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.

When author Kyle Chayka explored 2010s minimalism in Longing for Less, a very different world existed. Today, a polycrisis-ridden and digitally saturated society finds people yearning for more. Whether you chalk it up to post-pandemic release or a general sense of impending doom, people are now looking for a...

L’Oréal has acquired a stake in Korean temporary tattoo start-up Prinker to further its mission of advancing beauty tech that champions self-expression. With evolving ideals of beauty, people are increasingly seeking out products and services that help them showcase their unique identities.

Design studio QReal has launched TRYO, an app that gives shoppers the chance to virtually try items using AR. The multi-brand venture facilitates style experimentation without requiring users to spend money on an item they’re unsure about during the cost of living crisis.

Combining neural networks and artificial intelligence, Trillion facilitates hyper-realistic try-on experiences for online luxury jewellery shoppers – increasing buyer confidence through AR technology. How are immersive and personalised shopping experiences changing the face of e-commerce?

When OpenAI released ChatGPT to the public, the text generator made a clear case for the sheer disruptive force of AI – making it apparent that such technology will change the way we experience information and engage with brands. But major challenges remain before AI elbows humans out of the way.