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.

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.

In the face of economic crises, climate anxieties, and global wars, people are seeking solace through connection. They want to be sure someone will hold their hand in the face of hardship. As a result, they have higher expectations of care and understanding from interactions with brands, social systems, and p...

Kim Kardashian released a SKIMS bra complete with built-in nipples. The bra, which was announced via TikTok with more than 600,000 likes, caters to communities as a way to embrace their femininity and points to shifting attitudes towards sexuality in mainstream media and fashion.

Sexual wellness has entered the mainstream, making lovers refocus on self-care, health, and sensuality. With vibrators and lube being stocked in Boots, Sephora, and even John Lewis, the commercial success of this approach is clear – but how exactly did it happen, and how can brands capitalise?

The film Challengers, starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, features a three-way kiss scene that has many people seeking out throuples this summer. Interest in threesomes has surged over the past couple of years, with mainstream media fostering openness to alternative relationships.

From fashion campaigns and catwalks, to controversy sparking music videos, the aesthetics of kink are more visible than ever before, while apps like Feeld and Pure continue to boom among the sexually curious. How is the mainstreaming of kink, BDSM, and polyamory playing out?