# Utilitarian Ephemera Collectors are enticed by special design-led ticketing collaborations. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Feb 21, 2017 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/utilitarian-ephemera ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.1/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 8, 2015 to Feb 18, 2017 - Published: Feb 21, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Utilitarian Ephemera trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Utilitarian Ephemera trend means for industry ### For 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 for Utilitarian Ephemera Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 39%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 39% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Utilitarian Ephemera trend 5 featured examples from Oct 8, 2015 to Feb 18, 2017. - [Streetwear Brand Transit Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/custom-metrocards): Supreme Created Custom MetroCards for Style-Savvy Commuters (Category: Marketing) Implication: 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… - [Artist-Designed Ski Lift Tickets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lift-tickets): Takashi Murakami Has Designed Souvenir Lift Tickets in Aspen (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Partner with local artists or museums to enhance the visitor experience and bring attention to cultural offerings in a region. - [Special-Edition Movie Tickets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultimate-ticket): Regal Cinemas is Offering an 'Ultimate Ticket' to Star Wars Fans (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Movie theaters can capitalize on the enthusiasm of fans by offering special-edition movie tickets and unlimited movie passes. - [Commemorative Subway Passes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taipei-metro): The Taipei Metro Has Released a Year of the Monkey Pass (Category: World) Implication: Public transportation systems can implement special edition ticket designs for holidays or anniversaries to increase ridership and revenue. - [Ticket-Inspired Towels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beach-towel-design): This Beach Towel Design by Cineplex Provides a Free Trip to the Movies (Category: Marketing) Implication: Movie theaters can harness the power of creative campaigns to attract customers and increase attendance by offering unique and enjoyable experiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)