LSN : Daily Signals : NIO House Amsterdam is an EV flagship turned community space

Domenico Formichetti unveils space-inspired footwear collection

Domenico Formichetti PDF SS24

Italy – Domenico Formichetti is channelling interstellar aesthetics in his latest PDF SS24 footwear collection. The dynamic line features both chunky, skate-inspired sneakers and comfort-focused slip-on mules, characterised by their dramatic and oversized silhouettes.

Formichetti draws inspiration from space shoes, invoking an unconventional yet captivating design. The collection showcases a variety of materials, including canvas and leather, with many pieces sporting vibrant neon hues and wave-like patterns.

'With a puffed-up look, the shoes are reminiscent in silhouette to the shoes astronauts wear to space,' Formichetti told HypeBeast. Product names further emphasise the galactic theme, with models called Pluto Canvas, Nuvola Canvas, Mercury Leather, Mars Leather and Uranus Canvas.

In our Cosmic Couture microtrend report, we highlight how, driven by a consumer appetite for exploration and escapism, brands are discovering the sky is not the limit but the beginning. As seen with Domenico Formichetti's work, space is fashion’s next destination.

Strategic opportunity

Consumers are looking for adventures to escape the volatility and uncertainty they face. Can you leverage the aspirational and utopian qualities associated with space exploration in your products and services?

NIO House Amsterdam is an EV flagship turned community space

NIO's new European flagship store by MVRDV, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Netherlands – Electric vehicle manufacturer NIO has revitalised a historic seven-storey building on Amsterdam’s Keizersgracht, blending 19th-century architecture with modern design. Initially built for the New York Life Insurance Company in 1891, the building has served various roles, including as a department store with a rooftop pavilion by modernist architect Gerrit Rietveld.

The space features a colour gradient from earthy tones to airy blues, influenced by NIO’s 'blue sky coming' slogan. The ground floor showcases cars, while upper levels offer a café, co-working spaces, an art gallery and event areas. Sustainable materials and open designs create a light, airy feel, culminating in the sky-blue Rietveld pavilion with panoramic city views. In this blend of past and future, NIO House aims to be more than a showroom, serving as a community hub in Amsterdam.

MVRDV’s renovation respects the building’s heritage while incorporating NIO’s futuristic identity. 'NIO House Amsterdam shows how the old and the new can provide a counterpoint for one another and ultimately enrich each other,' said MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs in a statement.

Our analysis of World Retail Congress 2024: Community Commerce includes more case studies of shops turned into third spaces.

Strategic opportunity

Explore the concept of creating retail spaces that serve as community hubs, going beyond mere transactions. Can you integrate features like communal areas, cafés or interactive zones?

New study confirms GLP-1 drugs transform eating habits and cravings

Photography by Shvets Production

Global – A May 2024 study by food product innovation specialist Mattson highlights significant changes in eating habits among users of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Key insights reveal these individuals seek high-protein foods, smaller portions and hydration aids, catering to their altered appetites and tgastrointestinal side effects. 'These drugs have fundamentally changed the way people interact with food,' explained Katie Hagan, Mattson EVP of insights and innovation, in a webinar.

Participants, who often feel fuller longer due to slower food transit, prefer pre-portioned options such as grilled chicken strips, Greek yoghurt pouches and electrolyte-enhanced fruit popsicles. Around 100 study participants reported eating less overall, with 61% reducing meal frequency and 51% cutting back on snacks.

The shift away from soda and alcohol was notable, with 59% drinking more water and 38% consuming more protein beverages. Additionally, almost two-thirds exercised more frequently and spent less time thinking about food. 'Manufacturers must understand these drugs require a different approach,' said Barb Stuckey, Mattson’s chief innovation and marketing officer. Our upcoming Food & Drink Futures 2024–2025 Online Event on 4 June will dive deeper into the consequences of the Ozempic palate on brand positioning and innovation.

Strategic opportunity

Consider developing convenient, high-protein snacks and meals that cater to the demand for smaller portions and pre-portioned options

Stat: Football fandom has finally crossed the Atlantic

Nike, Europe

UK – Private equity firm The Chernin Group (TCG) has invested £30.2m ($38.5m, €35.5m) in Classic Football Shirts, a British company selling authentic football jerseys from clubs around the world.

Founded by university students Doug Bierton and Matthew Dale in 2006, Classic Football Shirts claims to have been profitable since its founding and has received no outside investment until now.

TCG plans to help the company expand its US presence, which accounts for 15% of current revenue despite having no bricks-and-mortar retail presence in the country. This summer Classic Football Shirts will host a four-month pop-up in New York, where it plans to open a permanent retail store in the next six to 12 months ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the US.

The culture of soccer is ‘unlike anything else in sports’, Greg Bettinelli, a Chernin partner told Forbes. ‘It transcends sports even. It’s a very special category that I think we as Americans haven’t fully understood yet.’

This summer will be sports-filled, and we’re already tracking all the latest sporting collaborations across fashion and retail on LS:N Global.com.

Strategic opportunity

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, US brands should look to partner with star players as spokespeople or brand ambassadors to capitalise on the football fervour