Genelle Levy is a writer and journalist who covers art, culture, and social issues. Her work has appeared in USA Today, Global News, and The Canadian Media Guild.

People are mining the past for stable comfort 

Ultra Cosy 

People are looking for a visceral reprieve from the permacrisis

Essential Escapism

Noel McDermott is a London-based psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience. He specialises in evidence-based practice and addiction recovery. His company, Mental Health Works, provides community while aiding people with their mental health. He is also the host of the mental health podcast The Wellbeing Show.

Shirley Mueller is a neuroscientist and psychiatrist who specialises in the psychology of collecting. She is the author of Inside the Head of a Collector: Neurological Forces at Play. Alongside her scholarship, Mueller is an internationally known collector and expert in Chinese porcelain.

Gen Y (born 1982-1996)

Gen Z (born 1997-2010)

United States

United Kingdom

Toys and hobbies

TV, film, and social media video

Morning Consult

Interview with Shirley Mueller conducted by the author

Insider

Journal of the History of Collections

National Museum of Asian Art

Artnet

GlobeNewswire

The New York Times

The Guardian

Campaign to End Loneliness

Interview with Noel McDermott conducted by the author

Bloomberg

BuzzFeed

Nylon

CNBC

LEGO

Secret London

Samsung

Adweek

The Drum

From Sonny Angels to Sylvanian Families, a growing number of young adults are buying figurines that evoke a sense of escapism and nostalgia. How is this old-fashioned hobby helping them heal their inner child? And what can brands learn from the communities springing up around collectible culture?