Lives of Tomorrow

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 just interested in how the world's evolving. Listen in for a taste of what’s to come on our podcasts in 2026.

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. Listen to uncover 2026 trends, including ‘gatekeeping’ and the return of gold.

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 shaping consumer behaviour and industries. Gain insights into digital detox, the impact of GLP-1 drugs across industries and the significance of guardian design in fashion.

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 balance, unity and eco-accountability, making it relevant across industries and cultures.

Ella Hudson, Head of Macro and Consumer Forecasting at WGSN and author of the Future Consumer 2028 forecast, dives into the evolving landscape of consumer personas. She outlines four key archetypes: Ascendants embrace tech and optimization, Keepers prioritize trust and transparency, Restorers seek mindful experiences, and Challengers advocate for accountability. Ella discusses the fluidity of these personas and how brands must adapt to a rapidly changing world while highlighting the impact of generational shifts on shopping behaviors.

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 world and the importance of community-driven solutions.

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 present themselves. Hear how these shifts are influencing both the runway and everyday life.

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 connected is key to Indians as family structures evolve amid migration and identifies how technology impacts different generations. Find out how brands are localising campaigns, curating festival-driven shopping in minutes while rooting the experience in tradition with a modern lens.

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 shifts needed for better health practices, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice on identifying routes to market. Find out how you can be part of this transformative movement and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Jen Creevy, Forecasting Director at WGSN, and Richard Halstead, COO at IWSR, dive into Gen Z's transformative drinking habits. They discuss the rise of sober curiosity and how it emphasizes moderation and purposeful drinking. Innovations like mini cocktails and mid-strength spirits cater to flexibility, while daytime drinking trends are emerging. The duo highlights how local markets shape the success of low/no products, and they reveal that Gen Z’s financial awareness drives a shift towards quality over quantity in alcohol consumption.