Meditation and yoga have long been popular, and even more so during the pandemic as people seek ritual and control. A survey has found that people are also increasingly taking psychedelic drugs for mental health needs, showing how faith in alternative solutions isn’t slowing down.

As COVID-19 shut down inessential retail and entertainment venues across the UK, many people channelled their leisure time towards nature – and in varied ways. With lockdowns and social distancing set to persist into 2021, how can brands help facilitate connections with the natural world?

Interest in foraging has grown as people seek to reinvigorate their connection to nature, cut down on meat consumption, and adopt eco-friendly behaviours. Once led by luxury restaurants looking for unusual, local ingredients, why are people signing up to learn how to forage for their dinner?

Hermès is launching a handbag that transforms the humble mushroom from vegetable-drawer staple into sustainable arm candy. As high-end consumers increasingly seek out eco-friendly products, the bag is tapping into shifts in what people expect from luxury.