# Stationery Aesthetic For back-to-school, brands are drawing product inspiration from stationery. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Nov 14, 2019 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/stationery-aesthetic ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Stationery Aesthetic trend? **Stationery Aesthetic:** As consumers gear up for returning to school, companies offer whimsical products that draw inspiration from stationery. These are mostly part of novelty collections that merely draw on the aesthetic of notebooks, pens, and the like, instead of actually serving as conventionally functioning stationery. ## The consumer insight behind the Stationery Aesthetic trend Functionality trumps aesthetics for certain products, especially when said products are perceived to be disposable. For early Gen Zers, the personal brand takes precedence and it is strongly tied to the school environment. In the quest for accurate self-expression, many Gen Zers look for novelty products that will enable them to do so. In light of this, the industry presents a prosperous niche where disposable products can be used to inspire ones with a lengthier lifespan. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 29, 2018 to Nov 15, 2019 - Published: Nov 14, 2019 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Stationery Aesthetic trend ### Stationery Aesthetic Companies are drawing product inspiration from stationery to cater to the personal brand and self-expression of early Gen Zers. ### Nostalgic Collaboration Collaborations that combine iconic products from different generations can capture the hearts of Millennial moms and their children alike. ### Subtle Theme Incorporation Incorporating subtle and timely themes into products, like back-to-school, can capture consumers anticipating the time of year again. ## What the Stationery Aesthetic trend means for industry ### For Beauty and Cosmetics Innovation opportunities involve partnering with brands that cater to youth and inspiration for self-expression, or manufacturing products in collaboration with elementary school brands. ### For Pet Products There's a niche opportunity to manufacture pet products that resemble popular school supplies as part of a diverse toy collection. ### For Footwear Creating products that incorporate subtle and timely themes can appeal to consumers anticipating certain times of year and can be used during festive seasons. ## Workshop question How could your brand curate a product that allows consumers a path for self-expression? ## Trend signals for Stationery Aesthetic Trend score 4.9 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 70%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 69% - Activity: 70% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Stationery Aesthetic trend 5 featured examples from Jan 29, 2018 to Nov 15, 2019. - [Back-to-School Cosmetic Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moschino-x-sephora): The Moschino x Sephora Collab Takes Cues from School Supplies (Category: Fashion) Implication: Embracing toy-inspired cosmetics and playful packaging concepts can disrupt the traditional cosmetics industry by targeting a younger consumer base and creating a unique brand ima… - [Notebook-Inspired Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backtoschool-footwear): The Nike Tailwind IVs are the Ultimate Back-to-School Footwear (Category: Fashion) Implication: The sportswear industry can capitalize on the trend of creating footwear inspired by non-fashion items to diversify their product lines and attract new customers. - [School-Themed Dog Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-dog-toys): Zippy Paws' Back to School Toys are Shaped Like Crayons, Notebooks & More (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Creating new markets for pet owners looking for engagement-based, interactive toy solutions like Zippy Paws. - [Crayon-Inspired Lip Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crayola-lip-balm): LiP SMACKER Created a Collection of Crayola Lip Balms and Glosses (Category: Fashion) Implication: The cosmetics industry can take advantage of the trend by developing crayon-inspired lip products that appeal to consumers' sense of nostalgia and offer a playful twist on traditi… - [Crayon-Inspired Eyeshadow Palettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/box-of-crayons): The 'Box of Crayons iShadow Palette' Features 18 Shades (Category: Fashion) Implication: The cosmetics industry can take advantage of the colorful eyeshadow palette trend by designing innovative and playful makeup products that cater to a wide range of skin tones and… ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [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 Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)