# Extravagant Obscurity The need for individual expression prompts eccentric everyday accessories. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 3, 2014, updated Apr 3, 2014 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/extravagant-obscurity ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.8/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Extravagant Obscurity trend? **Extravagant Obscurity:** With mass media opening up consumer perspectives to more expressive and culturally diverse ideas, the need to exhibit one’s individuality in a distinct manner has become more prevalent among consumers. As a means to integrate unique modes of expression into day-to-day life, consumers are turning to eccentric carriers that combine function with obscurity. The turn toward outlandish everyday accessories demonstrates a growing need for items that exhibit originality while maintaining an inherent need for familiar conveniences. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 5, 2012 to Jul 14, 2013 - Published: Mar 3, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Extravagant Obscurity trend ### Eccentric Accessories As consumers want to express themselves more distinctly, businesses can offer eccentric accessories that combine function with unique designs for everyday use. ### Unconventional Material Designers can experiment with unconventional materials like human hair and satellite images to create striking and original handbags that cater to daring fashionistas. ### Hyperrealistic Designs There is an opportunity for designers to create hyperrealistic designs of animals, plants, and other objects as handbags for consumers who want unique and attention-grabbing accessories. ## What the Extravagant Obscurity trend means for industry ### For Fashion Handbag designers and fashion brands can incorporate these trends into their collections for consumers seeking unique accessories. ### For Technology The use of satellite images on handbags presents businesses in the technology industry with an opportunity to collaborate with fashion brands for customized designs. ### For Art The trend of hyperrealistic handbags opens up avenues for artists to showcase their creativity and provide customized designs for consumers. ## Trend signals for Extravagant Obscurity Trend score 4.8 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 67%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 69% - Activity: 67% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Extravagant Obscurity trend 6 featured examples from Jul 5, 2012 to Jul 14, 2013. - [Creepy Cranium Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aitor-throup-shiva-skull-bags): The Aitor Throup Shiva Skull Bags are the Focus of His 2012 Menswear Line (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry can explore the trend of incorporating human anatomy-inspired designs into their products and collections, creating a new avenue for disruptive innovation. - [Bug-Like Handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bug-bag): This Tiny Bug Bag is Designed to Store Just the Essentials (Category: Unique) Implication: Opportunity for companies to create unique and functional accessories that cater to a range of consumer preferences. - [Abstract Plant Purses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cactus-handbag-by-doseth): The Cactus Handbag by Doseth Will Have You Staring in Curiosity (Category: Unique) Implication: Brands can experiment with unconventional and eccentric designs inspired by nature and imagination using innovative materials, techniques and concepts. - [Human Hair Handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taeseok-kang): Taeseok Kang Creates Disturbingly Chic Couture (Category: Unique) Implication: Innovative designers and fashion houses can experiment with using different materials and anatomical shapes to create fashion accessories and garments. - [High-Heeled Handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/widow-leather-bag): The Widow Leather Bag Combines Two Female Fetishes into One Fab Accessory (Category: Fashion) Implication: Combining different fashion accessories could create new opportunities for innovation and differentiation in the fashion industry. - [Earth-Patterned Purses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earth-leather-bag): The Earth Leather Bag Series Showcases Amazing Satellite Images (Category: Unique) Implication: There is potential for disrupters in the fashion accessories industry to create products featuring satellite images or spherical designs, appealing to consumers who want unique an… ## 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)