A new year begs us to ask, “What’s the next trend?” It’s interesting to observe the art community and its influence on the collective conscious. It’s a study in the age old chicken or egg conundrum, form v. function. Does music inspire fashion, or does fashion stimulate music, movies and creativity at large? Could it even be something more organic, a cosmic cohesiveness that just happens?

In the late 90’s, did Dave Mathews and Jewel channel the Grateful Dead and Carly Simon, ushering in a folk revival, causing us to let down our hair and break out the bell bottoms and peasant blouses? Or, did sandal clad bohemian fashion designers lead us into the era of au naturale hippie chic?

Who sparked the so-called 2nd wave, the rebirth of the 80’s? Did the neon eye shadow and leg warmers inspire the synthesizers of MGMT, or did the antics of Lady Gaga remind us so much of Madonna that we all decided to strike a familiar pose and let our bodies go with the flow?

One thing is certain, as the Christmas commercials informed us, brightly colored skinny jeans have finally made it to Old Navy, historically the final stop on the fashion train. So now we can look forward to something new, but the question becomes “how new?”

If it starts with music, the art world seems to be at a crossroad. New acts like Electric Guest and Tanlines have a certain Beach Boy vibe, and the voices of Adele and Bruno Mars are stark reminders of the crooners of the 60’s. Is the retro style of shows like Mad Men behind the shift? Are men becoming more dapper, with a sculpted side part to match their pen stripped suits and mustaches? Are women returning to grace, with pencil skirts and peter pan collars that perfectly accentuate their bobs, buns and bright red lips?

On the opposite side of the street is a prep/grunge amalgamation that is trying to assert its dominance and direct us into a new Nirvana. With starlets donning under-cuts and izods, ripped jeans and riding boots, we can easily slouch into a replay of the early 90’s comforted by the rocking riffs of Django Django, Two Door Cinema Club and Alabama Shakes.

Or, and this is a big OR, will 2013 and the years to follow ring in something completely new and innovative? Will the far out fashion of sci-fi movies like Hunger Games translate to Main Street? Will experimental musicians like Grimes, Alt-J and Tune-Yards open a path that we were not expecting, one that will no doubt be regurgitated in 20 years? We can only hope.

We must also note the two “hip” wild cards. Hipsters and Hip Hop arguably have the greatest influence on the direction of our culture. What would Kanye say if we didn’t mention him, because let’s face it, we all live in a Kanye Western civilization.

Whatever is in store, rest assured Salon Boutique Academy will be here educating the stylists of tomorrow, and Currently will be here to report it. Happy New Year Everyone!