News 27.08.2021

Need to Know

MadeGood recruits optimistic youth to tackle food insecurity, Billboard’s new chart celebrates social media creators and men's make-up takes off in Japan

Snack brand MadeGood helps kids 'un-wreck the future’

Un-wreck The Future by MadeGood

US and Canada – With younger generations increasingly taking an active role in supporting social and environmental change, snack brand MadeGood is using this behaviour with the launch of a brand platform called Un-wreck The Future. The platform’s open call asks budding change-makers to submit a one-minute video outlining the steps they’ve taken to address food insecurity in their community.

To promote the launch, a campaign film by advertising agency Broken Heart Love Affair highlights the youthful optimism within a group of children sharing ideas on urgent issues. In this way, the project echoes the motives outlined by Regenerative Futures – a social change initiative powered by Generation Z. ‘We see this campaign as an opportunity to support a movement already in progress and help inspire others to do the same,’ says Milana Kleidman, brand manager for MadeGood.

For more on the ways that young people are working together to challenge and transform outdated societal systems, delve into our Reformation Generation report.

Strategic opportunity

Across sectors, brands and retailers should work with young people to source new ideas relating to social, political and environmental change. Consider facilitating workshops to generate inspiration and empower the next generation.

Al Bon marketplace champions Arab artisans

Al Bon, Saudi Arabia Al Bon, Saudi Arabia
Al Bon, Saudi Arabia Al Bon, Saudi Arabia

SWANA – Providing a platform for artisans operating in the SWANA region, Al Bon is an e-commerce site spotlighting Arab craftsmanship. The digital marketplace offers furniture, artworks, fashion garments and gifts, among other products. Each unique piece comes as part of a curated selection of makers from across the region, with proceeds from the platform’s sales used to support Arab businesses, families and non-profit organisations.

Through this initiative, the retailer supports artisans by celebrating and preserving local heritage while connecting them to global audiences. Al Bon was created to help preserve Arab craftsmanship and highlight the diverse talent in our community,’ say the founders of Al Bon. By bringing attention to the region’s craft traditions and heritage, our goal is that the Al Bon marketplace will make it easier for customers to find these independent brands and to discover the stories behind each artist and designer.

Elsewhere, we recently identified a selection of innovators that are pioneering cause-driven retail and similarly making a positive impact on people and the planet.

Strategic opportunity

Existing retailers can create dedicated verticals or microsites to spotlight artisans from different regions. When doing this, ensure you accurately represent the materials and processes associated with specific products and creators

This alternative music chart ranks content creators

US – Music magazine Billboard is partnering with technology brand Logitech to introduce a ranking system for digital creators who are driving music consumption. The Song Breaker Chart will rank digital creators on a monthly basis, giving recognition to the songs that break into Billboard Charts because of popular memes and dance challenges.

By doing this, the two brands are responding to the changing landscape of music at a time when Generation Z are increasingly seeking democratised music communities. ‘Every day we see new trends exploding in popularity across social media platforms and we are beyond thrilled to highlight these breakthrough creators who are redefining stardom in the music industry,’ said Julian Holguin, president of Billboard.

Since 2018, we’ve been tracking the rise of Social Media Music and the ongoing opportunities for artists to create music with people’s digital habits in mind. Now, this strategy is more relevant than ever as platforms like TikTok continue to lead the way in new music discovery.

Song Breaker Chart by Billboard and Logitech

Strategic opportunity

Music streaming services should take cues from Billboard and actively spotlight the creators that are driving traffic through their content. Meanwhile, artists themselves can similarly use their reach to profile digital creators.

Stat: Japan’s young men spend big on make-up

Instagram influencer NoyNam Instagram influencer NoyNam

In Japan, there is growing interest in men’s make-up, despite an overall fall in cosmetics sales in the country. The rise is particularly apparent among Generation Z, according to research from data firm Intage, as reported by Nikkei Asia.

The study shows that this group spend about 20% more a month on cosmetics than the overall population. And while Japan’s cosmetics market contracted by 11% as a whole in 2020, the men’s cosmetics sector grew 4% to £247m (¥37.3bn, $339m, €288.4m). According to Intage, this growth is linked to a rise in video calling during the pandemic. ‘People see their own faces on the screen more often, and this sparked men’s interest in cosmetics,’ says Intage.

We’ve been tracking the rise of men’s make-up in East Asia through the lens of Soft Masculinity – with more people embracing a softer, more delicate and visibly feminine look as an antidote to conventional ideals about being a man.

Strategic opportunity

To appeal to this demographic, create products that allow men to achieve a natural look and imbue confidence in digital spaces. Consider also experimenting with more expressive elements that will appeal to early adopters of men’s cosmetics.

Previous News Articles
The Future Laboratory and Bacardi investigate cocktail culture in 2025

News

The Future Laboratory and Bacardi investigate cocktail culture in 2025

Bacardi, in collaboration with The Future Laboratory, has released its cocktail trend report for 2025, forecasting a transformative year for the sp...
Drink : Spirits : Food
LG Display unveils world’s first stretchable display with 50% expandability

News

LG Display unveils world’s first stretchable display with 50% expandability

LG Display has achieved a major milestone in display technology with the launch of the world’s first stretchable display, capable of expanding by u...
Technology : Design : AI
New research finds that cannabinol significantly improves sleep

News

New research finds that cannabinol significantly improves sleep

Researchers from the University of Sydney’s Lambert Initiative have found new evidence supporting cannabinol (CBN) as an effective sleep aid.
Health : Wellness : Medicine
Stat: Teens face weekly exposure to conspiracy theories

News

Stat: Teens face weekly exposure to conspiracy theories

A new study by the News Literacy Project reveals that teens encounter conspiracy theories on their social media feeds at least once a week, yet mos...
Pop Culture : Youth : Media
Chester Zoo rebrands as a force for nature

News

Chester Zoo rebrands as a force for nature

Chester Zoo has unveiled a rebrand developed in partnership with branding agency How&How. 
Sustainability : Design : Advertising
Gobi Cashmere revitalises brand identity with Mongolian roots

News

Gobi Cashmere revitalises brand identity with Mongolian roots

Mongolian cashmere giant Gobi has unveiled a refreshed brand identity deeply rooted in its heritage and sustainable ethos.
Culture : Design : Fashion
Mall of the Emirates reveals new arts hub with musicals, plays and shows in mind

News

Mall of the Emirates reveals new arts hub with musicals, plays and shows in mind

Mall of the Emirates is set to debut New Covent Garden, a cultural landmark for Dubai’s thriving arts scene.
Retail : Entertainment : UAE
Stat: Demand for green talent surges as supply struggles to keep pace

News

Stat: Demand for green talent surges as supply struggles to keep pace

The global drive for sustainability is transforming job markets, with demand for green talent increasing annually by 5.9% between 2021 and 2024, ac...
Sustainability : Workplace : Youth
Elie Saab marks 45 years with a show of unapologetic grandeur

News

Elie Saab marks 45 years with a show of unapologetic grandeur

Elie Saab, a master of haute couture, celebrated the 45th anniversary of his eponymous fashion house in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fashion : Luxury : Design
Friendswithyou, fuzzy AI robots exhibition opens at Cleveland Public Library

News

Friendswithyou, fuzzy AI robots exhibition opens at Cleveland Public Library

Art duo FriendsWithYou has unveiled The BAND, a playful installation of five fuzzy, autonomous robots at Cleveland Public Library.
Design : Technology : Youth
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