News 13.05.2020

Need to Know

Algae-powered footwear, Swedish socially distanced dining, multi-sensory musical chairs, and anti-pollution growth in the male skincare market.

Synesthesia X1 elevates the musical experience

Synesthesia X1 by Synesthesia Lab

Japan – Synesthesia X1 is an experiential and holistic device created to make listeners feel fully absorbed in sound.

Incorporating two speakers and 44 haptic actuators, the reclined-chair device allows users to ‘see sounds’ and ‘hear colours’. With vibrations and light-focused technologies creating a multi-sensory experience, users are able to feel fully immersed in ‘a sensory musical experience where your body becomes the medium and your consciousness is honed,' according to its designers.

Encased within a giant cube, it invites people to discover heightened sound sensations as part of a whole body experience. With consumers increasingly prioritising experiences that focus on self-discovery over shared spectacles, Synesthesia X1 raises the bar for hyper personal, high tech listening experiences. For more, read our macrotrend on Enlightened States.

Algae shoes for sustainable families

Native Shoes Native Shoes
Native Shoes Native Shoes

Canada – Native Shoes is expanding its 'waste-to-wellness' footwear line with the launch of Rise by Bloom, a new range of slip on shoes made from algae.

With consumers becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of fashion, the need for more Sustainable Footwear is especially front of mind. As such, the brand’s new collection is formulated with a two-fold process in which toxic algae is swept from lakes and freshwater ecosystems and transformed into a high-performance material for their functional footwear.

To further their sustainable mission, Native Shoes have also integrated Bloom-based technology in their Jefferson Kids range. Created as part of a wider eco-initiative, the brand has a goal of giving 100% of their shoes an end of life solution by 2023.

Covid-19: Sweden’s ‘Table for one’ restaurant

Sweden – A one table, one person restaurant, called Bord för En, has opened in the country of Värmland in west-central Sweden as a conceptual dining initiative.

Located in the middle of a meadow, the food is sent to the solitary diner via a basket on a string from the chef’s kitchen window. Created by Rasmus Persson and Linda Karlsson, the concept was inspired by the couple’s own experience of self-isolation and delivering food to family members.

The three-course, vegetarian menu is created by Persson, with drinks by acclaimed Swedish bar Joel Söderbäck. Recognising that everyone is in a different situation due to Covid-19, the restaurant operates on a ‘pay what you can’ basis.

The food and drinks industry has experienced dramatic impacts since Covid-19. All catering businesses, from restaurants to delivery services, are having to operate according to contingency plans. But none have gone to such extremes as this... yet. To keep up to speed with the latest developments in this industry, go to our Food & Drink section.

Bord for En

Stat: Men’s anti-pollution skincare set for significant growth

Male skincare by Disco, US Male skincare by Disco, US

According to a new report by Technavio, the men’s skincare market is set to grow by £803m ($1bn, €915m) during 2020-2024.

Overall, the CAGR is expected to progress at about 3% during the forecast period. The research also shows that 52% of the men’s skincare demand between 2020 and 2024 will originate in the APAC area, with a key driver being the growth of anti-pollution skincare products for men. Technavio reports that rapid increase in urbanisation, industrialisation and pollution has led to the deterioration of air quality – and therefore a major impact on skincare needs.

With people living in cities increasingly impacted by Smog Life, anti-pollution skincare is becoming essential for consumers.

Previous News Articles
SXSW London 2025: The Store of 2050 and Minecraft’s chicken jockey opportunity

News

SXSW London 2025: The Store of 2050 and Minecraft’s chicken jockey opportunity

On day two of SXSW London, the panel Retail Remix: The Store of 2050 brought together executives from Co-op, Mondelez International and creative ag...
Pop Culture & Media : Technology : Branding
Nike and Lego team up on creative play experiences and products

News

Nike and Lego team up on creative play experiences and products

Nike and the Lego Group have launched a global partnership to inspire kids through active and creative play, combining sport and imagination.
Technology : Nike : Lego
Stat: Consumers globally are buying clothes they never wear

News

Stat: Consumers globally are buying clothes they never wear

According to Statista Consumer Insights, a notable number of shoppers admit to buying clothes they never wear – a wasteful habit most common among ...
Fashion : Retail : Sustainability
SXSW London 2025: Biological age, AI-powered abundance and Substack’s in-person future

News

SXSW London 2025: Biological age, AI-powered abundance and Substack’s in-person future

The first edition of SXSW in London brought hundreds of visitors to Shoreditch for a mix of music, film, experiential workshops and forward-thinkin...
Pop Culture & Media : Global Events : Wellness
QuiteLike unveils rebranding to inspire joyful home cooking

News

QuiteLike unveils rebranding to inspire joyful home cooking

Meal kit brand QuiteLike has unveiled a striking rebranding designed to elevate dinnertime beyond mere convenience.
Food And Drink : Advertising & Branding : Design
Stat: US teen beauty spending soars to record high fuelled by fragrance boom

News

Stat: US teen beauty spending soars to record high fuelled by fragrance boom

Teen beauty spending in the US has surged to record levels, according to Piper Sandler’s latest Taking Stock With Teens report.
Beauty : Gen Alpha : Gen Alpha Consumers
Oura flips the script on ageing in new Give Us the Finger campaign

News

Oura flips the script on ageing in new Give Us the Finger campaign

Oura is challenging cultural norms around ageing with its latest brand campaign, Give Us the Finger.
Health And Wellness : Longevity Lifestyles : Technology
Oxford Economics Global Cities Index launches 2025 report

News

Oxford Economics Global Cities Index launches 2025 report

Global urban influence is shifting, according to the newly released Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2025.
Society : Cities : Oxford Economics
Stat: Consumer confidence is on the rise in the US

News

Stat: Consumer confidence is on the rise in the US

Consumer confidence in the US partially recovered in May after five consecutive months of decline, according to The Conference Board.
Retail : Value : Consumer Confidence
Elf taps into adventure culture with mid-ocean skincare drop

News

Elf taps into adventure culture with mid-ocean skincare drop

Beauty brand Elf cosmetics has orchestrated a high-impact cultural intervention by airdropping a skincare package to solo sailor Oliver Widger, who...
Beauty : Social Media : Culture
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