When author Kyle Chayka explored 2010s minimalism in Longing for Less, a very different world existed. Today, a polycrisis-ridden and digitally saturated society finds people yearning for more. Whether you chalk it up to post-pandemic release or a general sense of impending doom, people are now looking for a...

In today’s hyper-connected globe, the meaning of national identity is no longer rigid, and we’re seeing a dissolution of cultural borders as we travel through our devices. This shift in mentality is happening against a turbulent geopolitical backdrop as countries prioritise regional allies.

People are craving comfort. Amid what can feel like a state of constant crisis – a layering of traumatic societal events – it can sometimes seem like we’ve lost a sense of scale and cohesion. In the face of this, the desire to retreat into nostalgia is more seductive than ever.

Taylor Swift’s influence continues to grow with the introduction of a Bahamian cruise called ‘In My Cruise Era’. Hosted by Royal Caribbean, the fan-led cruise pushes the boundaries of fandom-centric holidays from visitation to a level of all-out immersion typically dominated by Disney and LEGO.

People are travelling differently post-pandemic – seeking out events and experiences – and the live music tourist is one type of traveller we’re beginning to see emerge. What is fuelling fans’ desire to cross states and continents to see their favourite music acts and how can brands get involved?

Real-life meetups are back on the agenda, post-pandemic. With fandom itself and traditional objects of fandom entering the mainstream, Bravo’s Comic Con-style event gets its audience emotionally invested by catering to their interests. What can brands learn from this curated, fan-led experience?

Swiftogeddon is a club night devoted to playing Taylor Swift tracks, with Swifties attending in costume to complete the Eras Tour atmosphere as they bring digital fandom IRL. As fans seek ways to come together offline, how are personalised, hyper-specific experiences helping them build community?