather-crown): The 'A Beautiful Mess' DIY Feather Crown Gives Off a Hippie Vibe (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion brands can capitalize on the trend by incorporating handmade feather accessories into their collections or offering DIY fashion kits. - [Artsy African Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/embroidered-patches): P.S. - I Made This Embroidered Patches are Available From Indego Africa (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Craft and DIY industry can offer new products, tools, and resources to cater to the growing demand for DIY embroidery projects. ## Recent trend clusters - [Layered Getaways](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/short-trip-leisure) (World) - [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) ## Trending in World - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) - [Family Rave Vacations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-rave) - [Free In-Flight Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-in-flight-internet) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) All articles: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world)