Garage Magazine #7 Fall/Winter 2014 makes an undeniably critical statement about global consumption trends, as Anders Solvsten makes a major style statement about the prevalence of pop brands in fashion. Model Jourdan Dunn is lensed by Benjamin Lennox in this blatantly tacky style statement.

Global think tank Trendwatching has seven key trends for 2014. Leading the list is GUILT-FREE STATUS.

Growing numbers of consumers can no longer escape an awareness of the damage done by their consumption: to the planet, society, or themselves. But a mixture of indulgence, addiction and conditioning mean that most can’t substantially change their consumption habits. The result? A never-ending guilt spiral.

The success of Tesla Model S is a great example GUILT-FREE STATUS. especially now that it has opened up technology patents to competitors with hopes of widely expanding the market for electric cars by making them more affordable. Tesla recently announced plans to create 6400 new jobs in Nevada, building an electric battery plant to supply electric car technology to mass market car makers.

Trendwatching also cites high status, chic or fashionable products that are visibly sustainable, ethical and/or healthy as products that deliver GUILT-FREE STATUS. Nudie rugs,a range of limited edition rugs created from woven strips of second-hand or donated denim from the Swedish denim brand’s own jeans, get a call out.

Also cited is US based Liberty United jewelry created from decommissioned guns and bullets. Liberty United aims to help take firearms off the streets, working with local governments to source guns no longer needed for evidence or collected in buy-back programs. These firearms “are then recycled into jewelry by established designers, with each piece including the serial number of the gun used to make it. Prices range from USD 85 to 695 and a portion of the proceeds goes to nonprofits working to reduce gun crime.”

Also important in the GUILT-FREE STATUS trend is an authentic storyline that is verifiable and helps customers stay connected to the brand’s mission. Read on for more TrendWatching key trends for 2014.