# Unabashed Melancholy Brands push past reality to display negativity openly. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published May 7, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/praising-depression ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.8/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Unabashed Melancholy trend? **Unabashed Melancholy:** The success of social media is wholly based on unification. Craving to be acknowledged, consumers are becoming more open about, and bonding over the emotional struggles -- the human condition -- that everyone can sympathize with. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 12, 2013 to May 4, 2014 - Published: May 7, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Unabashed Melancholy trend ### Open Display of Negativity Brands are embracing melancholy and openly displaying negativity to bond with consumers over emotional struggles. ### Hidden Messages Campaigns and ads are incorporating hidden messages to attract attention and raise awareness about issues. ### Realistic Depiction of Life Depressing portrayals of Disney princesses and unhappy shoppers highlight that life does not always have a fairytale ending and that traditional gender roles can be oppressive. ## What the Unabashed Melancholy trend means for industry ### For Marketing and Advertising Brands are pushing past the conventional and embracing unique approaches to connect with consumers. ### For Photography Photographers are exploring different themes and pushing the boundaries of traditional portraiture. ### For Entertainment The success of campaigns and spoofs based on popular entertainment highlights a desire for more realistic and complex narratives. ## Trend signals for Unabashed Melancholy Trend score 5.8 out of 10, from popularity 85%, activity 81%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 85% - Activity: 81% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Unabashed Melancholy trend 6 featured examples from Jun 12, 2013 to May 4, 2014. - [Alternate Cartoon Ending Spoofs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unhappily-ever-after): 'Unhappily Ever After' Disney Characters Get Awful Story Endings (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The animation industry can take advantage of the trend of alternate cartoon endings by creating original content that subverts traditional narratives and appeals to a wider adult… - [Depressing Disney Princess Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-princess): This Series Showcase the Sad Lives of Adult Princesses (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: There is an opportunity to generate business by creating alternative or subverted photography that presents traditional forms of art in a modern light. - [Somber Self-Deprecating Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michelle-sank): Michelle Sank Captured Teens Who are On a Quest for Perfection (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for mental health professionals and digital health platforms to address body image issues and promote self-acceptance. - [Unhappy Shopper Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miserable-men-instagram): The Miserable Men Instagram Series Captures Unwilling Consumers (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for retailers to improve in-store experiences and cater to all genders to increase customer satisfaction and spending - [Duplicitous Depression Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/depression-ads): Ads from Samaritans of Singapore Change Meaning When Flipped (Category: Marketing) Implication: Utilizing ambigram advertising techniques to captivate audiences and deliver unique and thought-provoking brand messages. - [Incarcerated Clothes Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petite-maman): A Campaign for Petite Maman Redefines Baby Clothes as Prisoners (Category: Marketing) Implication: The fashion industry can explore innovative ways to repurpose and reimagine old clothes, paving the way for sustainable practices. ## 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 Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)