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.

Challenging old stereotypes, Barbie has found a new look and purpose as a vlogger. The iconic doll now has a YouTube channel to discuss difficult topics and be a positive role model. How is Barbie using a new platform to appeal to parents and children, while empowering Gen Alphas in the process?

Shapeless, colorful furniture is sparking joy in the US, signaling a shift in interiors as people gravitate towards objects that make them happy. As the pandemic continues to keep many people inside, ‘blobjects’ are lifting their spirits and making the home a more playful space.

With a strong aesthetic identity built around beloved cult characters, Disney has expanded into the homeware sector to meet older fans where they live. How is the brand’s foray into home décor allowing it to move beyond simple merchandising and toward embedded lifestyle choices?

Lockdown saw Americans conduct their lives from the comfort of their homes, from work and socializing to exercise routines. Having grown accustomed to the stay-at-home lifestyle, many are investing in these spaces, creating an opportunity for brands to play into people’s desires to cocoon.