While no one possesses a genuine crystal ball, one platform has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to forecast the future of consumer tastes. Pinterest, the visual discovery engine, has just unveiled its annual Pinterest Predicts report for 2026, boasting an impressive 88 per cent accuracy rate over the past six years.
Fashion & Beauty: The Rise of the Individual
In 2026, the relentless churn of micro-trends is set to meet its match: a powerful desire for personal expression. According to Pinterest's forecast, consumers will combat trend fatigue by putting their own unique spin on popular movements, prioritising curation over blind copying.
Melinda Petrunoff, Pinterest's Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, notes the shift is driven by a craving for comfort and authenticity. "People are moving towards curating rather than copying, choosing to engage with what truly resonates with them," she explains. This translates to a surge in customised goods, from monogrammed handbags to sticker-covered water bottles, and a definitive move away from mainstream minimalism.
Key Trends Shaping 2026
Childhood Nostalgia & 'Glitchy Glam': A widespread longing for simpler, tactile experiences will fuel a nostalgia boom. In fashion, expect more cartoon motifs, whimsical pieces, and vintage-inspired garments. In beauty, this manifests as "glitchy glam" – a deliberate break from symmetry with mismatched nails, two-tone lips, and boldly clashing colours where imperfection is the goal.
The Brooch Revival: Once considered the domain of grandparents, brooches are making a major comeback as a key accessory for all ages. Juliet Cuerden, owner of Perth-based Broochella, says the trend aligns with a move towards intentional styling. "A brooch can transform what you already own... all without buying a new outfit," she states. Celebrities like Rihanna, Zendaya, and Damson Idris have already been spotted embracing the look.
Extra Celestial & Laced Up: An "otherworldly" aesthetic dubbed "Extra Celestial" will see holographic accents and cosmic silhouettes influence fashion, beauty, and home decor. Simultaneously, delicate, ornamental lace is poised for a timely return, appearing on bomber jackets, bandanas, and even phone cases, celebrating handcrafted texture.
Lifestyle & Culture: The Slowdown & Analogue Era
Beyond aesthetics, broader societal shifts are on the horizon. A report by social researchers McCrindle identifies intentional living as a major trend for 2026, with Australians actively rejecting hustle culture to prioritise relationships, health, and a slower pace of life.
This desire to disconnect is also fuelling an "analogue era." Driven by digital exhaustion, people are rationing screen time, reviving landlines, and seeking out tactile, imperfect experiences. This aligns with a consumer preference for personality over product, where trust is placed in local businesses and authentic leaders rather than faceless corporations.
Despite economic pressures, optimism persists, particularly among younger Australians. Generation Z shows the highest level of optimism for the future at 73 per cent, focusing on what they can control in an uncertain world.
What's Coming in Food, Film & TV
The 2026 outlook extends across entertainment and dining. Perth's food scene is set to expand with notable openings like Farra at the Hyde Hotel, Brighton Wine Bar in Scarborough, and the global vendor hub Urban Food District at Crown Perth.
On screen, a blockbuster film lineup includes Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi (February 12), The Devil Wears Prada 2 (April 30), and the year-ending Marvel tentpole Avengers: Doomsday (December 17). Television highlights include the long-awaited third season of Euphoria (April), the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, and a new adaptation of Lord of the Flies for Stan.
In our homes, interior trends will see a shift towards silver accents over gold, the embrace of Pantone's calming Cloud Dancer white, and a contemporary, elevated take on Modern Tuscan style.
