2023 Trending Lookbook | Rocket Science Branding

2023

Looking for more ways to connect to your stakeholders? Celebrating what’s on trend keeps a brand relevant and attractive to customers who continuously adapt to a changing world. This year’s trending collection showcases four distinct categories that demonstrate how retail-inspired and timely concepts can truly elevate branded merchandise.

Whether your interest lies in expressive color or understanding a generation tapped into social influence and “all-clusive” ideas, we’ve curated a collection of products that perfectly pair with each concept. We’ll show you how to embrace wellness-based rituals, create immersive experiences, and adopt more sustainable practices, products, and lifestyles. Here’s to 2023!

Inspired by the products in this lookbook?

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COLOR COLLECTIONS

Each year, color trends shift in ways that prove to influence people on emotional, psychological, and even physical levels; these trending colorways demonstrate how hues gain popularity by resonating with a universally relevant mood, affecting consumer choice and promoting new expression through branding and product. Expect these color collections to saturate the 2023 market.

Color of the Year

2023

Viva Magenta

18-1750

VIVA MAGENTA

Our hybrid world needs a color that represents an electrifying, inclusive, and joyfully rebellious spirit without boundary. Pantone Color Institute is the worldwide leader in color forecasting, and each year they name an annual hue that is reflective of world trends in design, art, fashion, film, and other media influences. The Pantone Color Institute has selected an attention-grabbing and fearless carmine red that celebrates life, Color of the Year: PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta.

According to Pantone, Viva Magenta “vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength.” Inspired by the red of the cochineal, it evokes the primordial strength of nature, as carmine dye is one of the most precious, strongest, and brightest of the natural dye family. A saturated natural color with a digital feel, this dynamic color represents our multi-dimensional worlds—where a call back to nature meets more technological advancement and connection than ever before.

The Color of the Year 2023 merges the richness, warmth, and strength of natural matters with the rich, open horizons of the digital world. The result is a shade of red that expands our horizons of authenticity.

— Pantone Color Institute

contains Tile® finding technology

made from Yulex, the world’s first natural, plant-based replacement for neoprene!

folds flat and opens to a stand, shelf, and pad

custom PMS matched nail color!

grid fleece enhances moisture management by wicking and drying

Peachy + Rosy

PANTONE®

16-1544

Persimmon

PANTONE®

15-1530

Peach Pink

Peachy keen and rosy optimism that captures our appetite for creativity and positivity. Expect playful and versatile peachy pinks to have major commercial appeal in 2023 for all genders and generations. This palette is characterized by a naturally warm and gently nurturing vibe. These vitamin-enhanced tones feel energizing and essential—creating a feeling of healing. With “dopamine dressing” as a growing trend in fashion, these happy hues have the power of positivity whether they’re bright or subtle. Radiating with a sunny quality, peachy pinks stand out in beauty, fashion, and interiors with their sense of restorative wellness and optimism.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, “soft, earthy shades of pink and clay take the lead as the most popular paint colors,” and Sherwin-Williams seconds that with their 2023 Paint Color of the Year, “Raspberry Blush.”

See why this collection is just peachy for your next branded campaign.

super soft material

1. SEIKO® LADIES WATCH

2. GARMENT-DYED SWEATSHIRT

3. UNISEX FLEECE HOODIE

4. OGIO® LADIES HOODIE

5. RETAIL-FIT TEE

6. NATURAL WEIGHTED BLANKET

made with soft and breathable cool cotton

changes color when you hold it!

1. HAND-POURED CANDY 2. ECO-FRIENDLY TUMBLER 3. MINIMALIST WATER BOTTLE 4. COCKTAIL CUBES

add to the spirit of your choice and enjoy!

Electric Energy

Electric and cool blues inspired by outer space and digital space. The supersaturation in this dynamic and influential color is representative of the next-generation. With a touch of escapism and a feeling of extended reality, these bright deep blues feel like they have the power to transcend space and time. Inspired by the evolution of the Metaverse, electric vehicles, and supercharged technology, hues like Pantone’s Electric Blue Lemonade and Coloro’s Galactic Cobalt show how versatile this color can be in functional accessories and activewear, as well as consumer tech and virtual experience.

Feel the electricity in these powerful blues.

PANTONE®

18-4245

Electric Blue Lemonade

made from recycled materials including plastic bottles

1. PULLOVER HOODED SWEATSHIRT

2. THE NORTH FACE® 1/4-ZIP FLEECE 3. SUSTAINABLE BEANIE

100% COTTON SHIRT 2. ADIDAS® BLENDED T-SHIRT

QUILTED NYLON TOTE 4. LEATHER DOPP BAG 5. PHONE WALLET

custom PMS matched leather!

1. CAPRI BLUE® CANDLE 2. PAPER MATE® GEL PEN 3. ANKER® POWERBANK 4. SILICONE WATER

collapsible for easy travel and storage

compact case can also be used as a phone stand when open

A Look at Leek

A natural neutral with subtle flavor. Vegetal and herbal green colors are taking root in 2023, from leek green to sage and olive. These grounded greens have a soft but earthy substance, acting as wellness-based hues. They create a perfectly balanced base, working harmoniously with a pop of color. They’re also a standout favorite when used monochromatically and in chic minimalism. Hues like Coloro’s therapeutic Sage Leaf and PANTONE 15-0628 TPX Leek Green make the list for Spring/Summer 2023, inspired by runways at London and New York Fashion Week and star-studded red carpet events. The use of green in home decor, fashion, and product is comforting, simple, and easily digestible with a naturally fresh coolness.

Dive into a soft, earthy basic—it’s good for you.

PANTONE® 15-0628

Leek Green

side mesh pockets!

sustainable dye system that mineralsuses

water-resistant material

made from 100% eco-responsible cotton

detachable water bowl at the bottom of the bottle for your furry friend!

over 200 spectacular images, including astonishing satellite photographs and stills

Generation Z—the first generation never to know the world without the internet(!)—is a collaborative group of minds that value diversity, care about inherited issues like climate change, and believe in finding their own unique identities. This generation of people born between 1997 and 2012, often called “post-millennial,” are super savvy, social, and self-driven as a group; they highly value flexibility, truth, and change for the betterment of our planet and people.

Understanding Gen Z means understanding their pragmatism and their ideals, as well as their power as consumers. Gen Z is growing up and becoming a significant consumer segment, outnumbering Millennials and soon making up 40% of global consumers with a buying power of $4 billion. As a group, they are hyper-informed and seeking authenticity in order to establish trust. They’re socially conscious and support more representation as champions of the “all-clusive” movement—whether it’s race, gender neutrality, body shape or size, and physical or mental ability.

Gen Z is also a generation of social influencers and “digital natives” who turn to user accounts on TikTok and YouTube to get unfiltered reviews and watch unboxings instead of taking a brand’s word at face value. They are skeptical of marketing and quickly recognize tokenism. This leads to their super-engagement with conscious content and sustainable or giveback brands on social media; in fact, social media is where this generation is hanging out. 97% of Gen Z use social media as their main source of shopping inspiration with 40% using social as their primary search engine, according to an internal study by Google.

Let’s take a deeper dive into product categories that appeal to Gen Z sensibilities and needs in a time where representation, connection, and wellness are top-of-mind.

made with recycled polyester & available in inclusive sizing!

1. UNISEX SWEATSHIRT 2. UNISEX FLEECE-LINED JACKET 3. UNISEX PACKABLE JACKET 4. UNISEX FULL-ZIP HOODIE

loose fit with a fuller cut for complete comfort

RECYCLED ORGANIC TEE 2. SPYDER® UNISEX BEANIE

3. UNISEX BLUE LIGHT GLASSES 4. UNISEX JOGGERS

made with 10 recycled bottles

made with sustainably sourced USA grown cotton

For a Cause ECO / GIVEBACK

made from recycled materials with lower environmental impact, learn more here

100% GOTS organic combed ringspun cotton

this fabric takes 6 1/2 16oz. plastic bottles out of oceans & landfills and turns into your new favorite shirt!

award-winning B Corp company, learn more here

supports sustainablemorecotton farming through BCI, learn more here

retail brand with healthcare and military ties

1. SHERPA DENIM JACKET

2. HIGH-WAIST LEGGINGS

Tangelo donates a portion of proceeds to the Kids in Need Foundation, learn more here

certified B Corp company, learn more here proceeds go to 1% For The Planet, learn more here

a tree is planted for everyplacedorder partnered with small authentic farmssourced ethically

3. ADIDAS® 1/4 ZIP 5. BELLROY MARKET TOTE

COFFEE & HANDMADE GRANOLA

1

Influence

SOCIAL CONSCIOUS CONTENT

Features TrueColor Technologyvideo remains bright and colorful in virtually all light conditions while ClearFrame Technology provides smooth and detailed footage.

According to Forbes, 98% of Gen Z own a smartphone and average more than 4 hours a day on apps — and that figure doesn’t include gaming time.

instantly increases the clarity of your laptop or tablet camera

"This cookbook is full of some of TikTok’s biggest trends, displaying innovative cooking and fun dishes to make at home."

Gordon & Tilly Ramsay, from the forward

charges up to 3 compatible devices simultaneously

—

Mindfulness INTENTIONAL SPACES

thought-provoking questions challengingandbut achievable dares

1. MASSAGE MAT 2. FACE MIST SPRAYER 3. SELF-CARE PROMPTS 4. SHERPA BLANKET

Listen to favorite affirmations, podcasts, and atmospheric playlists to get centered!

real walnut wood!

perfect for houseplant enthusiasts and novice gardeners alike

Mindfulness

insulated cooler pocket

NIKE® FULL-ZIP HOODIE 3. WOMEN'S DOWN JACKET 4. CHAMPION® FANNY PACK 5. LARGE CAPACITY PACK

activity book that connects you with nature

90%recycledpost-consumer

18/8

stainless steel

attach to magnetic surfaces with innovative magnetic technology

Mindfulness

Spirituality / ASTROLOGY

With values that are underscored by personalization, individuality, and diversity, it’s no surprise that Gen Z has put a lot more belief in self-directed spirituality than any other generation. Online searches for zodiac signs and birth charts hit a five-year peak in 2020, according to Google Trends. And the astrology app game is strong, catering to a growing interest in self-development. The result: options to navigate daily decision-making, all pieces of a “psychic services” market that has been valued at around $2.2 billion in the U.S.

Personalized astrology has also been a huge trend in response to a challenging world. “It’s being used as a tool to make sense of the world and a version of therapy,” says trend forecaster and futures researcher Lucie Greene. So even if it’s used humorously in memes and TikToks, astrology and tarot are acting as forms of Gen Z self-care—a “sign” of the times, if you will.

And according to McKinsey, 58% of Gen Z is willing to pay more for products that are targeted towards their personalities. Even big brands like Starbucks have made drink recommendations based on the Zodiac. So whether you’re dealing with a Pisces or an Aries, try using astrology in your marketing to create a more personalized approach to your targets!

showcases the 12 zodiac signs

ulti-

As we enter a new year, we’re seeing just how hybrid and multi-dimensional the world has become. With buzzy words like “phygital” describing how we’re experiencing life and work, it’s clear how often we’re occupying the space between physical and digital. In general, everything seems like a multi-hyphenate these days. Multi-channel. Multi-platform. Multi-sensory. More is more. And sometimes our maximalist world can produce many senses, emotions, and experiences with its constant innovation and progression.

So how do we navigate this sense of multi- and its effect on our lives?

MULTI-PLATFORM

Embracing the phygital is definitely a topic for 2023. Livestream shopping events, endless aisles that cut out in-store stock and inventory, direct-to-consumer, and self-serve kiosks are already making a mark on user experience in physical retail spaces. Brands are looking deeper at consumer behaviors instead of demographics, figuring out ways to make shopping easier (like shopping in store but shipping home) or more personalized (more options, more choices). And that’s assuming you’re shopping primarily in a physical space and not digitalfirst. Gamification and digital malls may be the future of ecommerce. One thing is clear: staying connected through mobile is key for 2023 shopping experiences.

use video to connect to your audience and use the full-color capabilities to add QR codes that land them right where you want them

Direct connect: Use NFC technology and QR codes to take your audience to websites, unique landing pages, social media profiles, and more. Whether you’re at an event, launching a new product, or just looking to generate more brand awareness, these tools are perfect for that direct connection.

you can add NFC tags to your brand's next journal project!

just tap to share your info!

keep your safe with

your wallet with RFID tech

NFC able tee- tap the special tag with your phone, learn more here!

Metaverse Starter Pack

From a digital-first perspective, the metaverse is growing its own retail presence. The concept is a connected 3-D virtual environment to interact with others while playing games, working together, and attending social experiences like concerts, parties, and hangouts. But, running in parallel with the physical world, you can also shop in unique virtual environments like Pangaia’s Antarctica shop or Gucci Town, or use AR to interact with different products before making a purchase that ships direct-to-consumer (or direct-toavatar). For now, you can experience bits and pieces of this concept through multiple VR or AR-enabled platforms with the right gear.

Check out the essentials here!

VR HEADSET 2. ANTI-FATIGUE MAT 3. VIRTUAL SOCIETY 4. VR PORTABLE CHARGER 5. JBL® GAMING HEADSET 6. GAMING CHAIR

MULTI-SENSORY

In an uncertain market, what better way to bring more joy and escapism than clever product design and experiential spaces? A brand can build more memorable connections to their clients, employees, and other consumers when they engage the five senses to tell a full story. We know that certain fragrances evoke specific feelings, each color engages the psyche differently, and some tactile surfaces just have that feel appeal. In sound and audio, major brands like Mastercard have gone so far to define their sonic DNA. Whether at events, instore, at pop-up shops, or in direct-mail campaigns, brands can use aroma, tastings, light, and sound to define a mood and deepen an experience. So give an audience the full story of your brand or product as a unique way to leave an impression!

Don’t know where to start? Take a look at these super sensory products here.

Did you know…

US social commerce sales are set to grow 34.4% in 2023 to reach $53.1 billion?

If your brand can beat that “trust gap” and use social media in an authentic way, you can reach a large market of tapped-in consumers, especially Gen Z’ers.

soothing sounds to promote calm & sleep! comes with two speakers for surround sound

SENSORY EXPERIENCE hear

5-Senses

heat sensitive ink

bubbles!

MULTI-EMOTION Mental Health Moments

Let’s face it: an ever-changing world with a 24hour news cycle after a couple years of heightened stress has made an impact on us. A concept taking shape in 2023 is termed emotional plurality and, essentially, it means we’ve all been experiencing many emotions all at once (cue Kacey Musgraves’ “Happy and Sad”). Realizing that our society has been in emotional overload means we’re starting to accept that we’ve been desensitized. We’re in need of new solutions for managing our mental and emotional health.

As we start to recognize our emotional health, we also start to define who and what we value. More people are prioritizing wellbeing over work, community over competition, and planet over profit. And in this larger movement towards a culture of care, even the smallest acts of self-cafe can help us deal with stress, anxiety, insomnia, and disconnection. From journaling and meditation to a focus on better rest and the surprising power of a daily ritual, certain trends around “ritual” are coming to the forefront.

From that daily cup of coffee to a midday pep-talk walk or a beautiful bathscape, see how rituals can lead to a larger feeling of self-care and wellness.

GLASS MUG

PORTABLE TEA INFUSER

WHITE MARBLE COASTERS

relaxing selfcarecardsstrategy

guided journal provides thought-provoking prompts

first indoor fireplace on the market running on alcoholisopropyl

filled with natural flaxseed for exceptional heating

feels like walking on a snuggly, sheepskin cloud!

Walking has seen a 25% increase year over year with people walking an average of three times each week.

polar.com

keep this spray sanitizer on-hand for all outdoor adventures!

Ritual: WALK

discreetly listen to music

1. WIND-RESISTANT JACKET 3. BOSE® AUDIO SUNGLASSES 5. WIRELESS CHARGING EARBUDS 7. HAIR TIES

2. PORTABLE SANITIZING SPRAY 4. HYDRATION SET 6. HYDRO FLASK ® WIDE MOUTH 8. CHAMPION® MUSCLE TEE

BATHSCAPING:

The art of making your tub look Insta-perfect.

relax with mineral-rich bath salts

adds a beautiful touch to

bathroomany

Did you know…

The bathroom represents a key opportunity for healing in the home, accordinng to WGSN’s social media data. For instance, the hashtag #BathRitual has more than 23m views on TikTok, and on Pinterest, WGSN reports searches for "deep soaking bathtub" increasing 145% year-over-year.

Want to start a #BathRitual?

Just add candles & bath oil, a bath tray with a glass of your favorite beverage, a healing crystal, an indulgent novel, a glossy houseplant, and a fluffy bath mat. Voila!

made from the fibers of the Konjac root

lavender and vanilla scented!

egeneration eneration

Alright, we admit sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle.

We’re living in a time that could be characterized as a great awakening, and it’s been years coming. Old ways of blind consumerism and profit-over-planet are being rejected, and more eco-friendly and purposeful practices are being adopted. Just a few priorities in sustainable living are: regenerative farming, equitable social partnerships, and circular business models where products or materials are restored indefinitely. In a nutshell, we want to restore communities, resources, and habitats for a renewed planet of stable biodiversity.

So how can brands exercise more sustainable practices in business? Here are a few ideas.

e a r th friendl y e a rth friend l y e a r ht ldneirf y e a htr dneirf l y

Custom & personalized

Research shows personalized gifts are more likely to be remembered and cherished. Customized appreciation is a great way to build relationships with recipients by showing them that you value their interests and what makes them unique. To help you get started, check out these fully customizable products.

color up all 9 panels with 23 color options to create something one-of-a-kind!

custom hats in many styles and fabrics!

magnetic and modular!

front-to-back, full-color fun!

a well-loved retail brand that gives you options!

whether it’s a brand pattern or a specific color, this duffel makes your custom goals come true

Purposefully packaged

We may be purchasing more eco-friendly products, but we shouldn’t forget about their packaging. Concern for plastic waste is at an all-time high. Did you know that over a third of plastic waste may originate in developed countries but over 50% of it is exported to developing countries that are unable to manage the waste? Companies are starting to shift towards home compostable or reusable materials that are non-toxic and sourced more sustainably, like these packaging options.

space-saving design

made from 100% post-industrial waste

made from 90% waste and can be recycled as plastic #4

ECO-FRIENDLY MAILER 2. BAMBOO CASE 3. SUSTAINABLE TISSUE BAG

inks made from real algae

Upcycled & recycled

Recycling is the process of turning waste into a reusable material or product. Upcycling is the process of turning waste into a higher quality product that does not need a recycling center to be broken down. Both concepts are designed to make use of old materials and help keep excess waste out of landfills. Reusing and repurposing should be front of mind for everyone, so check out these products to help inspire your choices.

case is made of recycled ABS plastic material

made from a blend of post consumer recycled ABS and biodegradable materials

Upcycled

made from cotton scraps from the cutting room floor

yarn is an upcycled blend of post-industrial wool cutting scraps and recycled PET

COMING SOON!

made from used coffee grounds and plastic bottles!

Unique eco materials

Stone paper, cactus leather, and tree cellulose… oh my! These upcycled yet durable byproducts of agriculture can replace plastics, leather, and other non-compostable or recyclable materials. Check out these eco-friendly alternatives.

washable tearresistant paper fanny pack!

CLICK HERE

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