LSN : Daily Signals : 31 : 01 : 24

Join us for our free New Codes of Luxury in Saudi Arabia webinar

Ithra Culture Center by Saudi Aramco, Dhahran. Photography by Ahmad Alnaji, Saudi Arabia

Global – Under the framework of its Vision 2030 programme, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is entering a new era of innovation and enterprise while emerging as an influential hub for luxury – one that is opening its doors to the world and embracing transformation at a remarkable pace and scale.

On 20 February, at 11:00am–11:45am GMT (2:00pm–2:45pm KSA), The Future Laboratory, in partnership with Together Group, will host a free webinar during which experts will discuss Saudi Arabia’s dynamic luxury market.

Join us and discover unparalleled and meaningful insight into the emerging trends, shifting mindsets and new behaviours among the Kingdom’s luxury consumers. You will also gain exclusive access to insights from entrepreneurs at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s cultural industries, coupled with proprietary data from The Future Laboratory’s FuturePoll™ survey of affluent KSA nationals.

This 45-minute Zoom session, hosted by Chris Sanderson, co-founder and chief creative officer of The Future Laboratory, and Alex Hawkins, strategic foresight editor, will present a clear view of the key success factors for a new generation of experiences, destinations and brands.

To coincide with the event, we will be launching an accompanying New Codes of Luxury in Saudi Arabia report, which will be available to download free on the day. To attend the webinar and receive the full report, sign up here.

The Adam Sheet is a textile made entirely from apple waste

Adam Sheet by Sozai Center, Japan

Japan – Meet a new contender in the biomaterials arena – the Adam Sheet, a see-through fabric made entirely from apple waste.

In the apple-producing Aomori Prefecture in Japan, discarded apple waste is so abundant it poses an environmental problem. Studio Sozai Center is alleviating the issue by repurposing apple waste as the main component of a new biomaterial. The studio has developed a process recycling the pomace, using all parts of the apple from stem to peel. Apples are ground into a powder that is later moulded into textile sheets. The result is the Adam Sheet, a translucent, washable and scratch-resistant fabric that can be used to produce apparel, accessories and indoor furniture. Unlike other apple leathers on the market, the sheets are made without artificial colouring, an intentional decision which means the fabric retains the natural reddish-brown shade of apples.

To find out more on recent developments in eco-positive materials, head to Waste Re-invented in our Innovation Debrief 2023–2024.

Strategic opportunity

As repurposing waste streams in design is becoming common practice, business can capitalise on the value of natural shades in design. Instead of aiming for flawless, homogeneous finishes, consider opting for imperfect hues in a nod to nature’s irregularities

L’École Van Cleef & Arpels: a hub of jewellery arts in Paris

L’École des Arts Joailliers at Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau. Photography by Benjamin Chelly, France

France – Paris has welcomed an exciting addition to its cultural landscape with the opening of L’École Van Cleef & Arpels. This prestigious institution, renowned for its dedication to the art of jewellery, has unveiled a new multi-faceted space in the heart of the city.

Established in 2012 with the support of the iconic jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels, L’École has expanded its footprint to offer an expansive learning centre, exhibition space, bookstore and a well-equipped library. Here, visitors can delve into the fascinating world of jewellery, from gemmology to the history of this art form, and even learn specialised techniques like setting and lacquer design. L’Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels aligns with insights from our macrotrend report Luxury Recrafted, which reveals the importance of safeguarding specialist skills and nurturing talent for the survival of luxury brands.

Housed in the neo-classical Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, this institution is committed to inclusivity, offering free admission to all. Nicolas Bos, president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, emphasises its mission to make the world of jewellery accessible to a wide audience. Renowned designer Constance Guisset has masterfully blended 19th-century architectural heritage with a modern, fluid layout, ensuring that L’École Van Cleef & Arpels is a place where the past and present co-exist harmoniously.

Strategic opportunity

Tomorrow’s luxurians will be influenced by compelling narratives about history and savoir-faire. As a business, look at creative ways to educate young consumers about your brand’s heritage through exhibitions, craft workshops or even virtual archives

Stat: Gen Z news consumption is mostly through social media video

Photography by Maltchique, Damn Good Advice Production, US

US – In a stark shift from traditional news consumption, a January 2024 Morning Consult study in the US reveals that nearly three in five members of Generation Z (63%) turn to social media weekly for news, overshadowing broadcast news (27%) and cable news (30%). This challenges news organisations, especially as Gen Z lean towards lifestyle and entertainment content such as music, films and food over politics, business and religion.

As the 2024 election looms, news outlets face a double bind – Gen Z’s lack of interest in hard news and their reluctance to engage with traditional platforms. According to the study, platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram even outshine Google Search for news consumption among young consumers. Gen Z also overwhelmingly favour video content over articles, emphasising the importance of a dynamic video strategy for news publishers.

As news organisations grapple with reaching young audiences, the data suggests a need to balance political coverage with engaging lifestyle content, using social media platforms like TikTok to remain relevant in the evolving media landscape. In The New News, we analyse how, as consumers seek an alternative to the 24-hour news cycle, media outlets are racing to re-invent themselves for the next generation.

Strategic opportunity

A video content strategy is crucial to reach Gen Z consumers. How can your marketing team channel the interest of this young generation in lifestyle videos on social media platforms with native content that feels relevant to them?