Data shows that Gen Z is prioritising personal growth and work-life balance over traditional career trajectories. In light of this, companies may need to rethink their organisational structures and career development paths to attract and retain this generation of workers.




Gen Z is consciously "unbossing"

The novelty of online dating appears to have peaked, with disillusioned singles turning to alternatives like run clubs, speed dating, and game nights. In Australia, young singles are prioritising mental health and personal values, signs of a broader shift in how they are approaching settling down.

Swiped-out Aussies seek alternatives to online dating

With budgets stretched and wellness front of mind, the mid-strength and no-and-low beer segments are thriving among drinkers Down Under. As people navigate financial headwinds and explore sober experiences, how can brands in the sector keep up with their evolving tastes?

What do Aussie drinkers want from their beer?

The idea of a ‘relationship contract’ to set clear boundaries and expectations has become popular with those on the dating scene. As people seek more intentional connections from their dating experiences, they're finding unconventional ways to effectively communicate their needs.

Dating contracts meet desires for intentional romance

Infinity Song have found a niche within soft rock while exploring sounds from different musical genres as they blend the old with the new, carving out an identity beyond genre and time. What does their success say about winning over modern music fans with blended tastes?

How Infinity Song captivate modern music fans

Electronic Arts, creator of video game The Sims, announced that The Sims 4 will have a feature that allows certain content creators to create and sell their own add-ons to the game. With personalisation the norm, user-generated content is helping to give the gaming community flexibility and control.

The Sims platforms in-game creative content creators 

South Korean digital payments platform Naver Pay has launched a feature that allows users to raise a digital pet and earn points while doing so. As more Koreans embrace gamified e-commerce, brands are exploring more innovative mechanisms to keep people emotionally engaged.

Naver Pay levels up gamification with virtual pets

A viral trend sees users deconstruct their overnight self-care routine in a bid to wake up looking their best. As beauty and wellness rituals gradually merge, people are taking a more integrated approach to personal care, but experts urge that some extreme measures may fuel harmful beauty standards.

‘Morning shed’ trend signals beauty-wellness fusion

Is 2025 the year of AI integration? Will the gap between offline and online disappear? Are consumers disposing of a disposable society? In this chapter of Canvas8's 2025 Expert Outlook, we speak to three experts about the changes set to shake up retail in the year ahead.

2025 Expert Outlook on Shopping

Gen Z and Gen Y women are documenting their dating successes and failures on TikTok. These dating diaries enable women to demonstrate resilient optimism while opening up about their varied experiences, offering a sense of hope to those feeling disenchanted by current dating dynamics.

Dating diaries capture authentic romance reflections

A study found that when looking for green flags on dating apps, more than three-quarters of people say they’re drawn to fellow users with ‘interesting hobbies, interests and pastimes.’ And as people struggle with dating app fatigue, niche hobbies may be a pathway to more organic connection.

Niche hobbies provide an antidote to dating app fatigue

How do you brand an invisible product? By building captivating worlds that immerse your senses. The creators of Gentle Monster foray into the olfactory with TAMBURINS. Inside its stores, huge, life-like sculptures and miniature figures come together, inviting shoppers to experience scents beyond smell.

Why TAMBURINS designs luxury perfume for Korean senses

There is growing interest in sustainable travel as people reassess their priorities, but there’s an intention-action gap brought about by a lack of transparency from the tourism industry. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Christina Chi about how brands can align with their audience’s eco-conscious demands.

Christina Chi on how brands can boost sustainable travel

With a range of sports gear that attracts the attention of athletes and office workers alike, activewear brand On has risen over the last few years to compete with legacy names in the market. Through high-end partnerships and A-list celebrity collabs, the brand caters to the casualwear needs of the European affluent.

Why On restyles activewear for modern fitness goers

Drake’s 100 gigs is a digital archive of unreleased music and behind-the-scenes moments from his career. The rapper faces backlash for failing to connect with audiences at a time when the artist-fan relationship is increasingly fragmented, and people expect less curated content.

Drake’s content dump exemplifies artist-fan expectations

Some Gen Alpha kids are taking a stand against overconsumption – and dragging their parents along for the ride. With the climate crisis in mind, Alphas’ green expectations are impacting their parents’ purchasing choices, pushing brands to pursue sustainability in all offerings.

Kids are discouraging their parents from overconsumption

Primark is launching a Swap Shop pop-up experience where people can exchange pre-loved items in its stores. The initiative coincides with the rise of the circular economy and presents an opportunity for brands to extend garment lifespan by encouraging peer-to-peer exchanges and fashion rentals.

Primark’s pre-loved Swap Shop lures eco-minded shoppers

Sexual health company Bold Care has launched Sextember, a month-long campaign to spotlight men’s sexual wellness in India. Young people are dispelling the shame around such topics, and they’re gravitating towards more progressive brands that can help them live out fulfilling sex lives.

Bold Care helps Indian men normalise sexual wellbeing

Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty fuses makeup and mission by empowering people to develop their unique sense of self, using sales to support youth wellness. The brand's advocacy and expansion into China align with the country’s growing She-Economy, which prioritises mental health and self-care.

How Rare Beauty satisfies Chinese women's wellness values

Y2K high-street darling Abercrombie and Fitch is in the midst of a subtle post-cancellation renaissance by dint of practical, high-quality clothing, inclusive sizing, and influencer word-of-mouth. Its return to form has resonated with Brits looking for comfort and nostalgia in their fashion choices.

How Abercrombie & Fitch won back Gen Y with classic fits

HMV’s vinyl and CD sales have boomed following the Oasis reunion announcement, possibly driven partly by the band’s Gen Z fanbase. With the tour shaping up to be a massive cultural phenomenon, we can expect to see fandom creativity come to the fore across diverse formats and artefacts.

Oasis reunion sparks surge in physical music sales

As the emerging sleep economy offers a variety of products and solutions for effective recharging, what is the place of sleep in Britons’ increasingly busy and hectic lifestyles? Canvas8 spoke to seven people across the UK about how, when, and why they sleep.

How are Britons sleeping amid the permacrisis?

A growing number of Gen MZ (Gen Y and Z) employees in South Korea are choosing to forgo promotions in favour of investments and side hustles. Youth in the country are pushing back against the extreme hustle culture, seeking work-life balance and financial gains outside of their jobs.

South Korea's Gen Y and Z choose side hustles over promotions

A group of Brooklyn mothers have forged a supportive network at the local skate park, taking a more inclusive approach to the sport. Born of desires to escape responsibility and build community, the grassroots group represents a wider movement to redefine the cultural narrative around motherhood.

Skateboarding offers community for New York moms

Soju is one of South Korea’s most popular products. However, its domestic sales have fallen as Gen Y and Z Koreans increasingly prefer whisky, tequila, and makgeolli. Changing drinking habits, influenced by crackdowns on traditional events, now favour mindful social drinking over binge drinking.

What are South Koreans drinking now?

Balmain is making its mark in the prestige beauty space with its first perfume collection. As fragrances become the new expression of the lipstick effect, the brand is changing up the luxury beauty launch by side-stepping cosmetics and diving headlong into the world of perfume first.

Balmain’s beauty debut capitalises on fragrance boom

From fine to bridge jewellery, luxury brand Amrapali Jewels knows how to tap the Indian aesthetic. As the affluent demographic in India grows, the brand is widening its luxury net to cater to both the burgeoning middle class looking for light, daily wear and the traditional ultra-wealthy who spend on weddings.

How Amrapali is evolving with India’s growing affluence

The origin story of an Irish-language rap group has proven a surprise hit at the box office and is driving renewed interest in the local language. As people seek to reclaim heritage through a contemporary lens, demand is growing for diverse cultural identities to be reflected within the mainstream.

'Kneecap' film champions Irish language on a global stage

Hinge has enlisted a group of contemporary writers to create an anthology inspired by real user love stories. At a time when young people are turning their backs on digital dating, the campaign taps budding interest in romance literature to reframe perspectives on modern love.

Hinge’s ‘No Ordinary Love’ taps romance lit buzz

Modern mortuaries are getting a revamp, using minimalist millennial aesthetics to make death feel more familiar. As spirituality becomes more mainstream and attitudes towards death change, Gen Y are moving to shake up old traditions, even in the most austere environments.

Exit Here is changing funeral planning for Gen Y 

Renowned destination Pikes Ibiza has extended its no-phone trial to every night of the week, reflecting club culture shifts. As Gen Y and Z continue to challenge the role of tech and surveillance on the dance floor, venues like Pikes are helping to facilitate safe forms of essential escapism.

Pikes Ibiza’s phone ban counters dancefloor surveillance

Good Squish, a small but influential London-based accessories brand, has become a fast favourite among trendy young professionals. Its unique DIY marketing and emphasis on sustainability, friendship, and nostalgia have earned it a loyal following that’s expanded from online to IRL.

How Good Squish wraps lonely Britons in public playfulness

Research has found that most infant and toddler foods sold in Australia fail to meet the WHO’s nutritional standards. As young parents have to navigate an overwhelming information landscape, brand credibility and trust will factor into their purchase decisions more saliently than ever.

Aussie parents faced with misinformation on baby food

From coconut trees to Venn diagrams, Kamala Harris is leading a campaign that’s just ‘so quirky.’ With an official blessing as a Brat candidate, her eccentric anecdotes and social media presence target young US voters who want unfiltered and nuanced relationships with public figures.

How Kamala Harris’s comms strategy targets young voters

Modern homesteading has entered the public consciousness, and a budding community of young male creators is building an online niche around their efforts to live off the land. With ongoing systemic failures driving down faith in institutions, interest is growing in more self-sufficient lifestyles.

Off-the-grid homesteaders promote autonomous living

Spotify has launched a new campaign showcasing the universal appeal of music across age groups. The campaign challenges generational divides and highlights how musical tastes transcend age, promoting understanding and connection between generations when they're otherwise increasingly divided.


Spotify challenges generation gap in new campaign

Videos of Gen Y parents hilariously struggling to converse in Gen Alpha lingo are making the rounds online. As younger generations’ niche slang enter the mainstream, there’s an opportunity for brands to play the role of translator and help parents bridge the gap in understanding.

Gen Alpha slang is impacting parent-child dynamics

The wedding conventions of a new generation are beginning to take shape as Gen Zers start tying the knot. In line with a broader shift away from the overly polished visuals of the 2010s, wedding content is growing increasingly unfiltered as fiancées adopt a curated anti-curation approach.

Gen Z weddings reflect new modes of social performance

Ahead of the US elections, HBCUs have embarked on a ten-stop tour to educate and mobilize young, ethnically diverse voters. As people increasingly lose trust in traditional authorities, brands can earn trust and stand out by highlighting the power of organizing on a local, grassroots level.

HBCU’s campus tours aim to drive youth civic engagement

An entertainment company has introduced a new benefit to encourage people to explore and expand their social lives comfortably. As people prioritise personal relationships and expect workplaces to offer holistic benefits, this move highlights the creative ways employers can retain talent.

'Tinder Leave' offers employees social life perks

Netflix's unexpected reality hit, The Boyfriend, chronicles a heartfelt journey of love and friendship among a group of Japanese gay and bisexual men. Blending elements of the BL genre and showcasing a diverse cast, the show challenges Japanese cultural norms and captivates global female audiences.

'The Boyfriend' celebrates wholesome queer love in Japan

Originally intended for people with diabetes, the marketing for Ozempic shifted to focus on weight loss for women in the late 2010s, and start-ups are now encouraging men to man up by slimming down. But is this approach to male weight loss just another form of toxic gender stereotyping?

Are Gen Y and X men in their ‘Brozempic’ era?

Chinese collectible toy retailer Pop Mart has opened its fourth store in Paris at the Louvre. As the blind box frenzy hits European shores, character goods lovers are seeking out immersive retail experiences that bring the joys of kidulting to life and enrich their engagement with IP worlds.

Pop Mart’s Louvre store sets sights on European kidults

Indianapolis Public Schools will support US parents with Back to School Nights, a space to meet teachers and pick up school supplies. The move recognizes how urgent it is to support caregivers from underserved communities, alleviate financial burdens, and ease overstretched wallets.

IPS Back to School Nights support stretched parents 

Lamborghini is upping its presence in South Korea by launching a hybrid Urus SUV model. Appetite for high-end cars is booming, with global brands making notable in-roads. As Koreans use global brands to signal status, there's a growing opportunity for luxury brands to connect with new audiences.

Lamborghini taps Korean interest in global luxury

California craft brewery 805 Beer has dropped an documentary-style ad featuring professional surfer Lakey Peterson. The ad is reflective of a broader strategic shift in beer marketing, where brands are honing in on feel-good sports values to align with new generations of mindful drinkers.

805 Beer ad celebrates Californian surf culture 

Heritage distillery Bushmills has teamed up with golf wear label Malbon to drop a limited-edition streetwear-inspired capsule. With both whiskey and golf becoming increasingly popular among American Gen Y and Zers, brands are carving out a bigger presence in youth culture through novel collabs.

Malbon and Bushmills collab elevates golfing lifestyles 

Spotify has struck a deal with Ingram Content Group to offer books from over 100 independent publishers. With audiobooks gaining popularity on the platform and beyond, there’s an opportunity to enhance multisensorial immersion and take people’s reading experiences to the next level.

Spotify partnership courts indie audiobook fans

In a world of constant noise, Loop earplugs are leading a quiet revolution. From office workers seeking sensory control and focus to ravers protecting their hearing, the brand is redefining how people engage with daily soundscapes – blending wellness, technology, and fashion in the process.

How Loop turns down the volume on auditory overload

Venmo, the American mobile payment service, has achieved cultural clout and a dedicated following among US Gen Y and Zers thanks to its novel approach in making it fun to send money between friends. What does its rise in popularity say about how people's money management skills are shifting?

How Venmo became the go-to payment provider for US youth

Faced with persistently high costs at supermarkets, a lack of space to entertain, and ever-changing dietary needs, many Gen Yers are looking for alternatives to the traditional Christmas dinner. How can retailers and food brands better cater to their festive meal requirements?

What do Gen Yers want from their Christmas dinners?

With budgets squeezed, people are searching for simpler pleasures and smart life hacks. In the beauty space, that's driving growing interest in the power of sleep. Recognizing the growing value of sleep in beauty and self-care, Estée Lauder has released a set of nighttime products.

Estée Lauder targets sleep chic with night products

Indian fintech startup Jupiter is refashioning banking in India at breakneck speed. With its live expense tracking, easy investment channels and smart saving tools, Jupiter takes on the role of a financial partner to Indian Gen Y and Z. But how did it make its name in the sacred space of banking?

How Jupiter simplifies money management for Gen Y Indians

The pregnancy looks of major fashion tastemakers are influencing a more daring approach to maternity style. As traditional family dynamics evolve with a new generation of parents, the archetype of the mother is being redefined in a way that balances parenthood with personhood.

Fashion it-girls tap into shifting notions of motherhood

Young Japanese workers are paying ‘resignation agents’ to help them with the complications of quitting their jobs. In the context of intense work culture, the move speaks to how Gen Z are hacking their way through difficult circumstances and finding novel ways to avoid uncomfortable situations. 

Young Japanese workers turn to resignation agents

Balenciaga’s partnership with Need for Speed mobile game taps into hybrid luxury mindsets. Understanding the opportunity to connect virtual and IRL expressions of identity and status, players can tap into unique looks in the game while also being able to pick up physical merchandise in-store.



Balenciaga and Need for Speed tap into hybrid luxury

Charli XCX's sixth album, BRAT, has transcended music to become a cultural phenomenon. Its distinctive lo-fi, lime green branding, and strategic marketing have tapped into Gen Z's desire for authenticity, insider communities, and nostalgic tendencies – blending digital savvy with real-world impact.

How Charli XCX’s BRAT captured the cultural zeitgeist

Belong is a new savings app targeting UK Gen Yers who feel priced out of the housing market. It wants to help them find new approaches to building their personal wealth, but how can their strategies help to boost people’s financial outlook in the long term?

How Belong helps Gen Y Brits build long-term wealth

Nursing homes all over China have been transformed into low-cost hostels, attracting the nation’s young and burnt-out working class. More Gen Zers and Yers are shifting their life goalposts to align with their values, driving them to find respite in the pastoral away from the urban grind.

Chinese youth seek solace in repurposed nursing homes

TikTok users are divided over 'coffee badging' – an office trend where workers show up, get a coffee, and go home to finish the day. The trend points to a desire for greater career autonomy and is part of how younger generations question traditional work structures and office norms.

‘Coffee badging’ showcases desires for flexible work

Gen Zers are driving membership in big-box stores like the Walmart-owned Sam’s Club, pointing to changing money-saving behaviors among young Americans. As belts continue to tighten, young people are investing in cost-cutting memberships to afford daily indulgences.




Cost-conscious Gen Zers flock to Sam's Club

The nutraceutical start-up Wellbeing Nutrition has launched a campaign that uses humour to promote its dissolvable oral nutrient strips. As more Indians adopt a ritualised approach to health and wellness, brands can be assistive by showing how customers can build new routines around their products.

Wellbeing Nutrition makes health rituals fun for Indians

Despite a broader decline in UK nightlife, country-influenced nighttime events are gaining momentum among young Britons. The trend speaks to a burgeoning global interest in country music and Western aesthetics, reflecting younger audiences' borderless approach to music consumption.

British youth swap nightclubs for country music events

Despite typical associations with an older generation of stout fans, Guinness has achieved cult status for young drinkers in the UK. As drinking habits shift within this group, people are looking to express their identity through their choice of beverage, and a new culture is forming around the brand.

Guinness popularity is soaring among young drinkers

Stunted by the cost of living, young Singaporean couples are turning to early marriage to secure affordable housing through the government, leading to regret for some. As both marriage and divorce rates rise among the young, there's a need for more comprehensive financial support and education.

Couples in Singapore get married earlier to afford homes

The cinema industry is transforming with multiplex closures and the rise of gaming among younger generations. Despite these challenges, diverse storytelling by studios like A24, movie-loving influencers, and theatres evolving into experience hubs are revitalising interest among Gen Zers and Yers.

What’s drawing young people to the cinema?

Research has unveiled that an alarming 66% of young, ethnic minority Britons have considered leaving the UK. This potential exodus signals an urgent need for both public and private sectors to address the underlying causes of disillusionment among young ethnic minority Britons.

Young ethnic minority Britons are leaving the UK

Unsure what the future holds and still making up for years of restrictions, Gen Y and Z are prioritizing the here and now and splurging on non-essentials. As a result, they're turning to credit and their parents' support, signaling both a desire for escape and a need-it-now mentality.

Gens Y and Z turn to parents instead of saving

Some young Americans are rejecting the dream of homeownership, arguing instead that renting offers flexibility that makes more sense for their budgets and lifestyles. As homeownership becomes less attainable, young people are shifting their priorities and looking for new paths to success.

Some American Gen Yers are giving up on homeownership

Offering much more than a regularly scheduled workout, many young people are lacing up their trainers and joining running clubs in an effort to make new friends and even find a romantic partner. What’s fuelled the evolution of these groups from spaces for enthusiasts to social hubs?

Why running clubs are the new social hotspots

Riding on the wave of internet trends that spotlight China’s ethnic minorities, Tastien Chinese Burger has launched new menu items that centre provincial flavours. Brands looking to bolster their localisation strategy in this market can consider championing the country’s diverse, nuanced cultures.

Tastien whets Chinese appetites for regional flavours

Tween fashion brand Limited Too is making a comeback, with plans for brick-and-mortar stores and larger product launches. The retailer's return specifically caters to shoppers' nostalgia, especially for Gen Y parents, who likely would've grown up with the brand in their childhood.

Limited Too return caters to nostalgic Gen Y parents

Credit Karma has revealed that young Americans are determined to have a summer of fun, even if it damages their finances. As they reckon with uncertain futures, people are looking to satisfy their escapist desires sooner rather than later and are prioritizing fun-filled travel to fulfil this need.

Young Americans are prioritizing summer fun over finance

Gay and lesbian parents are facing discrimination at their children’s schools, according to a recent survey, pointing to a stubborn rift in British society. While young people are more tolerant than older generations, young parents are looking for help in normalising parenthood for queer couples.

LGBTQ+ parents face discrimination in schools 

An interest in outdoor recreation that emerged among Chinese people during the pandemic has transformed from a trend to a long-term lifestyle. Why are citizens, especially Gen Y and Z youth, heading outdoors, and how can brands tap into this booming market that is even changing how people dress?

Chinese youth are embracing the great outdoors

Abercrombie has bounced back from the depths of the 2000s. Rather than holding onto its exclusive image, the brand is positioning itself as a nostalgic classic, appealing to fashionistas exhausted by fast fashion and trend cycles and those with eco-mindsets and anti-consumption values.

Abercrombie revives amid rapid trend cycle fatigue

The back-to-school shop puts both financial and emotional pressure on cash-strapped busy families during the summer months as household bills loom large. With the cost-of-living crisis in full swing, what can brands do to help parents and carers smooth the experience of this essential shop?

What do parents want from back-to-school shopping?

Australia's surf scene is evolving, with older Gen Yers and Gen Xers riding the waves at higher rates than young people. From surf parks to mental health initiatives, the sport is becoming more accessible and diverse, reflecting broader societal trends in fitness and lifestyle.

Why there’s a swell of middle-aged surfers in Australia

An ageing population and declining birth rates are poised to significantly impact shopping trends in Japan’s booming luxury market. Luxury brands seem to be expanding their reach to include older generations with disposable income and wealth and younger generations who prioritise mindful spending.

How Japan's different generations are changing luxury consumption

Le Creuset and Pokémon have collaborated on a limited-edition crockery set that appeals to growing nostalgia and kidulting behaviours. The raft of nostalgia-tinted collaborations seeks to intensify niche fandoms and build deeper relationships with brands beyond the products.

Le Creuset x Pokémon crockery appeals to kidulting ideals

South Korea's Gen MZ (Gen Y and Z) is driving a significant surge in functional foods and transforming gift-giving into acts of self-care. Leading wellness brand Jung Kwan Jang captures this dynamic market by turning traditional products into innovative, trend-savvy offerings.

How Jung Kwan Jang reroots functional foods for Gen MZ

The lighter wine styles like white and rosé are gaining increasing appeal among American consumers. At a time when the wine sector is facing challenges in maintaining market share, this trend could serve as a lifeline for producers and brands. How can they effectively capitalize on this opportunity?

Why are young Americans favoring lighter wine styles?

Amid a broader shift to the right across Europe, the social media-savvy leader of France’s National Rally is finding favour among young voters. As new forms of political messaging emerge, young people are further entrenched in polarisation and increasingly drawn to anti-establishment voices.

Jordan Bardella lends a new face to the French far-right

A report of global workers revealed that wellbeing among younger workers dropped in 2023. It comes as younger generations are rethinking the way they approach their careers. To boost engagement, companies need to not only understand wellbeing but also a larger desire for progression.

Survey finds drop in wellbeing in younger employees

A report from Hinge showcases LGBTQ+ daters’ desire for stronger emotional intimacy and offers advice on dating intentionally in today’s world. However, the advice may fall flat, given the increasing number of people turning to IRL events for romance as anti-dating app sentiments grow.

Hinge report suggests 'slowmance' for LGBTQ+ daters

Crayola’s campaign invites older adults and parents to harness the power of creativity. At a time when people expect care and emotional intelligence from brands, there's an opportunity to appeal to consumers by encouraging empathy and joyfulness in communications strategies.

Crayola celebrates artistic expression for all ages

‘Farmfluencers’ play an important role in shaping the perception of products and agricultural methods in the farming community. Green loans company HeavyFinance is making brand ambassadors out of highly respected, digitally savvy farmers who are helping spread the word about sustainable practices.

How HeavyFinance engages climate-conscious farmers

Charli XCX is making headlines for her mould-breaking approach to pop stardom and generating headlines with her unapologetically brash style of club music. As people tire of iterative creative content, they’re gravitating towards bolder statements as a reprieve from digital homogeneity.

Charli XCX’s Brat album leans into hedonistic desires

A TikTok user has gone viral by parodying people’s niche expectations for a partner. As people grow increasingly disillusioned with the realities of digital dating, they’re searching for new ways to approach romance and turning to social media to express their frustrations.

Viral TikTok signals a shift in the dating landscape

A housing crisis, financial precarity, and distrust in corporations have led many Gen Yers in Australia to be more conscious of their spending than ever before. Yet why do many continue to splurge on experiences, products, and services that fall somewhere between the forever and the everyday?

Aussie Gen Yers' unstable finances are shaping their spending

After suffering a personal tragedy, two friends founded the mental health charity 20Talk to destigmatise conversations about depression and anxiety, especially for Australian Gen Yers and Zers. Its mission to be ‘relatable’ reveals a deeper purpose that engages young Australians online and IRL.

Why 20Talk enables Aussies to discuss mental health

For Gen Y, the cultural script for adulthood is in flux. With increasing numbers of this cohort now choosing to delay or forego traditional life milestones, new research suggests that, for many Gen Yers, the infamous mid-life crisis is just another financial impossibility.

Gen Yers can’t afford a midlife crisis

Gen Zers are turning to American Express as a status symbol, wooed by the card’s benefit programs and reputation as an accessory of wealth. By focusing on experiences, brands are appealing to young consumers who are drawn to cards that function more as high-end coupons than conventional credit.

Young Americans flex Amex cards as status symbol

With more young adults choosing to own pets instead of having children, animals are taking on a more prominent role in modern family households and dynamics. As a result, grieving pet parents are developing elaborate new rituals to commemorate and memorialize their beloved furry companions.

Pet owners ease grief with elaborate memorials

A.P.C., renowned for its quintessential laid-back French style, has gained significant traction for its carefully curated collections at a time when trend cycles are fleeting. By staying true to its roots and expanding into new sectors, the brand is reinforcing its commitment to its core consumer base.

Why A.P.C.’s relaxed style is irresistible for fashionistas

Dope Black Dads is a global digital community dedicated to uniting Black fathers through their shared experiences. The organisation also aims to dispel myths and stereotypes by fostering positive conversations on Black fatherhood and masculinity – creating a strong and supportive community.

Dope Black Dads unites thousands of Black fathers

The runways of Australian Fashion Week were coloured by subcultural influence, bringing occult aesthetics and goth-inflected beauty looks to centre stage. In an age of polycrisis, people are shunning overly-polished visuals and exploring the macabre as a way of processing harsh realities.

Occult aesthetics gain ground at Australian fashion week

India's booming youth demographic is propelling a surge in demand for homegrown beauty products, emphasising transparency and a fusion of age-old rituals with modern science. This marks a significant departure from the previous generation’s reliance on home remedies and global brands.

Why are young Indians leaning into homegrown beauty?

Upwork has become the world's largest work marketplace for freelancers, connecting businesses with highly skilled independent professionals worldwide. As many people turn to freelancing amid more flexible and remote working lives, the platform provides exposure and access to paid opportunities.

How Upwork provides a framework for the freelance boom

A viral social media trend – ‘Twenty Minutes in the Park’ – is sending droves of young people in China to local parks to slow down and regain mental balance. In response, brands are setting up events in parks to resonate with their audiences through a variety of green activities.




Stressed urbanites are flocking to parks in China

How do Gen Yers think and act as citizens and consumers? Canvas8’s expert insights offer a view into the world of this influential generation.

Gen Y (born 1982-1996)