For the philistines among us, that’s a Back to the Future quote, by the way.
Miss me? Just a little, maybe?
If you muttered to yourself “no,” perhaps this might change your mind: I decided to use my final newsletter of 2020 to publish a list of 2021 predictions. Yeah? How does that feel? Good, right? Just think of the schadenfreude you’ll feel a year from knowing that I stuck my neck out and got some (most?) of this wrong! Now you must continue reading. No, you must flag this e-mail — you must Boomerang it to the top of your inbox.
“Siri, remind me to re-read this e-mail one year from now!”
While I’m unwilling to go as far as, say, John McAfee in my predictions, I promise to be bold. Far too many forecasters and futurologists speak in code or with a level obscurity so as to protect themselves from over-committing, Nostradamus-like in their approach. Not I! I’d rather smack a few dingers out of the park after precisely calling my shots than rely on video replay to potentially overturn inconclusive foul balls.
So without further ado, 21 predictions for 2021.
The streetwear market will begin to show signs of collapse in H2 under the weight of another out of this world H1 valuation — perhaps Kith at $500 million?
Gorpcore continues to relentlessly march forward, drawing inspiration from even-weirder source material (gardening, pottery and other mindful sedentary at-home-but-outdoors activities).
Next up for an appointment to a big luxury house: Samuel Ross from A-Cold-Wall, and my guess (more of a hope, really) is that he lands at Lanvin (and if I’m wrong, Lanvin will continue to slide toward irrelevance).
A very large glossy legacy fashion publication shuts its doors or undergoes such a dramatic restructuring that it is no longer recognized as itself (I will go on record making my prediction even more specific if you contact me — promise).
DNVBs energized by a decade of e-commerce growth within a few short months will continue climbing; however, investors will eventually return to the profits-over-revenue mindset that was starting to overtake the '“growth over everything” narrative at the end of 2019.
A digital collectible will find mainstream appeal (and skyrocket in value) in the form of a crypto-artist or -fashion collaboration.
PS5 crushes X-Box Series X, and it’s another disappointing year for VR all-around (even for the Oculus which has increased its ad spend by an order of magnitude in Q4 ‘20).
Video games’ mainstream crossover appeal marches forward with the announcement of a movie or limited series of an A-Tier title (but not a traditional action game like Sonic or Tomb Raider — Fall Guys, Among Us and Roblox are top of mind here); Disney considers purchasing one of these properties.
Facebook’s antitrust case will rest on Section 230 legislation: if substantial amendments are made, Facebook as-is will survive; if substantial amendments are not made, it will be split up (and Mark Zuckerberg will consider serving as CEO of both resulting companies).
Ethereum blows through its all-time high and approaches a .1 ratio with Bitcoin.
Tesla experiences a large double-digit retracement in valuation thanks in large part to legacy competition heating up (Polestar, anyone?).
WB’s HBO Max distribution deal causes a frenzy across all content studios resulting in an eventual shaking out and series of M&A activity that leads to some form of consolidation in the home video content space.
A politician hosts a digital fundraising event via live stream.
A politician launches a pay-walled subscription account (probably through Patreon).
Surprising to some (most?), President Trump goes out with more of a whimper than a bang; President-elect Biden’s first year fails to accomplish significant policy goals as it is held hostage by the pop-culturally fashionable far-left agenda and a Republican majority in the Senate.
Following a continued slide in TV ratings and still-restrictive attendance policies, multiple sports franchises consider bankruptcy protection.
The Lakers do not win a back to back title.
The Chiefs do.
Daniel Arsham works out in Cleveland.
Big Sean doesn’t in Detroit.
Some boner uses 50 Cent’s 2002 hit “21 Questions” as a cheeky pun to introduce his/her 2021 predictions (“Durf! 21 Questions for 2021!”).
And with that, I hope you have a wonderful new year. Til next time, mes amis.
I think you're onto something with prediction 6. Imagine if they made those skins ultra limited with a premium cost... Prediction 17 would require a major injury. Who do you think would win if the Lakers don't?