News 05.08.2025

News

New AI model turns singular text prompt into virtual worlds, Rare Beauty launches debut fragrance and customisable layering balms and how luxury and online retail are fuelling men’s skincare boom.

Tencent’s AI model generates virtual worlds from a single text prompt

Tencent, China

China – Tencent has launched an open-source AI model, Hunyuan3D World Model 1.0, that allows users to generate complex 3D environments from a single text prompt or image.

The release of this new model marks a significant advance in generative AI, enabling creators to quickly build detailed 3D worlds. The tool transforms simple inputs into full 360-degree panoramic scenes, complete with editable object meshes that can be exported directly to major platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine. Tencent touts it as the first open-source model of its kind to offer such comprehensive world generation.

The Hunyuan3D suite, which also includes the asset-generation tool Hunyuan3D 2.0, now allows users not only to build entire virtual worlds but also to populate them with characters and other elements. This integration streamlines the creative process for professionals in VR, game design and digital art, offering a powerful, accessible solution for rapid content creation.

For more insights on how early adopters are using real-time AI-powered simulation engines, read The Future Laboratory’s and Together Group’s New Codes of Luxury: Immersive Technologies for Transformation report.

Strategic opportunity

Consider how to use AI-generated 3D worlds and assets to build virtual showrooms, branded environments, try-before-you-buy interfaces and experiential marketing

Rare Beauty launches debut fragrance and customisable layering balms

Rare Beauty, US Rare Beauty, US
Rare Beauty, US Rare Beauty, US

Global – Rare Beauty has entered the fragrance market with a debut scent that reflects its feel-good ethos. Rare Eau de Parfum, created in France with Byredo collaborator Jérôme Epinette, blends caramel, pistachio and vanilla with spiced notes of ginger and sandalwood.

Its launch is accompanied by four Fragrance Layering Balms – Amber Vanilla, Floral Peony Blossom, Fresh Bergamot and Woody Oak – designed for scent personalisation and pulse-point layering.

The fragrance’s gold-capped bottle was created with hand therapists and packaging engineers to ensure easy use for people with dexterity issues. It can be activated using one finger, four fingers or the palm. Vegan, paraben-free and dermatologist-tested, the £71 ($94, €83) scent will be sold exclusively at Sephora from 7 August 2025. Rare Beauty will also donate 1% of sales to its Rare Impact Fund.

In our Future Forecast 2025: Beauty report, we explored how fragrance is shifting beyond olfactory benefits to become a tool for mood regulation, personal expression and play. By launching layer balms, Rare Beauty stands out in a saturated market by empowering consumers to co-create a scent that reflects their daily shifts in mood, identity and intention.

Strategic opportunity

Fragrance and beauty brands should offer buildable, layerable formats that invite personalisation – from scent balms to mixable pigments – turning routines into rituals of self-expression

Stat: Luxury and online retail fuel men’s skincare boom

Lotus Herbals, India Lotus Herbals, India

Global – The men’s skincare market is projected to be worth £21.05bn ($27.99bn, €24.20bn) by 2031, according to a report by Research and Markets. Shifting gender norms, increasing self-care awareness and digital access to beauty knowledge are driving demand, with urban lifestyles and pollution further boosting routine adoption.

Growth is greatest in North America, where consumers favour natural ingredients, multi-functional products and clinically backed solutions. Once dominant, shaving products are losing ground to moisturisers, sunscreens and serums, particularly among Millennial and Gen Z men experimenting with advanced regimens.

While mid-priced products account for the largest market share, luxury skincare is gaining traction among urban consumers willing to pay for high-quality formulations. Online retail is the fastest-growing channel, enhanced by AR tools, reviews and influencer-led marketing. 

Our India’s Beauty Playground report explores the booming men’s grooming market, especially among young men, who are placing greater emphasis on skincare and moving away from outdated stereotypes linking grooming solely with metrosexuality.

Strategic opportunity

Develop campaigns and products that embrace fluid approaches to masculinity, aligning with men’s growing appetite for wellness and skincare rituals

Previous News Articles
Mastercard launches AI-powered stories for commuters

News

Mastercard launches AI-powered stories for commuters

Mastercard has launched its Transit Tales campaign, which tailors classic stories to the length of commuters’ journeys.
Audiobooks : Australian : Commuters
Foresight Friday: Rose Coffey, senior foresight analyst

News

Foresight Friday: Rose Coffey, senior foresight analyst

Every Friday, The Future Laboratory team offers an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, ...
Soft Sports : Digital Detox : Asics
Stat: Tech-savvy Gen Z interns see AI as a career tool, not a threat

News

Stat: Tech-savvy Gen Z interns see AI as a career tool, not a threat

Gen Z is entering the workforce with a pragmatic view of artificial intelligence and enthusiasm for in-person mentorship. 
Work : Technology : AI
Irn-Bru revives Made in Scotland from Girders slogan

News

Irn-Bru revives Made in Scotland from Girders slogan

Irn-Bru is reviving its iconic Made in Scotland from Girders slogan in a campaign led by advertising agency Lucky Generals.
Food And Drink : Brand Humour : Advertising
Busan International Film Festival to host singalong screening of KPop Demon Hunters

News

Busan International Film Festival to host singalong screening of KPop Demon Hunters

A singalong screening of Netflix’s breakout show, KPop Demon Hunters, will take place at the Busan International Film Festival in September 2025.
Kpop : Streaming : Cinema
Stat: Australians turn to podcasts and radio for regular entertainment

News

Stat: Australians turn to podcasts and radio for regular entertainment

More than half of Australians aged 10 and over (52%) listen to or watch podcasts each month, according to new data published in The Infinite D...
Statistic : Podast : Media
Selena Gomez taps Tajín for Rare Beauty’s first collaboration

News

Selena Gomez taps Tajín for Rare Beauty’s first collaboration

Rare Beauty has unveiled its first-ever collaboration, teaming up with Mexican seasoning brand Tajín on a limited-edition lip and cheek set.
Beauty : Food : Collaboration
Single mothers in China are moving in together to ease the financial burden of child-rearing

News

Single mothers in China are moving in together to ease the financial burden of child-rearing

An increasing number of single mothers in China are moving in together to ease the financial, emotional and practical challenges of raising childre...
Single Parents : China : Only Child
Stat: Cannabis-infused drinks reshape America’s after-work rituals

News

Stat: Cannabis-infused drinks reshape America’s after-work rituals

A growing number of young American professionals are swapping post-work alcoholic beverages for cannabis-infused alternatives, signalling a cultura...
Statistic : Cannabis : Alcohol
Gap and Katseye tap into new-nostalgia for autumn 2025 denim campaign

News

Gap and Katseye tap into new-nostalgia for autumn 2025 denim campaign

Gap has unveiled its autumn 2025 Better in Denim campaign, fronted by global girl group Katseye.
Fashion : Nostalgia : Pop Culture
You have 1 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN