An emerging genre in popular culture and cinematography has taken the media by storm, demonstrating people's deep-seated criticism of the current capitalist system that sees a small percentage of people enjoying the vast majority of the wealth.

Eat the rich 

AirBnB's 'Icons' category offers die-hard fans a chance to immerse themselves in the worlds of their obsessions, such as spending a night in the Ferrari Museum or getting lost in their favourite video game with Khaby Lame. The experiences also come at little to no cost, catering to increasingly budget-mindful audiences. 

Superfan sleepovers 

Saltburn was one of the most talked-about films of late 2023. Essentially a satire of the new 'eat the rich' genre in popular culture, it's a backlash against sweeping statements about the super-rich and a powerful reminder of the profound complexity of the British class battles.

Saltburn's class commentary goes viral 

Since teens took over TikTok as a platform for fiction recommendations, BookTok has become a major site for readers and publishers alike. This gives the industry hope for a prosperous future and points to people's craving for niche online and IRL communities. 

BookTok club 

Luxury brand Mugler has partnered with H&M to offer fans its favourite collections at more inclusive price tags, showing the brand's flexibility to adjust to changing definitions of luxury and status. 

Mugler's affordable flex 

As more Australians with disposable income bolster the country’s travel industry, the luggage brand July has responded by expanding its affordable luxury offerings. Selling both style and practicality, it has met the needs of travellers seeking a bespoke touch as they head abroad.

Why July designs luxe luggage for cost-savvy travellers

A24 is relaunching its membership program with incentives for members to attend the opening weekends of new films. People are showcasing insider status through their fandoms, and they want brands to deepen connections by creating multiple touchpoints to drive belonging and exclusivity.

A24 acknowledges super-fandom with membership reboot

Manchester City FC has launched a design competition for fans to create its future kit using AI. This initiative shows how brands can leverage AI technology and tap into desires for co-creation to give fans a greater stake in product innovation, thereby deepening their connection.

Manchester City invites fans to co-create kit with AI

InterContinental Hotels Group is enhancing its multigenerational travel offering to boost growth for its luxury portfolio. As high-net-worth travelers prioritize vacations as a collective experience with their loved ones, they’ll expect brands to craft holidays that have something for everyone.

IHG embraces multigenerational holidays in luxury travel

Transdermal patches represent a new frontier in self-care as a novel way to target beauty concerns and highlight – rather than conceal – what the body goes through. Addressing acne and wrinkles and supplying vitamins, these patches highlight a growing desire for stylishly designed, shareable wellness.

How wearable patches are revolutionizing self-care

Standing in line has moved from an inconvenience into a signifier, as people queue for hours at sample sales and pop-ups to socialise and feel part of something exclusive. This shift reflects how younger generations seek community and status through shared experiences rather than just purchases.

Queuing becomes status symbol at fashion sample sales

As the fashion and automotive worlds collide, luxury streetwear brands Kith and Aimé Leon Dore are leading a transformation of classic BMW and Porsche models. This reflects a broader shift as cars become style statements, speaking to Gen Z's focus on cultural relevance over traditional car culture.

Gen Z drivers seek cultural relevance from car brands

Fashion stans started joining the queue for Chopova Lowena’s bi-annual sample sale in December 2024 as early as 3am. But the queue – as an endurance test and a temporary community for the fashion-focused – became a destination in its own right, showcasing a growing subculture around sample sales.

Chopova Lowena sample sale draws queues of Gen Z stans 

2024 was the year of bag charms and collectible toys. Bring those two together and you get Labubu, a cute little monster adults are now obsessively collecting. APAC lead editor Therese Reyes looks into the latest viral craze and what it tells us about affordable luxury in the region.

Editor's Briefing: What the Labubu craze tells us about affordable luxury

Wine has long been part of Australian culture, but younger generations are indulging in different ways. How might Gen Y’s budding sense of connoisseurship and Gen Z’s desire for ‘vibes’ and community impact their buying habits? What do they want from products and brand interactions in this space?

How are Gen Y and Gen Z making wine culture their own?

Forecast to dominate the sector by 2030, American Gen Yers are the driving force behind the future of luxury online shopping. Yearning for a traditional sense of prestige while still expecting modern innovations, how can brands successfully strike a balance to attract this cohort?

What do US Gen Yers want from luxury online shopping?

A Jacob Elordi lookalike contest in Melbourne is the latest of a wave of similar events. Despite few contestants competing for the $50 prize, its viral appeal highlights fans’ desires for offline connections, with low-fi gatherings offering Gen Zers a respite from polished digital interactions.

Fans connect offline at Jacob Elordi lookalike event

Pinterest has launched shoppable celebrity-curated gift guides to simplify the holiday shopping experience while also offering more unique recommendations. Combining a human touch with social algorithms can appeal to people seeking both personalized and authentic suggestions.

Pinterest courts bespoke lovers with celeb gift guides

A survey has found that a majority of UK shoppers are planning to spend at least some of their holiday gift budget on second-hand items. In addition to being a money-saving strategy, the findings show people’s desire for unique and personalised gifts that don’t feel mass-produced.

Vinted reveals desire for unique and second-hand gifting

Louis Vuitton has cloaked its New York flagship store with a luggage-inspired facade as it undergoes renovation. The extravagant display of logomania is significant amid declining luxury revenues, with audiences perhaps needing a greater psychological push to justify their splurges.

LV's giant installation leans into surrealist marketing

LVMH is setting its sights on domestic wine and spirits production to mitigate potential tariffs on alcohol imports under Donald Trump’s presidency. Against this backdrop, people’s palates may shift inward, and brands can consider emphasizing American-ness through innovative, unexpected narratives.

LVMH boosts Made in America drinks in light of tariffs 

The Gen Z-led trend of 'throning' involves dating less for love and more to boost one's social or professional status. Driven largely by women, this shift challenges 'girlboss' ideals, with leveraging a partner’s status seen as a life hack rather than an anti-feminist approach.

Throning trend shows Gen Z's desire for status over love

Gen Z is redefining athleisure as more than just workout gear – it's a lifestyle statement woven into their values, fitness goals, and identity. Prioritising durability and brand connections over big names, they seek labels that foster community through shared experiences and authentic engagement.

Why are Gen Zers sporting luxury athleisure?

Corporate rebrands abound, and audiences are constantly bombarded with new brand launches and a never-ending pile of names to remember. To better understand how brands can strategically use language to their advantage in capturing attention, Canvas8 spoke to marketing researcher Dr. Tanvi Gupta.

The more, the better!? The science of plural brand names

Soho House, the international private members' club, is continuing its global expansion with the Ibiza Farmhouse, a first for Spain. Members-only clubs are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their promise of curated exclusivity, privacy, and refuge from homogenised experiences.

Soho House to open in Ibiza amid members-only club boom

L’Oréal’s three-year partnership with the Louvre will kick off with an immersive beauty-inspired tour. The collaboration speaks to desires on both sides to emphasise the links between art and beauty, highlighting an opportunity for the alignment between cultural and personal aesthetics.

L’Oréal x Louvre partnership combines beauty and art

Korean luxury hospitality group Josun Hotels & Resorts has launched a store to expand its online presence via its distinctive food and lifestyle products. With people searching for accessible indulgences, premium hotel-branded products can bring luxury escapism into homes.

Josun Hotels & Resorts launches online lifestyle store

A course on Beyoncé's cultural impact is set to launch at Yale University in spring 2025. Addressing the growing demand for non-linear career paths, the program aims to showcase how people from ethnic minority backgrounds continue to navigate a fraught climate of gender, race, and identity.

Yale course amplifies Beyoncé's global cultural impact 

As e-commerce casts doubt over the future of physical stores, Dover Street Market reaffirms the importance of experiential spaces in luxury retail. Integrating fashion, art, and emerging designers to revolutionise the customer experience, the famed store is shaping fashion commerce.

How Dover Street Market inspires fashion rediscovery

Drest's app connects users with real-world fashion brands, collections, and designers through interactive games. This move seeks to democratise fashion knowledge while offering brands an opportunity to build deeper loyalty and engagement by rewarding digital interactions with real-world gains.

Drest enhances app with gamified fan-led experience

More than ever, South Koreans are seeking holiday accommodation that’s a destination in itself. With hotels in South Korea rebounding from the pandemic, Koreans are also evolving their definitions of ‘rest,’ ‘luxury,’ and ‘hospitality,’ prompting local tourism to adapt too.

How South Korean hotels are adapting to attract visitors

As Americans embrace second-hand shopping for its affordability, creativity, and community value, resale has evolved from an eco-conscious option to a mainstream approach. Canvas8 spoke to eight Americans to uncover the motivations behind their switch to pre-loved fashion.

Why Americans are buying second-hand fashion

As British shoppers embrace second-hand fashion for affordability and individuality, resale has shifted from an ethical choice to a mainstream movement, aligning with both personal values and financial pressures. Canvas8 spoke to six Britons to unveil the reasons behind choosing pre-loved pieces.

Why Britons are buying second-hand fashion

Fashion newsletters are transforming how we engage with style, offering personalised, curated content that appeals to consumers fatigued by fast fashion. By fostering direct connections between readers and experts, newsletters emphasise thoughtful, high-quality choices over fleeting trends.

How newsletters are reshaping fashion’s future

British fashion label Belstaff is looking to reach new audiences through a collaboration with fellow Manchester-originated men’s label Represent. Finding common ground in heritage and community identity, the collection builds upon existing cultural credibility to broaden Belstaff's appeal.

Belstaff courts younger generation with Represent collab

Stone Island has launched a music platform featuring playlists and live shows, joining brands like KidSuper in expanding from fashion into cultural programming. The move is reflective of how luxury labels are becoming lifestyle curators rather than just clothing producers.

Stone Island music platform taps into subculture

With South Korea’s economy slowing down, shoppers are starting to embrace secondhand luxury for its blend of status and sustainability. Younger generations are driving this shift, drawn to affordable, eco-friendly finds, while platforms are boosting security to ensure safer, smarter shopping experiences.

South Koreans are rethinking luxury and secondhand is winning

Tatty Devine is a long-standing jewellery brand in the UK. Known for its outlandish, unusual designs and its all-female team, the brand stands out from the crowd by creating fun, pop culture-inspired pieces that appeal to young consumers. How did the brand become such an icon of personalisation?

Why Tatty Devine fosters individuality with pop jewellery

Nike is reimagining community engagement through a Milan kiosk partnership with Mental Athletic, offering exclusive merchandise to running enthusiasts. By offering an experience that blend exercise, culture, and connection, the brand is reaching out to those seeking accessible fitness communities.

Nike creates cultural hub with Milan running kiosk

Designer Colm Dillane has launched a music label dubbed KidSuper Records, with the first music video featuring pieces from the brand's new collection. This move highlights the growing intersection of music and fashion, allowing brands to support local creatives and enhance personal expression.

KidSuper strengthens community ties with music label 

A new Audi showroom in Singapore will include the second outlet of Burnt Ends Bakery, a spin-off concept from the Michelin-starred restaurant Burnt Ends. People are flocking to showrooms as lifestyle destinations, and brands are getting creative with their offerings to nail the ‘wow’ factor.

Audi’s Singapore showroom debuts bakery cafe concept

As people become fatigued by their ever-present smartphones, XOR Mobile has emerged as a disruptor. Handcrafted in limited numbers, the phone targets people seeking an escape from the modern world, sitting at the intersection of technology and luxury.

How XOR Mobile turns digital detox into a British luxury

To get their hands on the PS5 Pro, Japanese gamers need 30+ gameplay hours, preventing scalpers and prioritizing genuine gamers. This approach combats reselling, engages the core audience, and strengthens brand loyalty while aligning with the growing trend of 'status skills' over 'status symbols'.

Japanese gamers prove skills to obtain Playstation 5 Pro

To celebrate the launch of a premium kidswear range, H&M has launched an exclusive pop-up experience at Selfridges. It's just one example of how brands are tapping into playfulness and nostalgia to elevate shopping experiences and encourage a sense of discovery and adventure.

H&M taps Selfridges for immersive kidswear launch

China’s first and only couturier acclaimed by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, Guo Pei embodies expressive Chinese luxury in her designs, adding depth to the flashy guochao trend. As these designs travel globally with Guo, Chinese fashion remains evergreen and inspired by her works.

How Guo Pei turns China's history into high fashion

Alaïa has launched the exclusive 'La Table' dinner series in collaboration with We Are Ona. The initiative feeds into a growing trend of luxury brands creating immersive culinary experiences, catering to the desire for exclusive, insider-only events in fashion and arts.

Alaïa’s 'La Table' merges fashion and fine dining

Female Lamborghini owners in the US were invited to the #SHEdrivesalambo retreat in Arizona to experience the brand’s latest cars and participate in wellness activities. Luxury brands can tap into people’s desire for insider status and novelty experiences with such targeted outreach events.

Lamborghini retreat blends luxury with lifestyle

Art Basel Paris, opening on October 16th at the Grand Palais, is launching its first-ever branded fragrance, Œillet Pourpre, in collaboration with Parisian perfume house Guerlain. Luxury and cultural experiences are becoming more entangled as brands look to reach a wider audience.

Guerlain x Art Basel Paris combines arts and fragrance

LVMH has inked a ten-year partnership with Formula 1, helping to expand its influence in the sports sector. This collaboration arrives at a time when brands are leveraging the power of fandoms to foster new forms of collective identity while rewriting luxury codes for aspirational buyers.

 LVMH extends reach into sports with F1 collaboration

The perfume industry, while smaller than the broader luxury market, is growing nearly twice as fast, driven by innovations that merge fragrance with emotional wellbeing. As people increasingly prioritize self-care – reflected in the rise of wellness spending and a greater focus on beauty – fragrance is evolving into a key player for ‘scentsational’ mind-body connection.

Why fragrance is the new quiet exclusivity in the US

The resurgence of techno music and rave culture is striking a chord among younger generations, and the fashion world is taking note. As Prada and Courrèges collaborate with DJs and party collectives, how can brands successfully embrace rave’s sense of hedonism and in-the-know exclusivity?

Why techno culture is defining what's in style in 2024

What are the new norms of fan-icon relationships? Is relatability more powerful than aspiration? How can the new codes of creative culture be leveraged to cut through and win audience trust? Download our Spotlight on culture's new icons.

Spotlight on: 2024's culture shapers 

The humble tomato was the star of the show at Make It Mutti, a pop-up dining experience held in London’s Saatchi Gallery to celebrate Mutti's heritage and values. People are keen to engage with immersive and unique brand experiences as they seek respite from digital fatigue.

Mutti invites London guests to immersive dining pop-up

Netflix is giving London superfans the chance to purchase memorabilia from popular titles with a one-day-only pop-up store. Leveraging audience desires for more interactive forms of engagement, the move taps a growing interest in high-value collectables among young people.

Netflix pop up taps fandom-fuelled memorabilia hype

While cost of living pressures persist, luxury sales are booming in Australia, partly due to international tourists and the country’s growing wealth. As global brands seek to expand their presence in the market, how can they adapt their stores and use collaborations to edge out the competition?

Why luxury thrives Down Under despite the cost of living

For Gen Alphas, skateboarding isn’t just a sport – it’s a chance to build community, channel creativity, and express oneself. As more children and teens turn to skateboarding as both a way to stay active and a wider lifestyle, what does this say about the connections young people form with sport?

Who are the Gen Alpha skateboarders?

Luxury has long defined Indian weddings, but young people are amping up the exotic factor by opting for destination weddings at home and abroad. Cost remains a concern for many, and people are looking for brands to democratise the offering without compromising on world-class experiences.

Indians are eyeing destination weddings as luxury cachet

Australians’ appetite for holidays is insatiable. And despite a cost of living crisis, many are still willing to pay more for luxury accommodations and new, unique experiences. Many are also looking for multi-generational trips that offer something for the entire family.

What do Aussies want from luxury holidays?

A rapidly ageing population and recent economic boom are giving rise to a new model of senior living in South Korea. Blending independence with high-end leisure and luxury, interest in services designed for ageing on one's own terms is emerging in the East.

South Korean seniors seek out luxury retirement homes

Single-child households and "Very Important Babies" are on the rise in South Korea. Their parents are keen for their offspring to keep up appearances at school and out and about, with must-have luxury items fast becoming signifiers of not just individual prosperity but successful parenting.

Child luxury: a new status for parenting in South Korea

Merging cultural heritage with innovation, Black British designers are reshaping London’s fashion scene. But can they continue driving change in an industry still marred by under-representation and unequal access to opportunities while maintaining their creative integrity?

The cultural and creative impact of Black British designers

A desire to live to the max is fueling interest in experiential luxury among Americans, who are increasingly opting to spend on memories over material goods. Canvas8 spoke to eight people from across the US about their expectations of luxury experiences across travel, wellness, and retail.

What do Americans want from luxury experiences?

As people recalibrate their priorities regarding luxury spending, the sector is witnessing a shift towards experiences over material goods. But what do Britons want from immersive luxury moments? Canvas8 asked nine people from across the UK what makes elevated experiences memorable and worthwhile.

What do Britons want from luxury experiences?

Telfar is debuting its first leather bag with an exclusive pop-up at Selfridges. As demand for localised stories rises, brands can redefine luxury by fostering deeper connections through tactile engagement and culturally fluid narratives, offering a fresh perspective on traditional luxury concepts.

Telfar redefines accessible luxe with debut leather bag

What new categories and destinations are shaping luxury right now? How is heritage serving as a timely anchor in a turbulent world? Why is the luxe sector looking to be more fun? How are brands making sure they remain in the zeitgeist through cultural connections and innovation?

Luxury Sector Snapshot: October 2024

For over 157 years, Arnott’s has been central to snacking Down Under, offering everything from Taylor Swift-inspired Tim Tams to the exclusive Yo-Yos of the south. As Australians embrace more snack-focused eating habits, how is Arnott’s reinforcing its prized place in the nation's pantry?

How Arnott’s defines Aussies' love for snacking moments

The "Made in the UK" series champions Burberry's commitment to supporting British manufacturing. Brands that spotlight hyper-locality with storytelling and offerings will resonate with audiences looking for authentic, rooted experiences in an increasingly interconnected world.

Burberry spotlights local heritage with Made in the UK

In a China-exclusive campaign, Prada has tapped ambassador and table tennis star Ma Long for a special match with veteran actress Wu Yanshu. While athletes have become influencers du jour for luxury brands, there’s a demand for stories that showcase sports in a humanistic, thought-provoking light.

Prada’s table tennis campaign combats ageism in China

Luxury hotel The Standard taps tattourism by giving guests exclusive access to local tattooists during their stay. With the desire for curated, local experiences continuing to grow among travelers, The Standard is attracting dedicated followers seeking one-of-a-kind, locally-inspired experiences.

The Standard luxury hotel courts tattoo aficionados 

The brainchild of start-up Koodos Labs, Shelf is a social app connecting people with similar media preferences. As Gen Zers feel increasingly disconnected from the ‘social’ in social media, they’re looking for digital safe havens that allow their personalities and interests to shine.

Shelf helps Gen Z build community around media tastes

Urban Outfitters is launching a college-inspired pop-up at 20 major US colleges. With back-to-school season often causing anxiety for many, brands can help ease the stress by creating personalized and immersive experiences that resonate with students' values, beliefs, and identities.

Urban Outfitters lures Gen Z with back-to-school pop-ups

Italian luxury fashion house Tod’s has unveiled a collaboration with renowned Indian couturier Rahul Mishra. Luxury brands are placing greater emphasis on artisan craftsmanship in a shift to slower production and celebration of diverse cultural heritage from around the world.

Tod's collaboration celebrates Indian craftsmanship

Citius Retreats is joining hands with Six Senses Ibiza to curate a retreat that integrates sports medicine, holistic health, and community. As wellness experiences become more accessible to Britons, luxury brands in the space are tapping into elite sports to craft new codes of exclusivity.

Citius tailors wellness retreats for sports enthusiasts

For Milan Fashion Week, the Italian label Etro broadcasted its runway show live via the Apple Vision Pro. While spatial computing is still nascent territory for most people, novelty-seeking HNWIs will be looking for cutting-edge phygital experiences as luxury currency.

Etro broadcasts runway show via Apple Vision Pro

Adult advent calendars filled with items like spirits and high-end makeup are becoming increasingly popular. This trend highlights a shift towards personalised, smaller gifts, allowing adults to indulge in small luxurious products that make their holiday experience feel extended and more special.

More adults want advent calendars

A new partnership between Sotheby’s and Marriott will auction highly valuable collectables alongside exclusive itineraries. As the signifiers of status evolve and the lines between goods and experience blur, HNWIs are looking to commodify one-of-a-kind experiences to signal exclusivity.

Marriott and Sotheby’s upgrades exclusivity for HNWIs

Montblanc has been associated with luxury and refinement ever since the launch of its first pen collection in 1906. The brand has since diversified into leather goods, clothes, and its beloved watches – all while retaining its elegant identity. What’s the secret to its long-term success?

How Montblanc rewrites status for luxury shoppers

How do you brand an invisible product? By building captivating worlds that immerse your senses. The creators of Gentle Monster foray into the olfactory with TAMBURINS. Inside its stores, huge, life-like sculptures and miniature figures come together, inviting shoppers to experience scents beyond smell.

Why TAMBURINS designs luxury perfume for Korean senses

Amidst the cost of living crisis, the luxury sector is increasingly collaborating with mass-market brands to reach new audiences. Canvas8 speaks to three academics about their research into ‘masstige’ co-branding and other brand expansion strategies.

You’re partnering with who!? The science of masstige co-branding

With a range of sports gear that attracts the attention of athletes and office workers alike, activewear brand On has risen over the last few years to compete with legacy names in the market. Through high-end partnerships and A-list celebrity collabs, the brand caters to the casualwear needs of the European affluent.

Why On restyles activewear for modern fitness goers

Drake’s 100 gigs is a digital archive of unreleased music and behind-the-scenes moments from his career. The rapper faces backlash for failing to connect with audiences at a time when the artist-fan relationship is increasingly fragmented, and people expect less curated content.

Drake’s content dump exemplifies artist-fan expectations

Beauty creator Golloria George has lauded Rhode founder Hailey Bieber for swiftly addressing her criticisms about the brand’s lack of inclusive formulations for its blush line. The viral exchange highlights the loyalty and trust pay-offs when brands pass the mic and listen with intention.

Rhode’s inclusion boost helps beauty buffs feel heard

Palace and Vivienne Westwood have launched their first-ever collaboration with a uniquely British twist. As people increasingly want their clothes to reflect their roots and identity, brands can appeal to fashion lovers by emphasising the power of storytelling and reframing heritage codes.

Palace x Vivienne Westwood celebrate British heritage

Diptyque Paris is debuting a luxury perfume concept that draws inspiration from the natural world. The collection caters to fragrance enthusiasts seeking unique, exclusive offerings, aligning with the growing trend of personal expression through niche, narrative-led perfumes.

Diptyque launches luxury line of conceptual scents

The Macallan has released 200 bottles of its oldest whisky yet, each priced at $190,000 and available for purchase by invitation only. The marketing strategy and design mirror the approach of luxury watch brands, making it a collectors' item – and tapping luxe whisky connoisseurs.

The Macallan releases whisky to buy by invitation only

Interest-based apps are seeing strong growth in monthly users, suggesting that people are turning to these platforms as new social hubs. Fatigue towards legacy social media shows no signs of slowing, and there’s an opportunity for brands to facilitate digital community-building in meaningful ways.

People flock to niche apps for their social media fix

Prada has launched a hotline connecting callers with writer Miranda July to recreate the conversations at the heart of their latest campaign. With the lines between artist and audience blurring, people are seeking more participatory ways to engage with media and get a peek behind the scenes.

Prada campaign lets fans join the conversation 

Arsenal Football Club has released Black Arsenal, a book celebrating the club’s connection to Black British culture. As the world of sports reckons with polarisation and disparity, brands can actively engage with people by emphasising the value of community and championing diverse stories.

Black Arsenal celebrates football club’s diverse history

The Department of Nike Archives is opening up ahead of a 2025 exhibition. With heritage and limited editions central to how status is consumed and expressed in fashion, the celebration of Nike's cultural impact will resonate with fans looking to immerse themselves in the brand's world.

Nike exhibition offers immersive cultural status to fans

Stitch Fix’s online subscription service connects users with professional stylists who help revamp their wardrobe with clothing from partner brands. As the demand for personalized services rises, how are brands evolving to meet people’s needs? And what role can AI play in building personal style?

How Stitch Fix diversifies access to personalized style

Betty Smith effectively taps into the growing demand for authentic, localised experiences by offering a range of immersive activities – from custom jeans-making workshops to factory tours and museum exhibits – catering to today’s consumers who seek deeper connections with brands.

Why Betty Smith weaves Japan’s heritage into its jeans

Will AI put a stop to fashion creativity? Are brands adopting a back-to-basics approach? Can make-do mindsets reignite people’s love for sustainability? In this part of the 2025 Expert Outlook series, we speak to three experts about how people are rethinking fashion experiences for a new age.

2025 Expert Outlook on Fashion and Style

Research has found that social media posts of a destination can make the spot less appealing to other visitors. With digital discovery placing much of the world at our fingertips, exclusivity is harder to attain, and people are looking for choices off the beaten path to signal their individuality.

Destination selfies deter potential visitors

HMV’s vinyl and CD sales have boomed following the Oasis reunion announcement, possibly driven partly by the band’s Gen Z fanbase. With the tour shaping up to be a massive cultural phenomenon, we can expect to see fandom creativity come to the fore across diverse formats and artefacts.

Oasis reunion sparks surge in physical music sales

British charity Oxfam has partnered with Vinted to host a runway show at London Fashion Week. As people seek more sustainable choices in their daily lives, they want brands to bridge the intention-action gap by showcasing innovative ways to combat clothing waste and discover unique items.

Oxfam and Vinted revive interest in sustainable fashion

The CFDA has announced a streaming partnership with the Rockefeller Center to showcase collections from American designers at NYFW. This move speaks to a growing desire for brands to break down barriers to accessing luxury by reviving people’s interest in local fashion stories.

CFDA aims to boosts appeal of US fashion during NYFW

Novel offline experiences help people to merge their online identities with a desire for meaningful IRL engagement. Maison Kitsuné’s pop-up in Shenzhen, with pastel colours and quirky activities, makes for ideal social media content, while also tapping into the desires of Chinese audiences.

Maison Kitsuné launches in Shenzhen with playful pop-up

British luxury carmaker Aston Martin has ventured into the world of fashion through a collaboration with BOSS. The partnership takes cues from the worlds of motorsport and premium apparel, courting existing luxury audiences who are shopping in alternative product categories.

Aston Martin x BOSS courts cross-category shoppers

While some luxury brands are struggling to succeed, the Prada Group is making a profit – largely thanks to its label Miu Miu. By championing genderless fashion, instigating community-led activations, and generating social media buzz, the brand continues its ascension as people can’t get enough of it.

How Miu Miu makes cutting-edge luxury globally inclusive

Soju is one of South Korea’s most popular products. However, its domestic sales have fallen as Gen Y and Z Koreans increasingly prefer whisky, tequila, and makgeolli. Changing drinking habits, influenced by crackdowns on traditional events, now favour mindful social drinking over binge drinking.

What are South Koreans drinking now?

Balmain is making its mark in the prestige beauty space with its first perfume collection. As fragrances become the new expression of the lipstick effect, the brand is changing up the luxury beauty launch by side-stepping cosmetics and diving headlong into the world of perfume first.

Balmain’s beauty debut capitalises on fragrance boom

Life cycle

People are looking for belonging in exclusivity 