Trends Worth Watching

The trend-driven gift industry takes its cues from what's happening in the world around us. Here are some recently reported currents.

• 1960's gypsy style, featuring beads, fringe, and paisleys, is hot in Paris while retro kitsch keeps them smiling in London.
• Mid-century modern furniture from the 1950s is enjoying a revival in the U.S. Think of the living rooms in Father Knows Best and Leave It to Beaver.
• Increasing demand and decreasing supplies of water worldwide will make H2O the "oil" of the 21st century.
• Cabbage Patch Kids may be on the comeback trail.
• Logos are out. A backlash against conspicuous consumption has consumers nixing the "LVs," "CCs," and "CKs."
• Fresh, tangy Japanese yuzu is the latest in personal care scents. The grapefruit-like fruit has overtones of mandarin orange.
• Celebrity licensing in decor continues, as Saks debuted home and children's products with the Jane Seymour moniker.
• The creeping menace of casual dress at work has been stopped. Major corporations are demanding more formality in their employees' outfits, restricting khakis to Fridays only.
• Bicycle manufacturers are eyeing the commuter bike market, producing rider-friendly two-wheelers complete with lights, locks, fenders, and even bells.
• Faced with stagnating sales in apparel and other goods, luxury department stores are looking to corporate gifts for added sales.