# Upscaled Friendship The practice of friendship jewelry is uplevelled for style and modernity. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Apr 20, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upscaled-friendship ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.6/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Upscaled Friendship trend? **Upscaled Friendship:** Friendship bracelets are typically associated with childhood bonding, however as social media becomes prevalent, so too does the desire to belong to a behavioral tribe regardless of age or taste. Sophisticated, upscale versions of friendship bracelets accommodate this need, while also acknowledging that even younger consumers have more refined tastes in the digital age. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 4, 2015 to Mar 31, 2016 - Published: Apr 20, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Upscaled Friendship trend ### Personalized Jewelry The trend of personalized jewelry allows consumers to make their own statement with unique pieces of jewelry. ### Tech-enabled Accessories Accessories that involve technology like light-up jewelry and connected bracelets are becoming increasingly popular, especially among Gen Z consumers. ### Sustainable Fashion Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious and want to purchase products that align with their values, leading to an increase in sustainable fashion options like Flash Tattoos' Illia collection. ## What the Upscaled Friendship trend means for industry ### For Fashion & Jewelry Industry The fashion and jewelry industry is constantly evolving to keep up with consumer trends, which create new opportunities for innovation. ### For Technology Industry The technology industry is constantly finding ways to integrate technology into everyday objects, like jewelry and accessories. ### For Sustainability Industry The sustainability industry is focused on promoting environmentally conscious products, and there is a growing market for sustainable fashion options. ## Workshop question What's a nostalgic activity your brand could modernize for today's consumer? ## Trend signals for Upscaled Friendship Trend score 5.6 out of 10, from popularity 82%, activity 77%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 82% - Activity: 77% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Upscaled Friendship trend 4 featured examples from Apr 4, 2015 to Mar 31, 2016. - [Temporary Friendship Bracelets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flash-tattoos): Flash Tattoos Creates Beautiful Body Art Full of Vibrant Colors (Category: Eco) Implication: Temporary tattoos can be used as an innovative marketing tool for cosmetics companies, providing samples and a fun new way for customers to try on products. - [Message-Sending Friendship Bracelets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightup-jewelry): This Light-Up Jewelry Flashes Coded Signals Between BFFs (Category: Tech) Implication: The fashion accessories industry can explore incorporating technology and personalization into their products to attract tech-savvy consumers. - [Luxe Friendship Bracelets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monic-vinader): These Monic Vinader Accessories Promote Understated Elegance (Category: Fashion) Implication: The luxury jewelry industry can explore incorporating subtle and chic elements into their designs. - [Ultramodern Friendship Bracelets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corian-jewelry): These Geometric Corian Jewelry Pieces Can Be Split and Shared (Category: Fashion) Implication: The jewelry industry could utilize the concept of modular, customizable and interactive jewelry to appeal to younger and more active audiences. ## 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)