# Sophisticating Safety Protective gear receives a lavish overhaul to create consumer allure. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Sep 2, 2014 | Category: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/auto-and-motor-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sophisticating-safety ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Sophisticating Safety trend? **Sophisticating Safety:** Adding an element of prestige to safety procedures, retailers are turning to lavish aesthetics to enhance products like helmets. Transforming traditionally unappealing or basic safety gear into fashionable accessories, these stylized products speak to a desire to maintain a sense of exclusivity. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 8, 2013 to Aug 29, 2014 - Published: Sep 2, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Sophisticating Safety trend ### Luxury Safety Gear Adding an element of exclusivity and lavish aesthetics turns traditionally mundane safety gear into fashionable accessories. ### Crystal-Encrusted Accessories The use of glamorous crystals on mundane objects creates a stark contrast that draws attention. ### Sleek Helmet Designs Incorporating luxury materials and sleek designs elevates the look and functionality of helmets. ## What the Sophisticating Safety trend means for industry ### For Fashion Retailers can tap into the fashion industry for inspiration to enhance the look and feel of safety gear. ### For Sports Gear The use of high-end materials and glamorization of everyday sports gear, such as helmets and goggles. ### For Transportation The evolution of design and technology to create more fashionable and functional protective gear for road and recreational safety. ## Trend signals for Sophisticating Safety Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 59%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 67% - Activity: 59% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Sophisticating Safety trend 4 featured examples from Feb 8, 2013 to Aug 29, 2014. - [Sleek Bicycle Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bicycle-helmets): These Philippe Starck Bicycle Helmets are Water-Resistant and Anti-Microbial (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate sustainable and innovative design concepts in the production of bicycle helmets. - [Luxuriously Lacquered Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quality-helmet): The Quality Helmet Flaunts a Gleaming Polished Finish (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fashion brands can explore the market of luxury helmets as an extension of their product offerings. - [Luxuriated Sporting Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swarovski-spring-summer-2013): Swarovski S/S 2013 Campaign Features Crystallized Sport Accessories (Category: Fashion) Implication: Incorporating premium materials and crystals can revolutionize the sportswear industry by introducing a new level of luxury. - [Crystal-Encrusted Head Protectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tim-coppens-swarovski-helmet): The Tim Coppens Swarovski Helmet Luxuriously Avoids Brain Damage (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The luxury fashion industry can explore collaborations with designers and athletes to develop opulent and fashionable head protection gear, targeting affluent consumers who value… ## Recent trend clusters - [Racing Homage](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/racing-homage) (Autos) - [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 Autos - [French Retro City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/french-retro-city-cars) - [Factory-Backed Performance Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heritage-performance-centers) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) - [Electric Luxury Grand Tourers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-price-ev-sedans) All articles: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)