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.

Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

The mainstreaming of AI is setting a new precedent for how people relate to non-human sources of intelligence. While automation on a consumer level has typically focused on specific tasks like replying to emails or budgeting, it’s now swiftly expanding to a more dynamic range of applications.

Gucci has collaborated with Ōura on a high-end version of the latter’s smart ring, which tracks a range of physical metrics. This luxurious spin on health-monitoring wearables is designed to appeal to those who don’t want to choose between functionality and fashionability.

The Humane AI Pin, a costly wearable device, has flopped due to limited features, poor performance, and clunky design. Its failings highlight the challenges of consumer AI products, emphasizing the need for genuine value and seamless integration to resonate with increasingly discerning users.

French fashion brand Coperni has become popular in the last few years for innovative runway stunts and creating tech-focused pieces suitable for everyday wear. As fashion houses tailor their offerings for a younger audience, what sets Coperni apart for a new generation of luxury consumers?