153. Life Through the Lens – What's Coming in 2026

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli and WGSN Sport & Outdoors Content Strategist Mary Stanwick review how Gen Z is reshaping the sports landscape. From cost and climate to fitness and spectatorship, they uncover how Gen Z are adapting for greater accessibility and shifting health priorities. Tune in to learn about the rise of hybrid sports, the importance of aesthetics in product design and the growing influence of women in sports fandom.

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 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 Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli explores the evolving landscape of influence with industry leaders Brandon Perlman and Jennifer Wilder Perlman from Social Studies. We explore how CEOs have long been the original influencers. Brandon and Jennifer talk about the importance of authenticity in marketing and how the creator economy is rapidly changing. Discover the power of quiet influence and the impact of AI on the influencer landscape

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli and Matthew Drinkwater, head of the Fashion Innovation Agency at London College of Fashion, discuss the convergence of technology and fashion. Matthew explores how emerging technologies like augmented reality, digital fashion and AI are transforming the industry and education. The conversation studies the role of digital fashion in the metaverse, the impact of AI on creativity and the future of fashion education.

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli, surfboard shaper Donald Brink and former Surfer Magazine writer Gabe Sullivan discuss surfing’s cultural shift from a niche pastime to a mainstream sport.Donald and Gabe uncover the role of surf shapers in crafting sustainable surfboards and the growing inclusivity within the surf community, particularly for women. Find out the impact of the internet on surf culture and surfing’s prominence as it becomes part of the Olympic Games.

In this episode, host Cassandra Napoli, WGSN’s Head of Kidswear Erin Rechner and Senior Cultural Strategist Liz Tan delve into the cultural moments set to define 2026 and beyond, offering insights into how brands can strategically embed themselves into these pivotal happenings. We explore the future of fandoms, the rise of women in sports and the impact of co-creation on niche cultures. Discover how WGSN’s Events + Culture platform provides a roadmap for brands looking to connect with audiences meaningfully. Whether you’re a brand strategist or a culture enthusiast, gain valuable perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape of cultural engagement.

Join host Cassandra Napoli as she delves into the evolving world of fashion with Lizzie Wheeler, a resale expert and founder of Archival Bridal Studio. In this episode, Lizzie shares her journey from wholesale to the forefront of the resale market, exploring the rise of IYKYK (if you know, you know) shopping networks and the growing demand for curation as a service. Discover how consumer culture is shifting towards personalised, community-driven shopping experiences and what this means for the future of fashion.

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli dives into the world of upcycled fashion with Hilary Star de Roy, founder of New York-based Royal Native. Amid the fast-paced trend cycle, Hilary stays true to her brand’s ethos of sustainability and community building. Hilary shares her unique journey of transforming vintage textiles into sought-after pieces and the importance of hyper-local retail in fostering genuine connections. Listen in to explore how to balance enduring styles with modern trends and create an authentic and purpose-driven brand.

Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli invites Launderette NYC’s founders Ireland McCaughey and Ben Razin to discuss their transformation of traditional laundromats into vibrant community spaces. Turning conventional laundry practices into an outsourced service, they deliver solutions for modern lifestyles.They redefine consumer experiences by bridging social gaps, unveiling how to turn mundane chores into convenient, collaborative and creative spaces for consumers. Find out how they ironed out challenges which unfolded into opportunities entrepreneurs can learn from.