News 05.05.2020

Need to Know

Micrashell offers a solution for safe socialising, Deciem launches virtual skincare consultations and young Britons embrace unexpected hobbies.

Covid-19: A virus-proof suit for post-pandemic partying

Microshell by Production Club

Los Angeles – Production Club has designed a virus-proof, half-body suit concept to allow socialising without distancing.

Described as a 'virus-shielded, disinfectable suit', the Micrashall is a form of personal protective equipment for everyday citizens. As well as functional design features such as an air-filtration helmet and a clear shield for visibility, the suit also includes wireless voice communication, a video camera and an accompanying smartphone app.

With the events industry feeling the fallout from Covid-19, the Micrashell could offer a solution for large-scale events such as music festivals and sports events. ‘We believe events are essential to the human experience and create the memories that define our lives,’ explains Corey Johnson, head of special projects at Production Club.

In future, the Nightlife Market will have to continue to reinvent itself. For more scenarios and future-fit strategies, explore our new Covid-19 vertical.

Deciem's virtual consultations connect skincare experts

Deciem at Home by The Ordinary Deciem at Home by The Ordinary
Deciem at Home by The Ordinary Deciem at Home by The Ordinary

Canada – Deciem's new virtual consultation feature invites consumers to digitally connect with the brand's skincare experts.

The initiative, called Deciem at Home, will enable customers to video chat and share pictures of their skin concerns with beauty experts and brand ambassadors, in exchange for a recommended routine. Consumers then have the option of checking back with an expert three weeks later to check in on the progress of their skincare.

‘Skincare is deeply personal, and our audience deserves to receive dedicated advice before considering what may work for their specific needs,’ explains Nicola Kilner, co-founder at Deciem. ‘Deciem at Home will be an online reflection of the educated, human experience that our store ambassadors are so passionate about delivering daily.’

With remote consumption on the rise, retailers are recognising the importance of investing in multichannel communications that offer heightened levels of service and expertise.

This bespoke playlist offers wellness-inspired listening

Global – Spotify has launched a daily wellness playlist for listeners, including music and podcasts, which is updated each morning and evening.

The updates are based on users’ unique listening habits and preferences, with a focus on upbeat and motivational content for the mornings, and a more relaxing sample for the evenings. Featuring content such as inspirational podcasts to boost daily optimism, as well as breathing exercises, poetry and relaxing tracks, the playlist is intended to support overall wellbeing.

‘Taking a moment—or two—for yourself is especially important these days. With that in mind, Spotify is introducing Daily Wellness, a personalised mix of grounding motivational podcasts and feel-good music that can help you find positivity, mindfulness or peace throughout your day,’ explains Spotify. Following the outbreak of Covid-19, the streaming platform has reported a 31% year on year growth in the first quarter of 2020.

The wellness playlist reflects the rising importance of audio in health and wellbeing. For more, read our Music as Medicine microtrend.

Daily Wellness Playlist by Spotify

Stat: Young Brits are taking up traditional pastimes

A study by Mintel has shown that many Britons have been engaging in traditional pastimes including knitting and board games, with 31% of women and 28% of 16-24-year-olds choosing to spend time on these activities.

With much of the nation agreeing on their increased reliance on technology for communication, 38% say they have spent more time on video calls to family and friends. As a result, the research suggests some are increasingly opting for analogue activities to keep them busy.

While young people are using technology for work, education and keeping in touch with loved ones, they also seek balance. In our Teen Tech Welfare market, we explore how brands can actively support consumers in living more mindful digital lives.

Previous News Articles
East Japan Railway Company unveils a new era of high-speed rail

News

East Japan Railway Company unveils a new era of high-speed rail

East Japan Railway Company (JR-East) has revealed the first images of its cutting-edge E10 Shinkansen, designed by UK consultancy Tangerine.
Design : Health & Wellness : Mobility
Foresight Friday: Dan Hastings, deputy foresight editor

News

Foresight Friday: Dan Hastings, deputy foresight editor

Every Friday, we wrap up the topics, issues, ideas and viral moments everyone’s been discussing. This week, deputy foresight editor Dan Hastings de...
Foresight Friday : Netflix : Adolescence
Stat: Gen Alpha emerges as a power player in household spending

News

Stat: Gen Alpha emerges as a power player in household spending

A new study of 2,300 children aged 9–13 published by Razorfish reveals the rising influence of Gen Alpha in household purchasing decisions.
Youth : Society : Stat
ReBurberry brings repair and resale services to Selfridges

News

ReBurberry brings repair and resale services to Selfridges

In early March 2025, Burberry embraced circular fashion with ReBurberry, a pop-up offering repair, resale and customisation services at Selfridges.
Fashion : Sustainability : Luxury
NHS approves breakthrough tablet treatment for endometriosis

News

NHS approves breakthrough tablet treatment for endometriosis

Gedeon Richter’s Ryeqo daily tablet for endometriosis has received approval for use on the NHS.
Health & Wellness : Society : Endometriosis
Stat: Substack surpasses 5m subscriptions thanks to video and audio expansion

News

Stat: Substack surpasses 5m subscriptions thanks to video and audio expansion

Substack has hit a milestone of 5m subscriptions, up from 4m just four months ago, fuelled by a surge in political content and a push into video an...
Newsletters : Pop-culture & Media : Society
IFE 2025: The future of food as medicine

News

IFE 2025: The future of food as medicine

On day two of IFE 2025, industry experts tackled the urgent dietary health crisis, while unveiling key trends shaping the future of food and drink....
Food & Drink : Nutrition : New Era Nutrition
Brain Dead's Brooks Brothers California capsule collection re-invents Americana

News

Brain Dead's Brooks Brothers California capsule collection re-invents Americana

Streetwear brand Brain Dead and legacy American luxury brand Brooks Brothers have collaborated on an unexpected capsule collection, Brooks Brothers...
Fashion : Luxury : Design
Stat: Public opinion on sports betting remains divided in the US

News

Stat: Public opinion on sports betting remains divided in the US

Despite widespread legalisation, Americans remain split on the impact of sports betting.
Finance : Sports & Leisure : Society
IFE 2025: What’s hot (and cold) in drinks

News

IFE 2025: What’s hot (and cold) in drinks

IFE 2025, the UK’s leading food and drink trade show, kicked off in London on 17 March 2025, featuring more than 1,500 suppliers on the exhibitor f...
Events : Food & Drink : Technology
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN