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What Are Those Cartoon Big Red Boots About?
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Sarah SnyderImagine wearing something that looks like it came straight out of a cartoon. At first glance, it might not seem like it has anything to do with fashion. However, models and influencers in the fashion industry are now obsessed with the Astro Boy Big Red Boots, wearing them to NYFW and even incorporating them into their daily wear.
Photo: Courtesy of Gessica Kayane The boots are made of TPU rubber, so when you walk in them, you can expect to hear a sound from the rubber friction. They sold out immediately once they were released online on February 16th, 2023, with a retail price of $350. The resale price on StockX skyrocketed to $1300. People are clamoring for these “cartoon boots for a 3D world” to pursue the continued blending of virtual and real aesthetics.
Photo: Courtesy of Wisdom Kaye The craze for these big red boots was created by MSCHF, an American art collective based in Brooklyn, New York. The concept behind the big red boots is that “cartoonishness is an abstraction that frees us from the constraints of reality.”
Photo: Courtesy of Andrea Brillantes “When half the sneakers we see on social media are renderings, we come to expect a baseline of unreality. Big red boots are VR chat boots.” Said MSCHF.
MSCHF covers a huge variety of artworks, and not just art itself. They always make it profitable and even politically correct. You may have heard of the “Eat the Rich Popsicles” ice cream truck in New York and Los Angeles last July, which included five public figures: Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Jack Ma, and Mark Zuckerberg.
Photo: Courtesy of MSCHF Founded in 2016 by Gabriel Whaley, MSCHF has raised a total of $3.5 million in funding so far, according to Crunchbase.
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Glossier Returns to Soho with a Bang: A Look Inside the New Flagship Store
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Glossier
Glossier, the popular beauty and skincare brand, has returned to Soho with a new flagship store on February 17th, 2023 that is sure to turn heads. The 7000-square-foot space, located at 72 Spring Street, features Glossier's signature 'millennial pink' and 'homecoming' concept. To Glossier, “homecoming” means “if Glossier were a person, this would be our home”.
Photo: Courtesy of Glossier Upon entering the store, visitors are greeted with an eye-catching ferris wheel display that showcases Glossier’s products in a fun and playful way. The display features Glossier’s iconic pink color and includes products such as their Cloud Paint blushes, Boy Brow eyebrow gel, and Balm Dotcom. The store’s layout is designed to encourage exploration, with different product categories spread throughout the space.
Photo: Courtesy of Glossier The store also features unique design elements inspired by New York City, such as the ‘You Look Good’ glass mosaic fabricated by Miotto Mosaics. The mosaic is reminiscent of subway murals and adds a touch of whimsy to the space.
As Glossier returns to its New York roots, it’s worth noting the brand’s impressive growth and success over the years. Founded in 2014 by Emily Weiss, Glossier has quickly become a household name in the beauty industry, known for its minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on skincare. Glossier’s previous Soho store, which closed in 2019, was a popular destination for beauty enthusiasts and helped to solidify the brand’s cult following.
Photo: Courtesy of Leann Lee Now, with the opening of their new flagship store, Glossier is poised for even more success. The brand’s emphasis on creating a unique and immersive shopping experience sets it apart from other beauty retailers. In an interview with Vogue, Weiss said, “The idea of creating an environment that is welcoming and immersive and has all these different moments and touchpoints for you to experience Glossier just felt like the right thing to do.”
Only time will tell if the new store will bring back the original hype of the brand. However, one thing is for sure – Glossier’s new flagship store is a must-visit destination for beauty enthusiasts. Glossier has once again cemented its status as a trailblazer in the beauty industry, and the new store is a testament to the brand’s continued success and innovation.
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Rent the Runway Opened Amazon Storefront to Acquire New Audience
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway, the world's largest shared designer closet, has made a bold move by launching a pre-loved and design collective with Amazon Fashion on January 12th, 2023. This strategic partnership has caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts and industry experts alike, as it marks a significant shift in the way designer fashion is consumed and shared.
With hundreds of second-hand pieces from over 35 brands, including Kate Spade, Tibi, Tory Burch, and more, customers can now purchase designer clothing through Amazon. Additionally, Rent the Runway has introduced limited collections from esteemed designers such as Adam Lippes, Derek Lam, and Peter Som, making it easier for fashion-savvy shoppers to access high-end fashion without breaking the bank.
Photo: Courtesy of Rent the Runway This collaboration has allowed Rent the Runway to expand its reach and reduce inventory pressure, while also giving Amazon Fashion an edge in the highly competitive e-commerce market. Furthermore, it marks the first time that customers can purchase new designer items directly from Rent the Runway, adding a new dimension to the company’s already impressive offerings.
Founded in 2009, Rent the Runway has revolutionized the way women access and enjoy designer fashion by offering monthly subscriptions for over 800 second-hand designer clothing items. The company’s innovative approach to fashion has earned it a loyal following, and this recent partnership with Amazon Fashion is sure to increase its popularity even further.
Photo: Courtesy of Rent the Runway The launch of Rent the Runway’s pre-loved and design collective with Amazon Fashion is a game-changer for the fashion industry. It highlights the growing demand for sustainable and affordable fashion, while also providing a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work. This collaboration is a win-win for both companies, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exciting partnership.
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Unveiling the Magic of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio at MoMA
Cover Photo: décent
If you're a fan of Guillermo del Toro's imaginative films, you won't want to miss the Museum of Modern Art's latest exhibition, Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio, on view from Dec 11, 2022 to April 15, 2023. This stop-motion animated musical dark fantasy film, directed by del Toro and Mark Gustafson, reinvents the classic story of a wooden puppet brought to life.
As a visitor, you’ll get the chance to step onto a movie set and witness the creative process firsthand. You’ll discover how a team of talented designers, craftspeople, and animation artists from Portland, Oregon, Guadalajara, Mexico, and Altrincham, England collaborated to bring Del Toro’s unique vision to life.
Photo: décent The exhibition starts with a stunning display of classic and contemporary editions and interpretations of Pinocchio from around the world. It introduces examples of all of the finished puppets from the film, paired with look-development maquettes in varying stages of the process, such as the silicone and resin castings of vegetables that provided inspiration for the character Dogfish’s monstrous skin, texture, and scarring.
Photo: Courtesy of MoMA The second section of the exhibition, “On the Set,” will open with a “Production Scheduling Board” and feature eight sets from the production of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. This segment aims to further illuminate the meticulous studio process, showcasing the immense attention to detail dedicated to each set, an exemplary testament to the painstaking handcrafted process of stop-motion filmmaking. Here, visitors can delve into production art, props, and the various phases of puppet-making, gaining an insider’s glimpse into the artistry behind the movie’s creation.
Photo: décent One highlight is the “rigging” display, which showcases the different kinds of mounts used to hold puppets in place during the production of a stop-motion film. Another fascinating aspect of the exhibition is the opportunity to see motion tests and time-lapse video installations that document the complex stop-motion process that brings the story’s characters to life.
Photo: décent Every detail of the crafts and huge effort behind the film is on display, including incredible, lifelike film sets that transport you to the world of Pinocchio. Green armatures are used to pose characters on set, but they aren’t visible in the final image because separately filmed backgrounds are added in postproduction.
Photo: décent Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio exhibition is a go-to place for anyone who loves the art of filmmaking and is interested in the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a masterpiece.
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Clothing The Future: The Intersection of Fashion and the Metaverse
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Gucci Town on Roblox
The fashion industry has been quick to embrace the metaverse, and 2022 saw a flurry of activity in this space. One of the highlights of the year was the inaugural Metaverse Fashion Week, which showcased the potential for fashion to thrive in digital spaces. Another notable trend was the rise of "phygital" events and garments, which blend physical and digital experiences.
However, the term “metaverse” has become increasingly vague and has been replaced by “web3” to describe digital experiences across various platforms. Despite the growing interest in web3, many people are still deterred by the use of jargon and poor user experiences. As a result, in 2023, there is likely to be a shift towards implementing technology seamlessly in the background to improve experiences and connectivity with brands and creators.
Photo: Courtesy of Gucci Town on Roblox Many fashion brands were initially eager to incorporate metaverse and crypto-native terminology into their marketing and branding efforts. However, they soon found that this approach was met with resistance from their core customers. As a result, many brands have shifted their focus towards education and increased accessibility for their virtual activations.
Photo: Courtesy of Gucci Town on Roblox One platform that has proven to be popular among brands and retailers is Roblox, which boasts over 58.8 million users worldwide. Brands such as Nike and Tommy Hilfiger have created their own virtual worlds on the platform, which provides an easier way to engage with Gen Z and enter the digital world. Although Roblox does not support blockchain or NFTs like Decentraland and Sandbox, it is the preferred platform for building mini gaming environments, with the support of creator studios that have spent years designing on Roblox. Brand activations on Roblox in 2022 primarily focused on obstacle courses and digital shopping environments. Winnie Burke, head of fashion and beauty partnerships on Roblox, believes that brands are realizing the potential of the platform to build meaningful connections and engage with consumers in immersive social settings. As a result, many brands are investing in persistent virtual spaces on Roblox, such as Gucci Town, and Tommy Play, to reach Gen Z consumers in the metaverse.
Photo: Courtesy of Tommy Play on Roblox Overall, the fashion industry’s exploration of the metaverse and digital experiences shows no signs of slowing down. As technology continues to advance and user experiences improve, we can expect to see even more innovation and growth in this space in the years to come.
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Brands Prioritize Sportswear in The Window Display
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Rick Govic
As the pandemic continues to redefine our daily routines, fashion has shifted towards comfort and versatility. From the West Village to Soho, New York's fashion scene is now filled with window displays of sportswear collections, a trend that was not as prominent pre-pandemic.
After months of remote work and staying indoors, people are seeking comfortable yet stylish clothing to match their new lifestyle. Luxury brands and e-commerce giants are now offering a wide range of options, making it easier than ever to find the perfect tennis skirt or golf shirt. By incorporating sportswear into their window displays, brands are showing that they are keeping up with the latest trends and are in tune with the needs of their customers. This approach can attract more shoppers to their brick-and-mortar stores.
Even high-end brands are embracing this trend. The collaboration between Gucci and Adidas, two very different brands – one associated with transitional luxury and the other with sports luxury – is a clear example of the impact of sportswear in the fashion industry. Initially, some customers may have been confused by this unexpected partnership, but as the trend continues to evolve, it has become more widely accepted.
Photo: Courtesy of Gucci So, the next time you stroll through Soho, take a closer look at the window displays of your favorite brands. You might be surprised to find that they are all embracing the sportswear trend, and it’s not just for athletes anymore.
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Raising Money Will Be Extremely Hard for Startups in 6-12 Months
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Austin Distel
Economy Recession is predicted by economists and prepared by major brands ahead. Reducing inventory, cutting cost, be more cautious to expand, CEOs are trying their hardest to survive in this recession wave. It is saying that raising money for startup companies will be extremely hard due to the pessimistic prediction from investors' perspective.
“If your plan is to raise money in the next 6-12 months, you might be raising at the peak of the downturn. Remember that your chances of success are extremely low even if your company is doing well.” Said Y Combinator, a Silicon Valley kingmaker.
Tech and eCommerce giants like Shopify plunged more than 18% recently after the company forecast a revenue slowdown in the first half of 2022, as the online shopping boost from the Covid-19 pandemic cools off. Companies like Shopify, Etsy, and eBay are under extreme pressure in the post-pandemic era. Experts saying that we will see these companies should expect year-over-year revenue to be highest in the fourth quarter 2022.
Many VC companies won’t bid on their money when they see and feel the economy sinks. Young companies are experiencing harsh fundraising environment.
Even though the economic could be going through a hard time, the opportunities for those CEOs who can change their mindset and adapt the environment quickly are still there.
Photo: Courtesy of Annie Spratt -
Natural, Handmade Ancient Pottery Is Everywhere
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Oshin Khandelwal
Even if you are not into pottery, you must have seen a bunch of new stores in your neighborhood selling handmade pottery in recent years. If you walk down some flea markets, there are even more pottery vendors and brands just came out and on their way to the world. Celebrities love to feature pottery on their social medias and even make pottery in their free time. Magazine covers are taken by luxurious pottery brands. Pottery seems becoming an official lifestyle not just some random ceramics out there.
Photo: Courtesy of Viviane Okubo People are buying pottery as gifts or for themselves. They may prefer some large pottery as decoration and small dishware pieces for daily use. More and more ceramic made for different uses. From traditional container to chic jewelry holders, millennials are digging out new ways to rock it.
It is hard to say that the demand for pottery is rising or the number potters makers are rising. Crafting pottery help people feel calm. You can not rush to make it perfect. Each piece is made from patience, practice and every potter adds a little personality in it. When you are in a state of creative flow, you concentrating on every move of your hands, the feeling of the texture and even the smell of the material, you are likely getting in the “zone”. Pottery may become a new solution to get rid of social medias and focus on the current mood.
Photo: Courtesy of Earl Wilcox
