Following years of pandemic-era leniency, institutional authorities are coming down hard on individual freedoms. Despite nine in ten office workers saying they don’t want to return to old ways of working, 70% of companies globally are mandating a return to the workplace. Meanwhile, reselling old clothes and c...

Aware of hidden agendas, people no longer believe in the possibility of absolute truth or complete transparency from institutions, public figures, and individuals. Yet they are still drawn to honesty, integrity, and – at times – even vulnerability, which they expect from peers and brands alike.

Aldi is turning to the beauty community on Instagram and TikTok to get feedback on its makeup line before releasing it to the public. Beauty fans get free products and can share opinions, ensuring that anticipation for products builds and loyalty grows as people feel apart of brand development.

Cult favorites Sandy Liang and Baggu came together to release a limited-edition series of bags and accessories that quickly went viral on TikTok. While most fans rushed to get their hands on the collab, some Gen Zers are DIY-ing their own versions in defiance of drop culture.

Mugler’s collaboration with H&M draws on dupes and brings luxury fashion to high-street shoppers. With dupe culture picking up steam, high-end brands are increasingly partnering with more accessible and affordable labels, providing an opportunity to build broader brand communities.