Restaurants: Boom Boom Is Coming For Our Restaurants, Too
- InsightTrendsWorld
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Why it is the topic trending:
Emergence of a New Cultural Aesthetic: The article discusses "Boom Boom," a newly identified aesthetic trend that is moving away from minimalism and embracing the excess of the 1980s and early 90s.
Impact on Restaurants: The trend is particularly noticeable in the restaurant industry, influencing the ambiance, style, and clientele of dining establishments.
Shift in Societal Values (Potentially): The article explores possible underlying reasons for this shift, such as economic anxieties and a desire for escapism and glamour.
Expert Identification of Trend: The trend was named by Sean Monahan, a known trend forecaster who previously coined "normcore" and "vibe shift," adding credibility and interest to the topic.
Comparison to Previous Trends: The article links "Boom Boom" to the "indie sleaze" era of the late 2000s economic crisis, providing context and highlighting cyclical nature of trends.
Overview: The article introduces "Boom Boom," a new aesthetic trend characterized by a return to 1980s and early 90s corporate excess, marked by opulence, bold styles, and a departure from minimalism. The author observes this trend particularly in restaurants in areas like West London and Soho, where a more luxurious and classic style is becoming popular again, attracting a younger clientele. The article explores potential reasons behind this shift, including economic anxieties and a desire for fun and escapism.
Detailed findings:
Trend forecaster Sean Monahan coined the term "Boom Boom" to describe a shift away from minimalism towards 1980s and early 90s corporate excess.
"Boom Boom" is characterized by overstuffed leather, polished wood, big ties, loafers, eating meat, fake tan, vintage fur, and sleazy glam – an aesthetic of looking like you've spent money.
This trend is evident in fashion (Saint Laurent's spring/summer 2025 runway) and on social media (#oldmoney on TikTok).
In restaurants, "Boom Boom" is seen in the rise of opulent and classic establishments in Soho and West London, reminiscent of older, more luxurious styles.
Examples mentioned include J Sheekey, Ambassadors Clubhouse, The Dover, and the fictional Dorsia from American Psycho.
Some believe this trend is a reaction to current apocalyptic feelings and economic anxieties, leading people to embrace glamour.
Food writer Lucas Oakeley suggests people are becoming tired of overly "cool" experiences and are seeking fun, even if a little corny or pastiche.
He notes that minimalist wine bar-type restaurants in East London can be just as expensive as more lavish restaurants with comfortable and attentive service.
The author expresses being on board with this shift, having grown up with a perception of restaurants as luxurious and romantic.
Key takeaway: A new aesthetic trend called "Boom Boom," embracing 1980s and early 90s corporate excess and opulence, is emerging and is particularly noticeable in restaurants, suggesting a shift away from minimalism towards more lavish and traditionally luxurious dining experiences, potentially driven by economic anxieties and a desire for escapism.
Main trend: The Re-Emergence of Opulence and Classic Luxury in Cultural Aesthetics
Description of the trend (please name it): The Return to Grandeur. This trend describes a cultural shift away from the dominance of minimalism and towards a revival of opulent, luxurious, and often historically-inspired aesthetics across various sectors like fashion, design, and dining. This "return to grandeur" embraces bold styles, rich materials, and a sense of overt luxury, often evoking nostalgia for past eras associated with prosperity and classic elegance.
What is consumer motivation: Consumers might be motivated by a desire for escapism and fantasy in uncertain times, a longing for the perceived stability and glamour associated with past eras, or a reaction against the perceived austerity of minimalism. There could also be a performative aspect, wanting to project an image of success and affluence.
What is driving trend:
Cyclical Nature of Trends: Fashion and cultural aesthetics often operate in cycles, with trends from the past eventually making a comeback.
Economic Uncertainty: Periods of economic anxiety can sometimes lead to a desire for overt displays of wealth and glamour as a form of escapism or aspiration.
Social Media Influence: Trends can spread rapidly through social media, with platforms like TikTok contributing to the resurgence of styles like "Boom Boom" and #oldmoney.
Reaction Against Minimalism: After a prolonged period of minimalist dominance, there's often a counter-reaction towards more maximalist and expressive styles.
Nostalgia for Past Eras: The 1980s and early 90s, while having their own complexities, can be viewed through a nostalgic lens, particularly by younger generations who didn't experience them firsthand.
What is motivation beyond the trend: Beyond the immediate aesthetic appeal, consumers might be seeking a sense of comfort and tradition in times of rapid change, finding solace in styles associated with established wealth and classic luxury.
Description of consumers article is referring to (what is their age?, what is their gender? What is their income? What is their lifestyle): The article mentions the trend being observed among a younger-skewing clientele at J Sheekey, suggesting that this isn't just a trend for older generations. The #oldmoney hashtag on TikTok further indicates interest from Gen Z and Millennials. While not explicitly stated, the aesthetic of "Boom Boom" and the restaurants mentioned (upscale West London, Mayfair) suggest a consumer base that is at least comfortable with spending money on dining and experiences. Their lifestyle might involve an appreciation for classic luxury, perhaps influenced by media portrayals of wealth and sophistication, and a desire to participate in current cultural trends.
Conclusions: The "Boom Boom" aesthetic represents a notable shift in cultural trends, with a move away from minimalism and towards a revival of opulent and classic luxury, particularly evident in the restaurant scene. This trend may be fueled by a combination of economic anxieties, a desire for escapism, and the cyclical nature of fashion and style.
Implications for brands:
Restaurants: Might consider incorporating elements of "Boom Boom" in their decor, ambiance, and even menu offerings to attract a clientele drawn to this aesthetic. This could include richer color palettes, more opulent furnishings, and a focus on classic dishes.
Fashion Brands: Can draw inspiration from 1980s and early 90s styles, such as boxy suits and bolder silhouettes.
Lifestyle and Home Decor Businesses: Might see a demand for items that fit this more luxurious and less minimalist aesthetic.
Implication for society: The shift towards "Boom Boom" could reflect a broader change in cultural values and aesthetics, potentially indicating a move away from more understated styles and a renewed interest in overt displays of luxury and glamour.
Implications for consumers: Consumers might find themselves drawn to more opulent and classic styles in various aspects of their lives, from fashion to dining experiences.
Implication for Future: The "Boom Boom" trend could continue to gain momentum, influencing cultural aesthetics for the foreseeable future. It will be interesting to see how it evolves and in what other areas it becomes prominent.
Consumer Trend (name, detailed description): Nostalgic Opulence. This trend describes consumers embracing styles and aesthetics that evoke a sense of nostalgia for past eras of luxury and grandeur, often characterized by more is more and a celebration of classic elegance.
Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description): The Anti-Minimalist Movement: A growing rejection of minimalist aesthetics in favor of more maximalist, expressive, and often opulent styles in fashion, interiors, and other areas of culture.
Big Social Trend (name, detailed description): The Cycle of Style and Aesthetics: Cultural trends in fashion, design, and art often operate in cyclical patterns, with styles from previous decades experiencing revivals.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description): The article focuses on London and New York, but aesthetic trends often have global resonance, suggesting "Boom Boom" could appear in other major cities.
Social Drive (name, detailed description): The Desire for Escapism and Self-Expression Through Style: In times of uncertainty or change, people often turn to aesthetics as a form of escapism and as a means of expressing their individuality or aspirations.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025 (bullets, detailed description):
Consider incorporating retro elements: Drawing inspiration from the 80s and early 90s might resonate with a segment of your audience.
Embrace a more is more philosophy (selectively): In certain areas, leaning into opulence and bolder styles could be effective.
Pay attention to the cycle of trends: Understand that minimalist dominance may be waning, and more maximalist styles are re-emerging.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025 (bullets, detail description):
Restaurants: Consider incorporating richer color palettes, more luxurious materials (like velvet or leather), and classic design elements into your spaces. Review menus to see if there's room for more traditionally "indulgent" options.
Fashion Brands: Explore silhouettes and styles from the late 80s and early 90s in your collections.
Home Decor Brands: Introduce items with a more opulent feel, such as heavier fabrics, darker woods, and more ornate detailing.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article: "Boom Boom," the re-emergence of opulent and classic luxury, is poised to impact various cultural sectors, with restaurants being a particularly noticeable early adopter of this aesthetic shift away from minimalism.
What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it: In 2025, brands should consider embracing elements of the "Return to Grandeur" trend, particularly "Boom Boom," by:
Analyzing their target audience's potential interest in a more opulent and less minimalist aesthetic.
Incorporating design elements, product styles, or marketing campaigns that reflect the characteristics of "Boom Boom," such as richer colors, luxurious materials, and a bolder overall style.
For restaurants, this could mean updating decor and even menu items to evoke a more classic and luxurious feel.
Final note:
Core Trend: The Return to Grandeur: Re-emergence of opulence and classic luxury in cultural aesthetics.
Core Strategy: Consider Embracing Opulence and Retro Influences: Moving away from minimalism towards bolder, more luxurious styles.
Core Industry Trend: Cyclical Shifts in Aesthetic Preferences: Recognizing that trends in fashion and design often repeat over time.
Core Consumer Motivation: Seeking Escapism, Nostalgia, and a Reaction Against Minimalism: Drivers behind the adoption of the "Boom Boom" aesthetic.
Final Conclusion: The "Boom Boom" trend suggests a potential turning point away from the long reign of minimalism, offering an opportunity for brands and businesses in 2025 to explore a more maximalist, luxurious, and perhaps nostalgic aesthetic to resonate with consumers seeking a different vibe.
Core Trend Detailed: The Return to Grandeur
Description: The Return to Grandeur trend describes a cultural shift away from the dominance of minimalism and towards a revival of opulent, luxurious, and often historically-inspired aesthetics across various sectors like fashion, design, and dining. This "return to grandeur" embraces bold styles, rich materials, and a sense of overt luxury, often evoking nostalgia for past eras associated with prosperity and classic elegance.
Key Characteristics of the Trend (summary): This trend signifies a move towards opulence, luxury, bold styles, rich materials, and nostalgia for past eras, particularly the 1980s and early 90s.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (summary): Trend forecaster Sean Monahan naming "Boom Boom," its appearance in fashion runways (Saint Laurent), the #oldmoney hashtag on TikTok, and the rising popularity of opulent restaurants all signal this trend.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior (summary): Consumers are showing interest in more lavish and classic styles in fashion, interior design, and dining experiences, moving away from minimalist preferences.
Implications Across the Ecosystem (For Brands and CPGs, For Retailers, For Consumers, summary):
For Brands and CPGs: Opportunities for brands in fashion, home decor, and dining to incorporate more opulent and retro elements into their offerings and marketing.
For Retailers: Restaurants and stores can attract customers by embracing a more luxurious and less minimalist aesthetic in their spaces and product selections.
For Consumers: Consumers might find themselves drawn to bolder, more expressive styles in their personal choices and seek out experiences that align with this aesthetic.
Strategic Forecast: The "Boom Boom" trend could continue to gain momentum, influencing cultural aesthetics for the foreseeable future. It will be interesting to see how it evolves and in what other areas it becomes prominent.
Final Thought: The Return to Grandeur trend suggests a potential turning point away from the long reign of minimalism, offering an opportunity for brands and businesses in 2025 to explore a more maximalist, luxurious, and perhaps nostalgic aesthetic to resonate with consumers seeking a different vibe.
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