Category
Fashion
Scaled Restraint
Trend cluster
Category
Utilitarian
Ephemera
Collectors are enticed by special design-led ticketing collaborations.
3.1
Trend score
Trend
What is the Utilitarian Ephemera trend?
Utilitarian Ephemera: While the phenomenon of collecting ephemera is rooted in the old world, recently, brands and institutions are collaborating to transform everyday paper tickets into treasured pieces of art. In addition to solidifying the social and cultural currency of such brands, this progression suggests a new collective nostalgia for printed matter in the digital age, and the opportunity for brands to insert themselves in this meaningful space.
Trend themes
Themes within the Utilitarian Ephemera trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Collectible Ticketing Collaborations
Brands and institutions are transforming everyday paper tickets into treasured pieces of art, solidifying their social and cultural currency, and offering a new collective nostalgia for printed matter in the digital age.
02
Customized Commemoratives
Businesses are changing their approach to ticketing design to cater to consumers viewing everyday occurrences as special occasions based on the inaccessibility of large-scale events.
03
Customized Transit Passes
Collaborations between streetwear brands and transit providers demonstrate the power of brands to turn everyday items and products into highly sought after collectibles.
Industry implications
What the Utilitarian Ephemera trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Entertainment
Entertainment businesses can tap into collectible ticketing collaborations and offer customized, limited-edition tickets and passes for fans.
For
Tourism
Tourism industries can offer commemorative subway or transit passes to celebrate local events or anniversaries, offering a unique way of celebrating and remembering special moments.
For
Fashion
Fashion brands have the opportunity to collaborate with transit providers to create their own customized metro cards, which can quickly become sought-after collectibles among their fan base.
Workshop question
As trends make comebacks with each generation, how can you make your brand standout as an icon for the current generation?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Utilitarian Ephemera
Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 39%, freshness 8%.
Popularity46%
Activity39%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Evidence
Examples of the Utilitarian Ephemera trend
5 featured examples from Oct 8, 2015 to Feb 18, 2017CategoryMarketing
Streetwear Brand Transit Cards
Supreme Created Custom MetroCards for Style-Savvy Commuters
Collaborating with public transit companies to create custom transit cards can be a unique branding opportunity for fashion companies looking to attract younger, style-savvy custo…
CategoryArt & Design
Artist-Designed Ski Lift Tickets
Takashi Murakami Has Designed Souvenir Lift Tickets in Aspen
Partner with local artists or museums to enhance the visitor experience and bring attention to cultural offerings in a region.
CategoryPop Culture
Special-Edition Movie Tickets
Regal Cinemas is Offering an 'Ultimate Ticket' to Star Wars Fans
Movie theaters can capitalize on the enthusiasm of fans by offering special-edition movie tickets and unlimited movie passes.
CategoryWorld
Commemorative Subway Passes
The Taipei Metro Has Released a Year of the Monkey Pass
Public transportation systems can implement special edition ticket designs for holidays or anniversaries to increase ridership and revenue.
CategoryMarketing
Ticket-Inspired Towels
This Beach Towel Design by Cineplex Provides a Free Trip to the Movies
Movie theaters can harness the power of creative campaigns to attract customers and increase attendance by offering unique and enjoyable experiences.
