What's going to be hot in 2015

Shelley Seid and Sarah Buitendach give you a heads up on what’s forecast to be on trend, or staging a comeback, in the new year

Fitness

Zumba is out. So is Pilates, indoor cycling and balance training.

Baby boomers are set to fill gyms, and functional exercise is the new black. So says the 2015 American College of Sports Medicine Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends , which puts body-weight training at the top of the exercise pops.

This means it's back to the basics with push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and squats. With no need for specialised equipment, body-weight training is an attractive option in economically tight times because it can be practised anywhere.

Strength training and yoga remain trendy, and obstacle racing is in for an international revival.

Fashion

The  sartorial world often looks to the past for inspiration, and this year it's casting its lens back to the days of free love and folk music.

With flowing kaftans, leather tassels, shearling gilets and crazy patterned prints in a mix of dirty colours, 2015 is going to be all about the '70s.

Many international fashion houses debuted '70s-inspired collections at their 2015 spring shows.

From Alberta Ferretti to Saint Laurent, Valentino and Tommy Hilfiger, designers embraced boho-chic and channelled the earthy wear of folk singers such as Carole King and Joni Mitchell.

We'll also be decorating ourselves in top-to-toe flowers if the ramps are anything to go by. Victoria Beckham and Max Mara showed models completely covered in blooming fabrics.

You may not want to wear co-ordinated blossoming clothing, shoes and accessories, but a dash of bold flora is certainly trend-smart.

Decor

"Concrete, concrete and more concrete. Lavazza has even created a concrete coffee machine," says local trend forecaster Dave Nemeth.

"Expect to see this material being used in kitchens, living areas, floors, ceilings, cabinets . you name it."

Nemeth picks copper as the major metal for 2015 - replacing chrome in everything from lights to tables.

As far as colour goes, expect to see a subdued red-brown tone called marsala popping up. This is the international colour standard Pantone's 2015 colour of the year. And, just like its big sister, fashion, the world of interiors is taking a leaf from '70s design as retro-inspired furniture takes centre stage.

"For inspiration, just watch an episode of The Jetsons, a 'futuristic' cartoon from the '70s," says Nemeth.

Food

According to international food and restaurant consultants Baum+Whiteman, the Middle East is on the table - literally. Hummus, that ubiquitous chickpea dip, is moving in, as is Jewish deli food.

Other culinary buzzwords for 2015 are pistachios, Pimm's Cup, iced lattes, flavoured salts, savoury ice creams, vegetable yoghurts and night markets. With the new millennial disease "restless palate syndrome", our relentless search for new products, tastes and flavours continues unabated.

Coconut oil, which has been on trend for a while, is being joined by coconut sugar. And what's out? According to the National Restaurant Association of America's survey, the death knell has rung for insects, foam, froth and air.

Changes to liquid refreshments are also on the cards. Beer continues its victory march and makes an appearance in sauces and cocktails, and spirits are about to have their day as flavoured whiskies and rums run riot and gin and tonic bars open across Europe.

If any spirit is taking on the future, its gin, with more than 100 new products launched last year from a diverse range of countries including Russia, Sweden and South Africa.

Technology

Time is tight, so anything that helps us save a minute is big news. Trendwatching.com has coined the phrase "fast-laning" - for example, several food franchises have apps that allow customers to order and pay before reaching the outlet, making collection immediate.

Time is also a factor when it comes to acquiring skills. Instant skilling, which brings perfection without the need for practice, is on the way. For example, thanks to online software Seedsheet, you can create a perfect garden that tells you what will grow where, and delivers a custom-made "seed sheet" - unroll, water, and Bob's your uncle.

The "Internet of Sharing", says Trendwatching.com, allows you to use technology to share anything - such as smart bikes and urban spaces that can be rented, even for only 30 minutes.

Robotics is on the rise and promises robotic sales assistants and robots sourcing and delivering our Amazon products.

Travel
The new trend for travellers, especially foodies, is authentic interaction with locals abroad. Visit a foreign country and dine and socialise with people at their homes.

Sites such as Bookalokal.com and EatWith.com are popping up and catching on. “Poshtels” offer a cost-effective yet stylish experience in a hotel-hostel blend. The latest in travel bookings is through instant messaging — WhatsApp or WeChat — where you can check into your hotel room as well as open the door with an app instead of a key.

Asia is still trending as a desired destination, and according to the World Travel Market and Euromonitor International report, Africa is the world’ new top surfing destinat ion.

For those who can’t afford to get away, virtual travel — live-streaming of people’s journeys and adventures — is on the cards.