PSFK Weekly
Creativity, trends & futures
Reminder - we’re running a new business opportunity session on Monday Nov 8 to discuss the possible ways to pitch the companies that made announcements this last week. Details and RSVP - https://lu.ma/rnyijjra
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This week’s highlights capture the intersection of art, innovation, and sustainable design. From lavender fields echoing Van Gogh’s masterpiece to NYC’s subway art project, these stories showcase how creativity and community converge in unique spaces. Discover furniture rooted in Mongolian craftsmanship, 16-bit retro devices, and wearable robots that inspire DIY tech enthusiasts. Explore inspiring moments in culture and technology that shape a more connected and mindful future.
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This Week’s Key Ideas
Lavender Starry Night Retreat
An immersive retreat in Bosnia transforms 130,000 lavender plants into Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night,’ creating a cultural hub and open-air museum for reflection and creative expression. Learn More
BMW's ‘The Green Ray’ Art Experience
BMW presents 'The Green Ray' at Paris Photo, an art installation by Mustapha Azeroual and Marjolaine Lévy, capturing light and color from the sky at sunrise and sunset, symbolizing nature and human activity. Learn More
Subway Therapy Community Project
The interactive Subway Therapy project in NYC encourages community expression, inviting people to write messages on sticky notes, fostering connection and peaceful reflection. Learn More
Forestrest Seats by Sarina
Mongolian designer Sarina’s furniture feature birch bark-clad stools that celebrate traditional Mongolian craftsmanship, highlighting sustainable furniture design with cultural roots. Learn More
Clattering Pavilion
A wooden pavilion with “fraying” surfaces by Young Projects sways with the wind at Art Omi Sculpture Park, showcasing innovative design in sustainable materials. Learn More
Retro Devices with 16-Bit Displays
Designers Ahmed Esmael and Marwan Abbass reimagine vintage technology with 16-bit displays and vibrant colors, blending nostalgia with playful modern aesthetics. Learn More
AI Wearable Robots
Creator Jorvon Moss shares his journey in developing wearable robots, from basics to advanced techniques, inspiring makers at Maker Faire to explore robotics. Learn More
‘Cast’ Speaker
Tom Fereday’s 'Cast' speaker, made from marine-grade aluminum, combines a sculptural form with sustainable materials for a unique audio experience. Learn More
Italian Fresh Air Souvenirs
Tourists can now buy cans of fresh air from Italy’s Lake Como, providing a unique souvenir and memory of the scenic region. The creators at communications agency ItalyComunica hope subvert the norm and give tourists something closer to a “memory” rather than a “product”. Learn More
(Self) Promotion
More Links of Inspiration
Nike's research lab and archives in Oregon are revealed through photographs by Alastair Philip Wiper, showcasing the innovative processes, rapid prototyping, and athlete testing that drive the company's product development. Learn More
A U.S. bookselling chain is rapidly expanding with new stores, responding to the growing demand for physical books as the industry experiences a resurgence. Learn More
Shein and Temu are facing a trial in the UK for copyright and competition claims, highlighting the need for greater accountability and ethical standards in fast fashion. Learn More
A major food and beverage report shows that companies often sell less healthy products in low-income countries, raising concerns about public health disparities. Learn More
U.S. restaurants are experiencing a surge in Korean cuisine offerings, driven by the popularity of Korean culture and adventurous consumer preferences. Learn More
Lyft and Babyscripts collaborate to offer free rides to maternity appointments in 'maternal care deserts,' enhancing access to vital medical care. Learn More
Apple's new smart glasses, powered by generative AI, promise advanced features that could transform user interaction and daily experiences beyond voice commands. Learn More
Amazon's Just Walk Out lab, featuring checkout-free technology, allows shoppers to pick items and leave without traditional checkout processes. Learn More
T-Mobile is using AI to analyze customer data, including insights from former customers, to address potential issues and improve customer retention. Learn More
Snapchat’s immersive ad formats create engaging experiences that build brand awareness and loyalty among younger audiences. Learn More
Vrai aims to compete with legacy luxury brands like Tiffany & Co. by offering lab-grown diamonds that appeal to consumers seeking sustainable and ethical options. Learn More
Celebrity chef Action Bronson launches BAKLAVA, an activewear line with styles that reflect his aesthetic, including an upcoming collaboration with New Balance. Learn More
Ralph Lauren’s Artist in Residence program partners with Navajo weaver Zefran M., celebrating indigenous craftsmanship and heritage in the fashion industry. Learn More
Vintage shopping becomes an upscale experience in the luxury market, as consumers seek eco-friendly luxury resale items that blend sustainability with exclusivity. Learn More
How luxury lost its soft power:
says that luxury brands need to reconnect with cultural narratives and values, employing transformative strategies to deepen consumer engagement and regain influence. Learn MoreChef Camilla Marcus emphasizes the importance of regenerative farming and sustainable practices in mitigating climate change and preserving ecosystems. Learn More
How Dewar’s is reaching younger consumers by combining social media and golf sponsorships to bridge its heritage with new lifestyle trends. Learn More
How Coca-Cola's activations at the Formula 1 US Grand Prix create an immersive experience for fans, strengthening brand awareness and loyalty. Learn More
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