News 21.02.2022

Need to Know

An exhibition questioning the return of Luddism, Adidas leads the path for protective athletic apparel, and Chinese consumer wellbeing thrives.

Silk to Silicon explores craft’s impact on tech

Silk to Silicon by Sebastian Koseda at Backlit Gallery, UK
Silk to Silicon by Sebastian Koseda at Backlit Gallery, UK
Silk to Silicon by Sebastian Koseda at Backlit Gallery, UK

Nottingham, UK – Silk to Silicon is an art exhibition that examines the link between the history of textile-making and modern computing. Through moving images, fabric samples and graphic design, artist Sebastian Koseda analyses how craft practices have given birth to automation in the past 200 years.

The exhibition follows the evolution of automatic silk weaving to the discovery of the silicon chip, which paved the way for crypto-mining, drone deliveries and data collection. The show examines the legacy of the Luddites, a group of skilled artisans who resisted mechanisation in the early 1800s.

With growing global concerns about the rise of automation, Koseda wonders if a Luddism revival is on the horizon. ‘In the next 10 years we are likely to see more change in automated technology than the last 100 years combined. Automation is ubiquitous, but for how long will workers and machines continue to co-exist in peace?’ asks artistSebastian Koseda.

Exploring the material history of digital innovations, Silk to Silicon grounds technologies like cryptocurrency in the real world. By demystifying abstract concepts in tangible ways, the exhibition taps into Digital Dialogues.

Strategic opportunity

Material objects can help make abstract concepts more concrete. For companies dealing with data, develop tangible materials or experiences to help explain detailed issues or subjects

A hyper-inclusive overhaul for Adidas sports bras

 Adidas’ New Sports Bra Collection, Germany Adidas’ New Sports Bra Collection, Germany
 Adidas’ New Sports Bra Collection, Germany Adidas’ New Sports Bra Collection, Germany

Germany – After conducting research that found that 90% of women wear the wrong-sized sports bra, Adidas has re-engineered its entire sports bra portfolio to cater for the needs of all active women.

The new collection is the result of significant research and extensive testing performed in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth in the UK. With research indicating that wearing the wrong bra can cause skin stretch, the collection includes 43 new styles that cater for more bodies and exercise types than previously. Accommodating the individual needs of active women, the new collection comprises Everyday bras for lounging, Studio bras for low-to-mid intensity activities, Train bras for HIIT sessions, and Run bras for the highest level of breast support.

As the health sector's gender data gap impacts women’s wellbeing and athletic performance, there’s a rising need for Protective Performance Apparel. ‘The wrong sports bra can have a serious impact on performance and efficiency – for example, if you run a marathon, unsupported breasts travel an extra four miles on their own,’ explains Amy Charlton, senior director of product at Adidas.

Strategic opportunity

Make sure your organisation is undertaking product and experience-led research to help close the gender data gap and inform better, more appropriate products

This dating app caters for NFT collectors

US – Adding an element of finance to flirting, Lonely Ape Dating Club is a dating app for NFT collectors. The app, which combines Web3 with online dating, allows cryptocurrency owners to meet like-minded people.

Developed by a group of hackers and NFT collectors, the platform adopts an asset-based approach to online dating. Instead of submitting their personal information and romantic preferences, users that join the platform connect their crypto wallets, putting their NFT collections and net worth on full display.

Users then have the option to filter other prospective daters based on their net worth and NFT collection. The app also has a match-to-earn feature, which allows users to earn tokens by interacting with others. Its first launch will target individuals who own a Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT, allowing holders to match with other collectors.

As a result of the recent cryptocurrency boom, apps and services that allow Crypto-cliques to meet in person are gaining popularity.

Lonely Ape Dating Club

Strategic opportunity

Dating apps should consider how the emerging class of crypto investors wants to show off their wealth. Is it possible to integrate features that allows daters to flex their alternative assets?

Stat: Chinese citizens lead global wellbeing charts

Hermès Fit campaign by Lane & Associates, France Hermès Fit campaign by Lane & Associates, France

The findings of Lululemon's latest Wellbeing Index suggest that global wellbeing has improved, owing to better coping strategies and a greater focus on mental health. Despite a slight decline from the previous year, Chinese respondents ranked first in the index, reporting a 75% feeling of overall happiness.

The wellbeing rate in China is notably higher than the 66% average of the 10 markets surveyed by the sports apparel company. According to the research – which surveyed 10,000 people – the overall Wellbeing Index currently sits at 66, indicating a moderate level of wellbeing. But just 29% of respondents report 'good' wellbeing across all three elements of feeling well – physical, mental and social.

Since last year, the report finds that overall mental wellbeing has improved, but physical and social wellbeing have remained unchanged. Despite improving slightly since last year, social wellbeing remains the lowest of the three factors. Of note, just 21% of Generation Z say they’re happy in all three aspects compared with 29% of the total population. Despite outperforming other nations, Chinese respondents’ overall happiness declined compared with the previous year, suggesting that more has to be done to strengthen the Chinese Wellness Market.

Strategic opportunity

Consumers in China are resurrecting old-fashioned pastimes such as fishing and tufting. Consider how your company can help these emerging subcultures and calming pastimes thrive

Previous News Articles
MAD//Fest 2025: Culture, collaborations and creating a new identity for women’s football

News

MAD//Fest 2025: Culture, collaborations and creating a new identity for women’s football

On day two of MAD//Fest 2025, Ruth Hooper, chief marketing officer at the Women’s Super League (WSL), set out a vision for reshaping the visual ide...
Global Events : Advertising & Marketing : Football
Stat: US Gen Alpha favour consoles over mobiles for game play

News

Stat: US Gen Alpha favour consoles over mobiles for game play

Despite assumptions that mobile gaming dominates among young people, a new US report reveals that Generation Alpha are leading the charge in consol...
Statistic : Gaming : Media
Together Group and The Future Laboratory unveil New Codes of Luxury: Immersive Technologies for Transformation report

News

Together Group and The Future Laboratory unveil New Codes of Luxury: Immersive Technologies for Transformation report

In their latest report, New Codes of Luxury: Immersive Technologies for Transformation, The Future Laboratory and Together Group explore how immers...
Luxury : Technology : Design
MAD//Fest 2025: Delayed adulthood, algorithmic segregation and Gen Z hippies

News

MAD//Fest 2025: Delayed adulthood, algorithmic segregation and Gen Z hippies

MAD//Fest returned to Shoreditch on 1 July 2025, with this year’s theme Be Less Boring challenging brands to rethink how to engage with new audiences.
Global Events : Advertising & Marketing : Gen Z
Habitat and Pinterest unveil immersive campaign putting emotion into home design

News

Habitat and Pinterest unveil immersive campaign putting emotion into home design

Habitat has teamed up with Pinterest for an immersive storytelling campaign that repositions homeware as a tool for emotional re-invention and shop...
Retail : Design : Technology
Stat: Young adults are redefining romantic relationships on their terms

News

Stat: Young adults are redefining romantic relationships on their terms

As romantic norms fragment, 20% of people are now unknowingly practising ‘relationship anarchy’, according to the latest State of Dating repor...
Statistic : Stat : Dating
AI billboard visualises real-time sun damage in UV awareness campaign

News

AI billboard visualises real-time sun damage in UV awareness campaign

A new study by the British Skin Foundation reveals that 38% of Britons have already been sunburnt in 2025 – with Gen Z (35%) and Millennials (30%) ...
Advertising : Health And Wellness : Beauty
Wimbledon elevates fan engagement with AI-powered digital experiences

News

Wimbledon elevates fan engagement with AI-powered digital experiences

The All England Lawn Tennis Club and IBM have unveiled an AI-powered experience designed to deepen audience engagement and enhance match under...
Wimbledon : Sports : Entertainment
Stat: Gen Alpha lead the charge in back-to-school shopping

News

Stat: Gen Alpha lead the charge in back-to-school shopping

Children and teenagers are now the primary decision-makers in back-to-school shopping, according to a new global study by SuperAwesome.
Retail : Gen Alpha : Statistic
The Fashion Innovation Agency debuts 3D garment volumetric capture service

News

The Fashion Innovation Agency debuts 3D garment volumetric capture service

The Fashion Innovation Agency at London College of Fashion has launched Reskinning Reality, the UK’s first 3D garment volumetric capture service ai...
Fashion : Technology : Virtual Fashion
You have 0 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN