be the shape of things to come
To be indicative of what will happen or become popular in the future. I think this trend is the shape of things to come, but there's no way to know for sure.
be the ˌshape of ˌthings to ˈcome
(also be a ˌtaste of ˌthings to ˈcome) be a sign or an example of how things are likely to be in the future: These new computers are the shape of things to come.Telephones with television screens: could this be a taste of things to come?