# Cloud-Patterned Platforms These Surrealist Shoes are Inspired by Nature's Raw Beauty By Jana Pijak | Published 2016-04-19 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patterned-platforms References: [y-r-u](http://y-r-u.com/collections/neu-realeases/products/qozmohicloud) YRU's cloud-patterned platforms will appeal to daring fashion fans and are inspired by nature's raw beauty. The white [platform shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ugg-goldenrise) are made from vegan leather and boast a 4" heel and 3" platform that is adorned with a sky-themed print. The statement heels add height without the discomfort that is commonly associated with [skinnier heels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vida-collection). Improving posture, these fun shoes resemble a [simple sneaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invincible-x-on-cloudmonster-2) but are elevated to new heights with the addition of their graphic heel. These cloud-patterned platforms are inspired by youth subcultures like ravers and are a Millennial accessory that draws inspiration from nostalgia. Targeting mature youth with an appreciation for playful apparel, YRU is a retailer that appeals to a niche audience who isn't afraid to set itself apart from the common crowd. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Surrealist Shoes:** The surrealist shoe trend offers opportunities for innovative and unique designs that captivate consumers. - **Nature-inspired Patterns:** There are opportunities to incorporate organic and natural patterns in both fashion and home decor. - **Vegan Leather:** As the demand for cruelty-free and sustainable products continues to grow, there is a growing shift towards developing new materials and fabrics in the fashion industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can explore the use of organic, nature-inspired patterns in clothing, footwear, and accessories to attract consumers who desire unique designs. - **Home Decor:** The use of nature-inspired patterns in home decor products such as wallpaper, bedding, and rugs can offer consumers a way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. - **Sustainability:** The increasing consumer demand for sustainable fashion products creates opportunities for the development of cruelty-free and eco-friendly materials like vegan leather. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dynamic Ultra-High Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/platform-sneaker-1.md) - [Unique Platform-Style Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/platformstyle-sandals.md) - [Romanticized Shoe Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mademe-x-dr-martens-1461-quad-shoe.md) - [Boldly Patterned Colorful Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salomon-sr811-platform.md) - [Stylish Platform Clogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bae-clog.md) - [Randomness-Inspired Designer Footwear Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-in-chaos.md) - [Textured Floral Design Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oasis-society.md) - [Organic Sleek Avant-Garde Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contranatural.md) - [Statement Fur Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crocs-tpain.md)