Hot Topics | March 26th

Food & Beverage

Loved this read about the “Tesla of strawberries.”

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has opened a new restaurant in NYC!

Tech

Instagram is making a kids’ app… Hmm?

Twitter Spaces is a platform that’s essentially Clubhouse but doesn’t have the “invite only” aspect to it. It’s still in beta but set to launch next month.

NFTs (aka non-fungible tokens) are all the rage these days, with celebrities, artists, musicians minting and auctioning off anything from artworks to music albums, robots, fashion brands or even Tweets on crypto art platforms. Brands are beginning to lean in on the trend – one in particular P&G + Charmin who’s begun selling NFT artwork, toilet paper-themed crypto art of course!

Culture

H&S’ Joan Daly wrote a piece for Agility PR News regarding how interior design in the workplace matters, especially to the Millennials and Gen Z workforce, and how cities (specifically Los Angeles) are adapting to meet the needs of employees that will keep them in the office.

Refinery29 shares the mixed thoughts and feelings from several Gen-Zers and Millennials about our world shifting into a new normal.

Industry

Departures is ceasing publication in its current form and frequency and moving to an all-digital platform this summer, with May/June and Spring Home & Design being the last issue.

Hot Topics | March 19th

National News

Karen Chee, a Late Night with Seth Meyers writer and comedian, talks about why we need to call Tuesday's Atlanta shootings a hate crime, anti-Asian racism in the US, places to donate, and resources to read.

These New Yorker cultural / daily comments yesterday about anti-Asian violence deserve a read.

Travel

Thought this Q&A regarding the end of business travel as we know it was very interesting. There are references to an interview one of the subjects recently conducted with Airbnb.

Beauty

e.l.f. Cosmetics x Chipotle Launch Makeup Collection - an unlikely collabo. This saucy pairing includes: 1) Chipolte Eyeshadow Palette: a 12-piece eyeshadow palette, inspired by Chipotle ingredients, including white rice, brown rice, pinto beans, black beans, sofritas, fajitas, mild salsa, green salsa, hot salsa, corn salsa, guac and lettuce. 2) Make It Hot Lip Gloss: a lip-plumping gloss with a tint of red-hot salsa color and a high-shine formula. 3) Extra Guac Face Sponge Set: an avocado shaped sponge with angled and rounded sides and a mini pit shaped sponge for hard-to-reach areas. 4) Eyes Chips Face Makeup Bag: designed to look just like Chipotle’s tortilla chip bag.

Industry

Teen Vogue’s new editor out of a job after backlash over old tweets.

Interesting stats about women in the PR industry. Even though it is women-dominated field (70% women), women only hold about 30% of the top positions in the industry.

Hot Topics | March 12th

Industry

Check out this piece on how different brands are celebrating International Women’s Day.

Food & Beverage

This article explores the Burger King backlash a bit further – specifically the company’s apology/response to the backlash that came after the recent “Women in the kitchen” tweet.

Entertainment

Hollywood could rake in an additional $10 billion a year by promoting racial equity.

Retail

“Shoppers Are Fighting The Temptation To Go On A Post-Pandemic Splurge.” Good article to circulate to clients about pent up consumer demand and how we reach them effectively.

Hot Topics | March 5th

Fashion

We saw a fashion week first in Paris this year! Coperni launched a drive-in fashion show, where 70 guests were brought into the space in cars that illuminated the runway with their headlights, allowing the models to walk safely outside the vehicles while spectators felt immersed.

This article was so interesting because it talks about the history of American fashion and how the industry has changed and the expected future trends.

Retail

For International Women’s Day Barbie has created an Eleanor Roosevelt doll, which is the latest doll in a series of historical icons that started rolling out earlier this year, joining Maya Angelou, Ella Fitzgerald and Rosa Parks. This new doll for IWD is in addition to a digital series call “You Can Be Anything” geared toward families and young girls.

Industry

This week, Pinterest unveiled new tools and insights for marketers at its first global advertisers’ submit. Top new features revealed 1) Pinterest Premiere, a new video ad targeting solution combining demographics and interests; 2) Pinterest Trends, a tool that allows marketers to see short and long-term trends through data and graphs; 3) Conversion Insights: ability to see promoted and organic metrics in one integrated report – highlighting attribution windows and consumer path to purchase.

Hot Topics | February 26th

Social Media

A new photo sharing app created by YouTuber David Dobrick called Dispo. It’s still in beta testing form, but a good time to read up on it and consider downloading/playing around with it! No filters, no memes, no advertising (yet)

Love that gran-fluencers are now a thing

Check out this article on black creators and makeup artists on Tik Tok! Super interesting and cool read!

Influencer Rickey Thompson hosts Coach TV ad for Fall 2021 collection, and it’s brilliant.

Food/Drink

In order to make 35% capacity indoor dining a bit less awkward, Peter Luger Steakhouse has borrowed mannequins from Madame Tussauds to fill up the restaurant.

Wellness

Your brain loves routines, here’s how to build new and better ones.

Hot Topics | February 19th

Fashion

This video for Fashion Week was so fun and creative. I would love to have been in the room when this was brainstormed – the mix of fashion, comedy, tech, dance + music, the various talent parents, etc. – it was just very cool

Check out this article on Harris Reed and his demi-couture collection. An amazing designer who encourages fluidity and grace and is known for being the one who put Harry Styles in a dress. Loved, loved his collection!

Entertainment

For those who have seen, or planning to see, Promising Young Woman – I highly recommend this New Yorker analysis/review to read afterwards. It did a great job dissecting the film and pointing out what sets it apart from other “rape revenge” movies.

I'm looking forward to watching Lana Condor in the third installment of To All The Boys I've Loved Before this weekend - loved reading about her favorite travel memories and rituals.

Since we can’t travel anywhere, just imagine being on vacation in the Caribbean wearing one of these outfits…One can dream.

Food/Drink

Jameson whisky’s play for St. Patrick’s Day is worth a look. It’s a big drinking holiday and often a crowded space to play in but this stands out.

Check out when Black Restaurant Week is participating in your area. During COVID, 41% of Black-owned businesses shuttered compared to 17% of white-owned businesses. Black Restaurant Week supports restauranteurs, bartenders, chefs, caterers, and food trucks.

National News

A short list of things you can do from home that will help those in Texas struggling with power outages and extreme weather.

This week, The Daily Podcast by The New York Times talked about the Blackout in Texas and the reasons behind the power failures. Very interesting.

Culture

For better or worse it looks like we are all going it be on camera moving forward. Thought these were some good pointers.

Five lessons about remote work now that we're almost a year(!) into it.

Hot Topics | February 12th

Social Media

What’s Instagram not selling these days? Thought this was an interesting read about consumers using the platform to secure vintage gold Pieces.

Travel

I'm looking forward to watching Lana Condor in the third installment of To All The Boys I've Loved Before this weekend - loved reading about her favorite travel memories and rituals.

Since we can’t travel anywhere, just imagine being on vacation in the Caribbean wearing one of these outfits…One can dream.

Food/Drink

Hennessy recently partnered with a renowned Beijing-born artist for a new limited edition bottle in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Wellness

For every trick the virus plays, the immune system arguably has an equally impressive one.

Revenge bed-time procrastination is real according to psychologists.

For those who have been following the #FreeBritney movement or seen the recent NYT episode, this article is interesting because it looks at all the societal and cultural pressures Britney (and Paris and Li Lo) faced that probably ultimately led to their collective demise.

Hot Topics | February 5

Food/Beverage

Trader Joe’s always crushes it with their products – here’s a list of their newest ones as of January 2021. The journalist’s descriptions are so funny.

Listen to Wayne, Garth & Cardi B – EAT LOCAL (and maybe use Uber Eats)! Party on.

This article has some good tips about meeting new people during the pandemic as we hopefully start to branch out more beyond our homes and neighborhoods.

Fashion

Insights into how stylists and celebrities are approaching a virtual awards season this year, now that they’ve had time to prepare.

Entertainment

I haven’t even seen I May Destroy You yet but after hearing all of the praise and the subject matter, I can’t believe it didn’t receive an Golden Globe nom while Emily in Paris did…This article points out some interesting observations about the lack of diversity shown in the TV category.

Dolly Parton remade her classic "9 to 5" for Squarespace's "5 to 9" ad dedicated to the side hustle. I love the aesthetic of the ad because it reinvents the eponymous 1980 film starring Dolly.

Culture

I’ve seen a lot of news lately about how women (and more specifically Black and brown women) accounted for nearly 100% of the job losses during COVID, and this piece in The Cut captures a brief but poignant look at that.

Hot Topics | January 29th

Wellness

Interesting read-- The Pandemic Has Erased Entire Categories of Friendship

This article has some good tips about meeting new people during the pandemic as we hopefully start to branch out more beyond our homes and neighborhoods.

Fashion

This is a great piece by Harper's Bazaar about intentional fashion in politics returning to the White House. After watching the inauguration and the fashion choices made after, it is so evident that the clothing VP Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden are wearing are reflections of the time we are living in and they are choosing to send a message that illuminates the administration they hope to carve out.

Couture Dresses Made in the Kitchen!

“The Chanel woman” and “The Armani man” are out.

Culture

Sara Petersen examines influencer content around motherhood and how it can be at odds with the actual experience of being a mom.

Industry

This is a cool partnership – so smart to create something “useful” for the consumer, like a new way to time your cooking.

Budweiser and other global conglomerates are holding SuperBowl ads for the first time ever. The goal is to raise awareness about the vaccine. To build a better business, you need to build a better world and Budweiser is doing just that contributing the funds to help the great good.

We know experiential is supposed to entice and stimulate all 5 senses, so its great to see the rise of sound in virtual and hybrid planning- this will lead to more engaging programs.

Social Media

Check out this story by Sara Petersen, who examines influencer content around motherhood and how it can be at odds with the actual experience of being a mom.

Clubhouse has kind of been blowing up the past couple weeks!

Politics

Watch this powerful piece of content that will show you how powerful President Biden’s inaugural speech. This bring so much hope.

Business

In case you missed it, here’s the news that rocked Wall Street this week.

Hot Topics | January 22nd

Fashion

Last fall Coach partnered with Disney and Keith Haring for a capsule collection- to help launch the collection they created the Exploratorium a virtual, shoppable museum of the collection and all things Mickey x Coach

One aspect I enjoyed about the recent inauguration was the return of appreciating the fashion at the event - particularly because it was a return to sartorial choices with nods to American values and history. Looking forward to seeing which brands the VP and First Lady choose to wear over the next four years. 

Elizabeth Holmes has got me fascinated by the strategy behind public figures and their fashion choices. Therefore, I am obsessed with all of the fashions we saw at the inauguration.  Vogue takes a great dive into these choices.

Love when smaller designers get to shine!

Wellness

Your weekly reminder that you are doing the best you can, and that’s ok!

Check out this piece on “Moving Our Minds Around Our Bodies”

Industry

Bonnie Fuller assumes full ownership of Hollywood Life buying out PMC’s stake in the company.

Food/Drink

Thought it was clever for Girl Scouts to team up with Grubhub this year to deliver girl scout cookies amid the pandemic.

Instacart laying off 2,000 workers nationwide, including everyone that voted to unionize.

Culture

In case you missed National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s poem from the inauguration on Wednesday, you can read it in full here and also view the video! It was really beautiful.

Academy award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter has done it again! This visual storyteller has harnessed her creative prowess to conceive poignant visual narratives of culture, race, ethnicity and politics. The exhibit, co-curated by Rafael Gomes and Christina Frank, with Julia Long and continues through September 12, 2021. If you’re headed to ALT, check it out! 

Entertainment

Anybody else obsessed with this song!? Pretty crazy that this landed a NYT article, but the story is very much “culture.” This Disney star, turned TikTok star, turned artist has a huge following and that’s reflected by her first hit ‘Drivers License’ that debuted as No. 1 on the charts this week. Interesting to see how the music industry will pivot with these new platforms and a younger generation.

Politics

Joe Biden’s Love Letter to the Truth

Hot Topics | January 15th

Career

A really interesting read about the history and nature of working in the U.S., and how & why Americans work much harder (and longer) than their European and ROW counterparts.

Social Media

Bottega Veneta Shutting Down Its Social Media Accounts Might Signal A Trend

A look into the influencer/social strategy of Parade, an underwear start-up aimed at Gen-Zennials, from both the brand and the influencers (who are sometimes not actually true "influencers", but were selected for gifting!)

Food/Drink

Hot chocolate bombs were all the rage this holiday…now tea bombs!

There’s never been a better time to try Dry January as we are in the midst of a non-alcoholic spirits renaissance!

I watched What The Health on Netflix (do not recommend on full stomach) and have decided to try plant-based for the next few weeks. It has been day 5 without cheese which is a huge feat!

Technology

CES 2021: From Toilets to Coffee Tables, the Best Smart-Home Gadgets Hide the Tech.

Automotive

This partnership between Hyundai & the UN is great- not only is a great cause it also helps position Hyundai as the people’s brand that’s committed sustainability event outside of its core vertical.

Entertainment

As someone who is almost finished watching Bridgerton for the second time, I’m in need of a new period drama to watch and this list is a great place to start!

Hot Topics | January 8th

Industry

Wyndham Destinations, an Orlando, Fla.-based timeshare resort company, has acquired Travel + Leisure from publishing giant Meredith in a $100 million deal.

Some influencer marketing trends to kick-off the new year! Think these are smart tools to keep in our back pocket as we dive into new clients and new projects.

Fashion

Love this scrappy and cheerful truck show tour from family-owned jewelry brand Rare Origin.

What fashion brands can learn from Mattel and Toys.

Food/Drink

I believe we’re going to see a growing trend in the next year of nostalgia, it’s only obvious during these crazy times, that we look to the joys of the past. I remember this logo as child and have fond memories of getting my BK as a treat!

Politics

Meet the Gen Z activists who helped Georgia Win Senate Seats. 

A profile of Heather Cox Richardson, a Boston College professor specializing in 19th century American history, who shares daily recaps of US political news via Substack and Facebook. I've been reading her Facebook posts almost every day since late September and each one is a great, easy-to-read digest of what happened that day. 

Automotive

An article about car design – specifically their “faces.”

Travel

A cute compilation of 52 reader-submitted stories about their favorite places around the world!

Hot Topics | December 18th

Industry

Ricardo continues to evolve the classic British brand, giving nods to classic icons married with a street-wear/avant garde twist.

Burger King UK is on fire with their social media. This week they posted an Instagram urging consumers to shop small restaurants instead. It was a very powerful statement.Fashion

I love when brands do unexpected mash ups! 

Ever wonder what engagement ring shopping at Cartier is like?

Food/Drink

Missing some good NYC eats right about now! For those who are still in NYC and having unconventional Christmas’s this year, Eater posted a holiday restaurant guide for what will be open Christmas Day in NYC.

Meals from elite urban restaurants (e.g. NY’s Eleven Madison Park and Chicago’s restaurant group One Off Hospitality) are traveling long distances to reach customers. The pandemic has introduced limitations on in-person eating and plenty of suburban diners have found themselves too far removed from metropolis taste/look/feel and vibes to cease the opportunity. So, city restaurateurs are developing inventive methods to get their sort after meals into the hands of suburban consumers.

Wellness

VOGUE’s Akili King hit the nail on the head when she wrote about texting fatigue during the pandemic. My PSA of the week is – if you’re not already watching The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, you really should! As a longtime Real Housewives fan, I swear the new city and cast are completely bonkers – to put it lightly and in The Cut’s terms. Check out just a wee bit of the drama and crazy storylines in this piece!

Lifestyle

Seth Rogan’s new quarantine ceramics skills have made my week!

How did 2020 affect what we're giving to each other this holiday season? 

Business

Cooper Hewitt, the Smithsonian Design Museum, has acquired the hijab and interracial couple emoji.

Humor

Check this out for a good laugh –a message penned by Joe Biden’s cat.

The 20 Phrases That Defined 2020. What a year it’s been!

Hot Topics | December 4th

Pandemic

I love that this time has driven so much change, and a lot for the good! I think outdoor dining should absolutely stay and hope it continues long after the pandemic – amongst other shifts in NYC lifestyle. It’s actually very cool to see cultural changes happening in real time. I feel like when we look back on the pandemic and tell our kids about it one day, they’ll be like, “there weren’t always sidewalk tables” or things like that.

I think we all needed this gift guide in the beginning of the year. Hopefully you find something in here to treat yourself or others with this holiday season.

Fashion

I love when brands do unexpected mash ups! 

Ever wonder what engagement ring shopping at Cartier is like?

Food/Drink

Need some holiday baking help/inspiration (perfect for today, which is National Cookie Day)? Melissa Clark demonstrates how to put together the perfect cookie box.

Entertainment

This article by The Cut was great because I am currently so obsessed with the new season of The Crown and love the history behind the British monarchy.

My PSA of the week is – if you’re not already watching The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, you really should! As a longtime Real Housewives fan, I swear the new city and cast are completely bonkers – to put it lightly and in The Cut’s terms. Check out just a wee bit of the drama and crazy storylines in this piece!

Culture

From gatherings on a double-decker bus to outdoor scavenger hunts, here’s how some employers are hosting their office holiday parties this year.

For the first time in its 119-year history, media giant Meredith Corp. has tapped a female executive to lead the nation’s largest magazine division, with titles that include People, Better Homes & Gardens and Martha Stewart Living. Surprising but good news!

On Elliot Page and the significance of self-honesty

Luke Gilford photography: queer rodeo

Politics

The fact that I completely forgot we almost kicked off World War III two days in 2020 says a lot about this year *sweating emoji*

Industry

Read this brand BVI that UK-based agency Quiet Room created for Santa Claus – thought it was so clever and would be appreciated by all of us industry folk. 😊 My personal favorites are Santa’s pantone reference chart and the Santa-approved vocabulary (“Santa IS round and jolly… Santa IS NOT morbidly obese”). Check it out for a good laugh!

This article explores the trend of magazine editors leaving their editorial jobs to become full-time influencers. Editors often get paid well below their worth for brand deals while still working at a magazine, and that’s why so many of them have left

This article provides an interesting insight to the market trends we can expect to see in 2021. The statistics mentioned are helpful to keep in mind while conducting influencer research for future campaigns.

We are going to see a bunch of hybrid events these next 9-12 month… let's get comfortable with it

Hot Topics | November 20th

Pandemic

Does it count as a staff read when I want you all to read Lauren and my Q&A on #ParentingDuringCOVID on the H&S blog 😊 and look at the cute photos of our babies?

Food/Drink

After months (and what actually feels like years) of planning for our BACARDI Conga campaign, the first phase is officially LIVE! PSA to the whole agency to have some fun and submit your Conga dance moves + vocals via the “recording hub experience” at CongaFeatYou.com

I’ve actively been avoiding Tyson products for many years now, since they’re never lacked making headlines for constant various abuses. This one truly takes the cake and shows how this company sees their workers as nothing more than dispensable. I hope they unionize and oust these disgusting executives.

Bruno Mars is stepping in the world of rum!

Arts & Entertainment

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, famed author of “Americanah,” has written a wonderful review of Barack Obama’s latest book, “A Promised Land.” I was already planning on reading the book but this review makes me want to even more!

For centuries, the color black has tested artists’ ingenuity: Anish Kapoor, a British-Indian artist, uses the blackest black ever created to question notions of perception

I started watching Big Sky and was so shocked with how the premiere ended.

Culture

Took a peek at this sponsored content (from Walmart, no less) about diversity. This article made a few points that I found interesting, but it got me thinking about the umbrella term ‘ diverse’ and how it is often thrown around to check the box since diverse can mean a host of things and can (or cannot) represent whole pockets of a community.

“Ultimately, you don’t even get to that point, because you’re spending so much time upfront educating on why you even deserve to be in the group to have the conversation.” ~ Alisa Williams, partner at VMG Partner. Despite progress in recent years toward gender diversification, venture capital firms’ highest ranks remain largely identical. Access to capital, especially for female founders of color, remains a challenge. Pressure to diversify need to also be placed on investors.

I'm making a conscious effort to really try and support local, small businesses this holiday season. Really trying to avoid Amazon. Was Googling a bit this week and found a nice round-up! I also never know what to get people (my parents are so hard!!) so this was a nice way to spark ideas as well. I'm also going to see what I can find on Etsy 🙂. 

This Carl Lentz scandal is so juicy! I can see this being made into a documentary of Hillsong

Politics

Yes, Americans did go out to brunch (and to celebrate in general) after the news outlets officially called Biden's win/defeat of Trump, but does that mean the country will largely become disinterested about politics again?

Wellness

This article serves as a reminder that we all need to show kindness to one another especially within this current climate. For many, the virtual workplace is a primary source of human interaction that has the power to impact an employee's confidence and daily task performance. I think it is crucial to apply the suggestions given here to our clients and to each other.

Fight through the winter blues!

Industry

Fun way to approach gift guide pitching. 

NYC’s Coolest New Concept Shop Opened In The Midst Of The Pandemic

Hot Topics | November 13th

Travel

The Evolving Travel ‘Experience’: Virtual, Actual and In Between

Culture

I enjoyed seeing the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast get back together for a reunion trailer on set! Now I need to see the same for Martin, The Office, and so many more of my favorite 90s/early 2000s shows!

This was a cute way for the cast of The Crown to do their premiere. Looking forward to the new season this Sunday!

Sports

I love a story about a strong woman kicking ass and taking names and this week goes to Kim Ng, the Miami Marlins new general manager. She is the first woman and first Asian American general manager in MLB history. Let’s hear it for the girls!

Industry

Received a call from one of my WME contacts yesterday asking if any of our brands had started discussing Super Bowl yet. Interested to see how one of the country's major events, still a few months away, plans to pivot (or not) in the wake of the pandemic. Obviously the season has been different, but it's still happening and going fairly smoothly. Have any of our clients brought SB up yet? Would love to knowledge share!

Hot Topics | November 6th

Pandemic

How are we defining "fun" *checks watch* 8 months into the pandemic?

Fashion

Christopher John Rogers has quickly become one of my favorite fashion designers as of late, so I’m excited to see where he’s headed and what he’s going to create next!

Food/Drink

Closing the week on a positive note, wanted to share this kick a$$ feature I secured for our US VP of Belvedere Allison Varone discussing our new brand platform and her career highlights. “Allison Varone of Belvedere Vodka: Five Things You Need To Build A Trusted And Beloved Brand”

In case you were wondering the status of jello shots in 2020…

Culture

Some light news – Gossip Girls is doing a reboot! I am currently rewatching the series and look forward to seeing what this remake brings.

Politics

Don't Despair - There Was Good News on Election Night, Too. With all of the tension and anxiety that came on election night I was so happy to receive some good news as well.

Happy Stacey Abrams Day

Wellness

We’re all on edge and it’s important to move away from being glued to our screens and actually take a moment to breathe, eat and relax. Here are some ways to release stress as we live through a historic moment in history.

Many of you have seen me working from bed, or heard me complain about back and shoulder pain and I feel relieved to know I am not the only one!

Industry

Luxury brands and retailers like Luisaviaroma, Estée Lauder and Frame are betting on influencers to host live video streams and drive sales. It is interesting to see how influencers are starting to promote products to consumers online using tactics similar to "QVC-style" pitching.   

While we know many brands decided to "go dark" this week, some decided to keep their posts/conversations "as usual" and then others, like the GAP (and honestly, Booking.com), decided to lean into the conversation. However, GAP was dragged for what they said was a fake hoodie - with people wondering why they'd take advantage of selling product at a time like this. 

Hot Topics | October 16th

Fashion

Loved this recent read Harper’s Bazaar on Kamala Harris’ fashion choices and how the way candidates dress is a vital element of their campaigns!

Travel

Two surveys found many travelers express hesitation during the coronavirus pandemic about taking a trip. Sixty-seven percent of those responding to an AAA Travel survey released Thursday say they are uncertain about whether to take a vacation. Online booking site Travelocity found 57% of Americans say they won't travel for the year-end holidays this year.

Culture

An oral history of Wishbone, the PBS show's eponymous dog who helped recreate classic tales in some pretty great costumes (Halloween inspo?

The East Village, Home of Punks & Poets: Here's a Tour

Industry

I enjoyed watching “Girlboss” on Netflix a few years ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way it depicted startup culture and the Sophia Amoruso’s entrepreneurial mindset. In this interview, Sophia talks about her new project, Business Class, and discusses personal lessons she has learned from her past.

All the apps going after TikTok! Snapchat is the latest to launch their own, similar tool. Let the war of the social media platforms continue...

BACARDI won a PR Week Purpose Award for Straw Vinyl!

Hot Topics | October 9th

Fashion

The voices missing from fashion’s sustainability goals. Advocates say the industry should listen to a more diverse group of people from different geographic regions.

Chanel Brings Tinsel Town To The Grand Palais – loved the story behind the new collection.

Food

The news of the Central Park Boathouse permanently closing hits close to home – both because it’s always been a go-to restaurant for my family, and also because it used to be one of my clients at my last agency. 💔 Definitely hope they find a way to reopen in Spring 2021.

While things are closing left and right, Sour Patch opened a flagship store in soho to give fans of the brand a new way to interact with the candy and its characters.

Interesting that that brand still soldiered through with this store opening which was a gamble even before the pandemic.

Beauty

The top-searched Halloween 2020 makeup looks are referencing pop-culture figures from prior years, according to a new report by Cosmetify. The annual report showed that clown makeup ranks in the top spot in the U.S. with over 2.5 million combined annual searches. In second place is makeup looks from HBO’s hit 2019 show “Euphoria” with 1.9 million annual searches. The TV show is known for revitalizing interest behind graphic, glittery makeup looks and was a source of inspiration for last year’s Halloween as well as for the New York Fashion Week Spring 2020 runway.

Culture

I knew the memes were going to flood Twitter and other social media platforms as soon as that fly stole the spotlight. Here’s a comedic take on one highlight from Wednesday’s VP debate.

What Big Business Said in All Those Anti-Racism Statements following the murder of George Floyd: Not Much! Leading into the end of June, there were a flurry of promises to “due better,” promoting images of solidarity and respect. There was recycled “diversity” language and mentioned George Floyd. Few talked about the Movement of Black Lives and none discussed their respective equity issues. This is fuel to help position H&S + Reframe as a solution for Organizational Cultural Transformation.

Industry

After a video of himself riding a skateboard down the highway with Ocean Spray in hand and Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” as his soundtrack went viral on TikTok, Nathan Apodaca not only caught the attention of Mick Fleetwood, but also the CEO of Ocean Spray. Ocean Spray then surprised Nathan by gifting him a brand new truck filled with the bottles of the cran-raspberry juice. Such a cool way of a brand engaging with viral, organic content and giving back to a deserving fan.

I’ve been gathering inspiration reading about how brands are launching products virtually or hosting events as we continue to plan for our clients. YSL a new fragrance this week complete with a virtual photo booth, DJ and mixology session. Their mailer leaves a lot to be desired!

Hot Topics | September 18th

Food

“Cheers to the weekend”

Fashion

Fashion Week obviously looked different this year- with lots of brands opting for digital presentations or virtual lookbooks. Love that Cristian Siriano pivoted his show to be an intimate affair at his CT home. The whimsical collection, décor and gifting was something out of a classic movie!

Loved this read on Repeller about creatives on Instagram who are making art and fashion fun. As someone who spends hours stalking the popular page on the app, this article stood out to me because I love hearing the stories and inspiration behind this kind of work and it shows you how people use their platforms on a totally different, and sometimes cooler, level.

Since short-form video took the world by storm, luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Balenciaga are embracing TikTok, where teen influencers capture millions of followers with flashy dance routines and challenges. With hopes to drive competition in their direction, Facebook Inc.-owned Instagram introduced its new Reels feature that can help it stay relevant to sellers of the hottest handbags, shoes and watches. Users on TikTok tend to be younger, an important demographic for luxury brands. By 2025, under-45s are set to make up half of the luxury market and of that, 15% will be younger than 30, according to Bain & Co.

Entertainment

To introduce W magazine's 2020 TV Portfolio, current tv stars were asked about their favorite quarantine shows then styled themselves as the chosen shows for their accompanying photo. Looking forward to the Emmys this Sunday night!

Culture

In this powerful essay, model and actress Emily Ratajkowski discusses reclaiming her image and gets very personal talking about sexual assault. A must-read.

Another brand who touted progressive policies around labor and worker’s rights, only to have the inside workings cracked open to show they didn’t practice what they preached.

A Broadway Season in Purgatory

Mental Wellness

So many of us love when Autumn rolls around. I absolutely cannot wait to whip out my cozy sweaters and cute boots! However, I was not aware of the psychological reasons behind my love for this season. This article brings up some interesting points.

Industry

Despite the talks about the apps future, one thing is for sure… TikTok has helped to transform brand marketing and modern day storytelling. WE as marketers are less inspired to view ads. WE scroll past them and are annoyed by forced pre-rolls. Why wouldn’t we expect anyone else to enjoy them? TikTok enables brands to build more dynamic connections and tell important stories. Let’s convince our clients to stop making ads that are skippable and instead invest in creative, authentic content + content creators that people will truly enjoy. Let’s make the ask – more time, creative resources and solid production budgets. Please and Thank You!

Apparently Trump plans to ban any further downloads of TikTok on Sunday. Current users also won’t have access to improved apps, updated apps or upgraded apps.