LSN : News : Friendswithyou, fuzzy AI robots exhibition opens at Cleveland Public Library

Elie Saab marks 45 years with a show of unapologetic grandeur

1001 Seasons of Elie Saab, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia – Elie Saab, a master of haute couture, celebrated the 45th anniversary of his iconic eponymous fashion house in Riyadh with a spectacle aptly titled The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab. The event, part of Riyadh Season 2024 – an annual festival in Saudi Arabia’s capital showcasing sports, fashion and entertainment – welcomed 900 guests to a purpose-built venue and featured a 300-look runway show, starring 90 models styled by fashion’s editorial luminary Carine Roitfeld and choreographed by Spanish dancer Blanca Li.

The high fashion presentation was a luminous showcase of Saab’s signature aesthetic: opulent goddess gowns adorned with feathers, sequins and luxurious draping. Many designs were created exclusively for the event, while archival pieces highlighted Saab’s enduring legacy.

The evening also included performances by pop icons Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello and Céline Dion, whose glittering gold ensemble embodied Saab’s mastery of couture.

‘Celebrating my career here makes me immensely proud,’ Saab told Vogue. ‘I worked on this collection as Lebanon and Beirut were under bombardment.’ Reflecting on the challenges, he remarked, ‘What’s happening is heartbreaking, but we’ve endured and come back stronger, sharing a message of resilience, hope and positivity.’

Explore The Future Laboratory and Together Group’s New Codes of Luxury in Saudi Arabia report, which delves deeper into how activations, such as Riyadh Season 2024, are reshaping the Saudi Arabian luxury market.

Strategic opportunity

Craft immersive, culturally resonant experiences paired with innovative storytelling and partnerships with key opinion leaders to amplify your brand legacy and foster global recognition

Friendswithyou, fuzzy AI robots exhibition opens at Cleveland Public Library

US – Art duo FriendsWithYou has unveiled The BAND, a playful installation of five fuzzy, autonomous robots at Cleveland Public Library. Programmed with AI and designed to interact with visitors, these colourful robots – named ROC, ETZ, LIX, PMJ and FUR – are bringing joy and healing to visitors through movement and sound.

The BAND, which stands for Biodigital Autonomous Neuro Dancers, spins, dances and emits soothing frequencies as it glides through the space. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the robots by pressing buttons embedded in their soft bodies. The robots, adorned in vibrant hues of yellow, blue, purple, pink and green, navigate their surroundings with care, avoiding obstacles and people as they perform.

FriendsWithYou aims to highlight the positive potential of AI. ‘We want the public to have a joyful connection with AI,’ the duo explains. By combining art, technology and human interaction, The BAND encourages communal experiences and challenges negative perceptions of AI.

The installation, produced in collaboration with LAND Studio and Deeplocal, runs for one year at Cleveland Public Library’s Brett Hall.

To find out more on how generative artificial intelligence is being applied to innovative educational and entertainment resources, read our The Synthocene Era macrotrend report and AI Edu-play-tion microtrend report.

The Band by FriendsWithYou. Photography by Catherine Young, US

Strategic opportunity

Explore how AI-powered installations can enhance customer engagement in public spaces or retail stores, or at events, by providing interactive, sensory-rich experiences

Lumina365 redefines sun protection with beauty-boosting sun care innovation

Photography by Klaus Nielsen, Global

Slovenia – As consumer demand grows for innovative, eco-conscious sun protection, Tosla Nutricosmetics has introduced Lumina365, a revolutionary vegan supplement combining UV defence with skincare benefits. Highlighting a rising trend, 40% of UK women are already interested in supplements to shield against UV damage, according to Mintel.

Lumina365 offers a dual-function approach, blending natural ingredients and targeted vitamins to enhance skin’s UV resistance, reduce redness and neutralise free radicals. The product leverages Tosla’s award-winning Velious flavour technology, delivering a Sicilian red-orange taste in a convenient 25ml daily shot that transforms sun care into an easy ritual.

Amid increasing concerns about harmful chemicals in traditional sunscreens, Lumina365 appeals to conscious consumers as it addresses its impact on the marine ecosystem and hormonal disruption risks. With people increasingly worrying about the types of ingredients used in sun protection products, Lumina365 positions itself as a sustainable, health-forward alternative for modern beauty routines, aligning with the brands we highlight in Four Creatives Pioneering Suncare Education and in our Sun Protection 101 insight in our upcoming Future Forecast 2025 report. RSVP now to attend our Future Forecast 2025 webinar.

Strategic opportunity

Explore the development of supplements that combine health benefits with beauty enhancements, catering to growing interest in multifunctional products. For instance, can you collaborate with nutritionists and cosmetic chemists to identify emerging needs in this category, such as sun protection, anti-pollution, hydration or hair health supplements?

Stat: Bumble says single women are no longer willing to tolerate nonsense

Photography by Shingi Rice, UK

UK – Dating app Bumble has released its highly anticipated 2025 trend report which highlights a shift toward more authentic and intentional relationships.

The findings suggest that 2025 will be a transitional year, with women becoming clearer about their needs and boundaries. ‘Women are no longer willing to tolerate BS,’ Bumble states, revealing that 66% of British women are prioritising honesty and self-awareness in their dating lives. Furthermore, 72% of global users expressed a desire for a long-term partner in the next year.

Romance is making a comeback, with 58% of British women proudly identifying as romantics, and 44% lamenting how the lack of romance has hurt their dating lives. Meanwhile, quirky interests – such as fandoms and niche sports – are becoming attractive, with 60% of UK singles embracing shared hobbies.

The report also shows that people are rethinking male stereotypes. Over a third (36%) of British respondents say they are challenging traditional male roles, and 29% say that such tropes can create false assumptions. Additionally, 31% of women are confiding more in male friends for dating support, signalling a shift toward healthier platonic dynamics.

From honesty to prioritising future-proof partnerships, Bumble’s report underscores a year of evolving priorities.

Explore our Gen Z Dating Futures report for more insights on how this cohort connects through communities and social clubs.

Strategic opportunity

Foster communities around niche hobbies, fandoms and shared activities. For instance, can you build apps, events or social platforms tailored to book clubs, unique sports or fandom-based meetups?