People are craving comfort. Amid what can feel like a state of constant crisis – a layering of traumatic societal events – it can sometimes seem like we’ve lost a sense of scale and cohesion. In the face of this, the desire to retreat into nostalgia is more seductive than ever.

Furry and foamy, the Crocs ‘Cozzzy’ line is designed to deliver next-level cosiness. Facing uncertainty amid multiple crises, people are deriving pleasure from their immediate surroundings, which is subsequently fuelling the 'comfort economy' in the form of relaxed apparel and homewares.

The pandemic lockdowns resulted in adults having more free time, with many cultivating new past-times, playing games, and finding new ways to escape the seriousness of being a grown-up by doing something they love. But who are the ‘kidults’? And why are they prioritizing playtime?

Combining comfort with a callback, UGG has partnered with mental health-centric clothing brand MadHappy to launch its pastel Ultra Mini Boots. As stressful permacrises continue, people are leaning into Y2K aesthetics that revolve around soft, nostalgic, and indulgent styles.

As a year of staying at home has pushed us towards minimalism, Whirli is helping parents avoid overconsumption. The toy subscription service offers an affordable way for children to play with a variety of toys, without clutter, while minimising the amount of landfill-bound plastic.