Equities markets in the Asia-Pacific region were mostly lower on Wednesday, but there were a couple of notable exceptions to the declining trend. In South Korea, the Kospi index added 0.6 percent to 2,004.22, the first time it has closed above the 2,000 level. The gains came after Moody’s raised South Korea’s debt rating to A2, the first increase in 5 years. China’s equities markets also saw gains, with the Shanghai Composite adding 2.7 percent to 4,323.97 on increased investor confidence. On the other hand, Australian equities saw declines as the Sydney Ordinaries dropped 1.2 percent to 6,378 and the S&P/ASX200 was 1.27 percent lower to 6,340.5. Elsewhere, the Taiex in Taiwan was down 0.04 percent to 9,740.13, while in Hong Kong the Hang Seng index fell 0.47 percent to 23,362.18. In India the Sensex dropped 0.61 percent to 15,699.33. The Straits Times index was 0.86 percent lower to 3,658.53 in Singapore.
Further demonstrating itself as a thought leader, WeddingWire Inc., an online platform designed to simplify wedding planning for engaged couples and wedding vendors, has identified a number of trends slated to significantly impact weddings currently being planned for Summer 2008, in addition to those embraced by couples marrying in the near term.
In addition to three major trends that will affect both engaged couples and wedding vendors over the next 12-24 months, WeddingWire also recognized trends having an immediate impact on the bridal industry. According to WeddingWire, the market is seeing an evolution in bridal registries whereby engaged couples use their registries to establish honeymoon funds or even to contribute to their favorite charities. Additionally, some brides-to-be are expressing their independence by not only choosing their own engagement rings, but in some cases by purchasing the ring themselves. And in a significant shift, modern brides are embracing a ‘live in the moment’ attitude and are opting not to seal their wedding gowns after the ceremony. Instead, they are taking deconstructed photos wearing their gowns in the ocean, climbing a tree or even doing menial tasks like washing the car or mowing the lawn.
Everyone wants to set the curve when it comes to style. No one wants to design out of a book of trends, but nevertheless, they emerge. Take a peek at the following 11 logo design trends that we think will define the look of 2007.