Without question this has been a most eventful year worthy of conversation if not anticipated influence.

We have a probe on Mars, our technology is getting even smaller and more powerful, and we are facing a monumental shift in manufacturing that will forever impact our economies and the democratization of our creative output. Our textiles are now measured in their ability to multitask and in how intricate they are manipulated at a nanolevel, and our reality is augmented in conjunction with tools the first world calls mainstay.

The internet has provided more connectedness than ever before experienced, yet underscored the loneliness we have by trading an interactive world for a virtually connected one. But this medium has brought together crowds to support funding initiatives for startups that would have otherwise languished as an idea unrealized. Creative initiatives are born en masse. Research can accelerate through shared responsibility through a larger participation base.  People rise up to protest more immediately through accessible petitions, and our collective conscience shines forth stronger now that we have the platforms of immediacy and accessibility.

The global economy is unfortunately unstable, and both status quo the politics are getting in the way. The populace expressed open outrage and made their civil servants take notice that dissention is more widespread than anticipated. Conflicts abound and politically charged areas are making the world nervous. Nuclear capabilities with nations who have demonstrated less maturity and their handling are accelerating.

At least ten percent of the population truly believed the end of the world as to come; the anticipated panic was enough for even NASA to pre-release a video on YouTube explaining why this will not happen.  The threat, of course, came and went. However, a “fiscal cliff” in the United States that could negatively impact other economies beyond its borders is anticipated. Meanwhile, compromise has appeared where obstinacy once prevailed.

The innocence of the Millennials, nursed much the way the Boomers were after the post-war years is seeing the loss of innocence as their well-informed media let them see the world in its entirety, warts and all. And the amazing potential is clouded with uncertainty of how to fit and survive in the long term as traditional structures such as full-time tenure are making way for new and unfamiliar ways to work in a world that now demands constant educational upgrade without guarantees of its investment. And let’s not get started on the environment; Sandy was a very public wake-up call, upheld by scientists chanting “we told you so” as we realize how unprepared for that aspect of the future, regardless of where we are.

A good deal of this is finding interpretation in fashion trends that are underway as well as what was released earlier this year. But what of what is to come? Will the shabby chic of “Les Miserables” that already has Vogue entranced in recent editorials find more universal appeal in the coming collections? Will this be embraced as we head toward the repeat mindset we faced in the 90s, where conspicuous consumption and standing out with polish and flash was deemed gauche?

Will the upcoming Victoria and Albert exhibit on 80s club culture coupled with the personalization of the mend-and-make-do movement and a rise in entrepreneurial initiatives to counter the gap of employment opportunities result in a resurgence of uniqueness as more and more people react to the homogenization and hypermarketing environment that  fashion has become of late?

Well, I will leave that for you, your family, your friends, your co-workers, your neighbours or even your virtual friends to discuss over turkey and cranberries. Because this is a time, regardless of religious affiliation, of goodwill, of appreciation, and of peace to all (despite the horrible and unfortunate madness in Connecticut; my condolences to all who have endured loss and pain to mar such an otherwise beautiful time of the year) . This is a time to be with who matters and do spend time with what matters: our best expression of humanity.

I wish you all a wonder holiday season, a very Merry Christmas, and the Happiest of New Years. And so that I don’t become a hypocrite, I have some merry to make and I hope you do too!