In a hyper-connected world, it feels like everything previously ‘insider’ is more available than ever: from behind-the-scenes access to the lives of public figures to travel experiences immersing people into worlds previously deemed unattainable. But while people embrace this community-based inclusivity and u...

Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

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.

From decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) run on Discord to city-wide mutual aid groups, people are finding safety and optimism in numbers. For growing numbers of people, collective action is emerging as the only viable solution to compounding crises and deepening alienation.

Southeast Asian fandoms are independently organising events and activities to support their favourites. Still, brands could consider their significant desire for human connection by aligning with supporters' values and creating well-crafted narratives and collaborations with celebrities.

Hallyu shows no signs of slowing down, with South Korean lifestyle and fashion trends influencing K-culture enthusiasts across the globe. Through its personalised online platform and experiential pop-up stores, fashion retail brand MUSINSA invites shoppers to be part of the K-fashion world.

Having entered its fourth generation, non-traditional and subversive stars are emerging in K-pop that speak to the industry’s rising global prominence. But how are these new idols paving the way for the future and reflecting the shifting attitudes of Korean culture and K-pop fans everywhere?

Gen MZ drives consumer culture in Korea, and their love of all things ‘newstalgia’ (or ‘newtro,’ as the Korean media call it) has inspired trends since 2018. With global and local brands cashing in on their love for newstalgia, what strategies can help stand out in a rapidly saturated trendscape?