TrendCommittee 2025: What I was a huge fan of as a child
International experts, trend scouts, market researchers and journalists - these personalities can all be found on the Spielwarenmesse TrendCommittee. While the members search for the hottest toy trends every year, it's great to get a little insight into the experts' private lives. The members were able to reminisce about their childhood and talk about what they were a big fan of back then.
Daniele Caroli (Italy)
In his youth, the experienced journalist was fascinated by the thrilling adventures of the Wild West. The comic book series about the fictional hero Pecos Bill particularly appealed to him. In the cowboy's daring stories, one adventure follows another and, armed only with a lasso, he has to restore law and order. While reading the stories, Daniele Caroli also regularly came across historical personalities who, apart from the plot, brought him the most joy.
Gabriela Kaiser (Germany)
Trend consultant and trend scout Gabriela Kaiser has had a keen instinct since childhood. As a bookworm, she is constantly immersed in new worlds, but one genre has completely hooked her: Crime novels. Thrilling stories, tricky puzzles and dark secrets still captivate her to this day. Her favourite book series back then was "The Three Investigators", but even if her neighbours were able to spare a crime novel or two, she couldn't resist.
Steven Ekstract (USA)
Brand expert and journalist Steven Ekstract only had one kryptonite as a boy: the comic book hero Superman. He used to sit in suspense in front of the TV every time he watched the adventures of the cult series "Adventures of Superman" with George Reeves. Superman is not only extremely strong, but also as quick as light, and in order to blend in with the crowd without being recognised, he slips into the role of his alter ego, the journalist Clark Kent. A profession that seemed to influence the young Steven Ekstract.
Clara Blasco (Spain)
As a girl, design and trend researcher Clara Blasco had a soft spot for the magical. In particular, a little elf boy who never grows up was her biggest idol. For her, the smart Peter Pan embodies courage and the belief in always pursuing one's own path. For a costume party, the whole class was allowed to dress up as their favourite character from Neverland. With her green robe, wooden sword and pointy elf ears, Clara Blasco was certainly the centre of attention.
Axel Dammler (Germany)
Child and youth researcher Axel Dammler was a football fan through and through as a teenager. He loved to spend his free time playing the cult classic "Tipp-Kick". He regularly played thrilling matches with his friends in his own league, but unfortunately he was never able to win the championship. In order to support his favourite team away from the stadium, Axel Dammler even took up the paintbrush himself and gave his characters a new coat of paint.
John Baulch (England)
Another football fanatic is the publisher John Baulch. He must have been born with a passion for the sport, because as soon as he could walk, he kicked the ball with enthusiasm. But his fascination went far beyond the field - he also favoured board and action games to match the theme. It wasn't enough for a career as a professional footballer, but he ultimately found his true calling in the toy industry.
