As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

The past decade has seen political polarisation – accelerated by social media’s filter bubbles and echo chambers – deepen and mutate. An ominous era of a polycrisis has shattered any remaining societal consensus. Meanwhile, powerful anti-establishment voices have stepped into the void.

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...

In the turbulent economic environment, money is losing its value. Consumers are reevaluating their spending across sectors. With a looming crisis of trust in financial institutions, how are people managing their budgets? And how can brands navigate the complex relationship between value and cost?

The excitement surrounding theBarbiemovie’s release saw social media flooded with memes and commentary. By playing on nostalgic sentiments, encouraging online engagement and creation, and forming unique collaborations, the magenta pink icon has been mainlined into popular culture.

A fake Mattel ad claiming that Barbie was going plastic-free convinced a lot of people who saw it, despite the claims being completely false. TheBarbiemovie hype opened the door for environmental activists to highlight the detrimental impact the iconic doll has on the planet.

By leaning deeply into hyper-femininity and playfulness, the 2023Barbiemovie eschews traditional gender roles assigned to women. In combination with the rise of 'bimbocore' and the rejection of girlboss culture, this form of feminism elevates the female gaze in media and entertainment.

Barbiecore couldn’t be further from the doll once considered a symbol of sexism. Transparently fake, fun, and loud, this subculture is detached from the male gaze and popular among cisgender women and the LGBTQ+ community. But what’s caused it to break into the public consciousness? And why now?