Need to Know
12 : 04 : 22

US – Tuning in to the rising popularity of metaverse platforms, rapper Snoop Dogg is releasing a virtual music video within gaming platform The Sandbox. The video for his song House I Built features Snoop Dogg as a voxel avatar and was created using The Sandbox’s free user-generated tools.

By opting to create a video within a metaverse, the artist will connect with a new generation and set of music fans in a way that feels accessible and reflects fandom in the digital age. Beyond this meta music video, Snoop Dogg is also using The Sandbox to share exclusive content. ‘Today in The Sandbox, Snoop Dogg is building the Snoopverse, a place where his avatar can perform exclusive concerts only accessible to his fans,' explains Arthur Madrid, CEO and co-founder of The Sandbox.

As metaverse spaces continue to inform the worlds of work, socialising and entertainment, Snoop Dogg’s virtual music video sets an example to other brands and individuals hoping to enter the meta-tainment field.

Italy – The furniture company is expanding the reach of its design credentials by moving into the eyewear market. Presenting both core and design-led collections, Kartell eyewear comprises more than 100 sun and optical styles. For its design collection, each pair of glasses employs elements and materials derived from the brand’s archive, including its focus on transparent homewares.

In this way, Kartell has cleverly reframed its design language to enter the fashion and accessories sector. Such a crossover sets an example to other brands hoping to explore possibilities beyond signature products and ranges. Speaking about the decision to work in this area, Lorenza Luti, marketing and retail director at Kartell, says: ‘It’s a perfect fashion accessory, as we diversify our offer for our customers while maintaining our values, transferring our design philosophy, innovation and technology in industrial production to eyewear.’

While we’ve been tracking growing interest in the premium homeware market, this product range shows how sectors such as eyewear can borrow from other industries.

While the holy month of Ramadan is historically a time for sharing traditional foods, countries in the SWANA region are struggling to manage rising food costs. According to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the knock-on effect of the Ukraine crisis is putting further strain on already-rising costs of basic food staples in the region.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Price Index reveals that the cost of a basic food basket has increased by 351% in Lebanon in the past year – the highest in the region. This is followed by Syria, with a 97% rise, and Yemen at 81%. Two key diet staples, wheat flour and cooking oil, have drastically risen in price. In Syria, the cost of cooking oil has increased by 39%, while wheat flour is up 47% in Lebanon. These figures reveal how interconnected and interdependent many nations are for basic items.

Looking ahead, there is going to be increasing need for more adaptive and innovative food solutions that support nations in times of austerity.