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.

In today’s hyper-connected globe, the meaning of national identity is no longer rigid, and we’re seeing a dissolution of cultural borders as we travel through our devices. This shift in mentality is happening against a turbulent geopolitical backdrop as countries prioritise regional allies.

With the world in constant flux, people are using their possessions to ground themselves. However, as certain types of physical goods become less commonplace, many are reflecting on what’s still worth owning in a sharing-enabled world. The evolving nature of digital ownership means that people often feel lik...