Lives of Tomorrow

Luxury travel is emerging as a powerful growth engine as consumer spending shifts from traditional goods to meaningful, wellness-driven experiences. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Mandarin Oriental's Alex Schellenberger explore the transformation of the affluent consumer, the rise of "meaning-led" hospitality, and how heritage brands are leveraging AI and human expertise...

This episode is the second in a three-part series recorded live at Shoptalk Luxe in Abu Dhabi featuring our host, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and CEO of JOSEPH Barbara Campos. As part of our exploration into the Future Consumer 2028, Barbara shares her strategic vision for JOSEPH, discussing how the brand is navigating the shifting luxury landscape.  They delve into the evolution of accessible luxury, t...

This episode is the first in a series of conversations with leaders in luxury retail. Join WGSN CEO, Carla Buzasi and chairman of the board and co-founder of footwear brand Axel Arigato, Albin Johansson, at the ShopTalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi 2026. They discuss the future of retail, diving deep into how modern brands are cultivating loyalty with Gen Z. Listen to uncover strategies for balancing a...

The retail world is shifting, trading reactive discounting for proactive value design and radical transparency in a cost-of-living crisis. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi invites Laura Saunter Head of Retail and APAC Forecasting to explore the forces shaping retail in 2027 and beyond. Laura discusses AI’s role in the rise of goal-based commerce and how climate-adaptive planning is essential. Discover why in...

Explore how Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are increasing transparency, restoring storytelling and strengthening accountability. Nature of Fashion author Carry Somers joins WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi to discuss the relationship between textiles and identity, and how tech can reweave that connection. They reveal how reintroducing meaningful friction can lead to more intentional, high-value purchasing,...

Discover how to bridge the say-do gap between what consumers say about sustainability and their actual purchasing behaviour. Join Carla Buzasi in an insightful conversation with Imperial College London’s Professor of Marketing Eduardo Andrade, as they explore the psychological, market and policy barriers influencing sustainable consumption and how brands can better align strategies with real consu...

Imagine a world where your online interests seamlessly transform into real-life communities. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi invites Director of Creative Intelligence Quentin Humphrey to shed light on this emerging movement shaping culture, brands and social landscapes. As digital fatigue sets in, the urgency to find meaningful, hybrid experiences grows stronger. Dive into this episode to uncover how fourth...

In this Lives of Tomorrow episode, WGSN CEO and host Carla Buzasi welcomes WGSN Consumer Researcher Natacia Lim to discuss the final Future Consumer persona of our Future Consumer 2028 series, The Challengers. Discover how the Challengers cohort is shaping consumer trends by 2028, driven by values like truth, transformation and fearless authenticity. Tune in to learn their unique psychographic tra...

Our special Lives of Tomorrow series continues with the third of four episodes about the four cohorts of our Future Consumer 2028 forecast. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and VP of Insight Clare Varga present The Ascendants persona, the joyful, progress-driven consumers shaping future markets. Discover how emotional connection, playful innovation and resilience are key to engaging this div...

Our special Lives of Tomorrow series continues with the second of four episodes about the four cohorts within our Future Consumer 2028 forecast. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Senior Consumer Strategist Allyson Rees present The Keeper persona.  Allyson reveals how they value verified trustworthiness, pay more for durability/sustainability, and demand proof, privacy and ethics. Discover...

Our special Lives of Tomorrow series kicks off with the first of four episodes about the four cohorts within our Future Consumer 2028 forecast. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Interiors Content Director Gemma Riberti introduce the Restorer persona. This rapidly expanding consumer group is defined by their commitment to intentional living, prioritising nourishment and overall wellbeing....

In this special one-off episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Head of Consumer Insight Cassandra Napoli give a sneak peek into how WGSN forecasts consumer and product trends. The hosts of the two WGSN podcasts, Lives of Tomorrow and Create Tomorrow, also explain how the two podcasts work together to help you better understand tomorrow’s world whether you work in consumer lifestyle products or you're...

In this special episode of Lives of Tomorrow, host Akeem Nicol discovers 2025’s highlights from WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi. They reflect on WGSN’s major achievements; acquiring BevAlc industry leader IWSR and launching WGSN TikTok Dashboards.  Carla reveals insights on adapting to consumer behaviour changes, the impact of tariffs and the importance of human intelligence and interaction in the AI age. L...

In this episode, WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi is joined by Head of Marketing, Events and Culture Forecasting Cassandra Napoli and VP of Content and Director of Beauty Clare Varga to discuss 2026’s top trends.  They delve into Beauty’s secret ingredient tipping the scales, salmon sperm, plus digital privilege, the slow punk movement and the rise of unserious everything – exploring how these trends are s...

In this Lives of Tomorrow episode, WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi and Head of Colour, Material, Finish (CMF) Reiko Morrison delve into the fascinating world of CMF design, focusing on WGSN’s Colour of the Year for 2026, Transformative Teal. Reiko shares her journey as a CMF designer and the rigorous process of selecting the WGSN Colour of the Year, revealing how it reflects societal shifts, embodying bal...

In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi explores the Future Consumer 2028 Forecast with Ella Hudson, Head of Consumer and Macro Forecasting, Insight at WGSN. We explain the four key consumer personas: the Ascendants, Keepers, Restorers and Challengers, and discuss how these groups will shape the future of consumer behaviour. Find out about the importance of trust, transparency and adaptability in a...

In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow hosted by WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi, we explore the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on our daily lives. Our guests, Allyson Rees, senior lifestyle strategist and Matt Zara, consumer tech strategist share insights on how communities are adapting and the role of brands in fostering resilience. We discuss innovative strategies for future-proofing our w...

In this Lives of Tomorrow episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi explores the evolving landscape of menswear with WGSN Menswear Strategist Isaiah Isaac. Discover how new representations of masculinity are reshaping fashion trends, from colours and fabrics to societal influences.  Isaiah explores the intersection of personal expression and style, offering insights into how men are embracing new ways to pre...

In this episode, WGSN’s CEO Carla Busazi and India Senior Strategist Nandini Swaminathan explore the diverse, year-long celebrations in India where Diwali is the highlight. They discuss the evolving cultural traditions where going online drives discovery, shoppability and purchase, enabling easy and convenient festive shopping through quick commerce. Nandini reveals how communities and staying con...

As our world heats, skin cancer risks rise. Yet many men overlook the danger. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi welcomes Russ Oliver, co-founder of DIC (Don’t Ignore Cancer), a sunscreen brand, to share his journey to overcome the stigma around and drive awareness of sunscreen use among men through humour and innovation. From understanding the importance of daily sun protection to exploring the cultural shift...

In this Lives of Tomorrow episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi explores how Gen Z’s evolving drinking habits are reshaping the alcohol landscape by focusing on flexibility, moderation and community amid the rising sober curious movement.  Join WGSN Food & Drink Content Director Jen Creevy and IWSR COO Consulting & Consumer Insights Richard Halstead distilling purposeful drinking and low/no innov...

Lives of Tomorrow host and WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi welcomes WGSN Asia Futures and Cultural Strategist Alison Ho to explore the transformative trend of solo living in Asia and its global implications.  Alison explains how this shift is reshaping societal norms, influencing economies and creating opportunities in pet parenting and AI companionship. Learn about cultural and economic drivers, the compan...

Join WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Cultural Strategist and Foresight Lead at WGSN, Martina Rocca, as they discuss the emerging mindset of heightened fear affecting consumers today. From eco-anxiety to the fear of AI and changing relationship dynamics, discover how these fears are shaping consumer behaviour, and how businesses can adapt by fostering emotional intelligence and authentic connections with...

In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi and Senior Marketing Strategist Rebecca Rom-Frank discuss how streaming has overtaken cable in the US, the influence of smart TVs and the future of live sports streaming.  Gain insights into the cultural implications of this media evolution for both brands and consumers, including the growth of shoppable media and the return of physical...

In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi invites Head of Kidswear, Erin Rechner to reveal kidswear trend directions and the powerful influence of Gen Alpha on fashion. From joyful dressing and gamified fashion to the rise of digital avatars, learn how this tech-savvy generation is outfitting the industry. We dive into the Gen Alpha behaviours driving movements like affordability and sustainability,...