News 02.06.2021

Need To Know

Exploring algae’s place in future urban design, Wacoal’s AI app enables accurate bra self-measuring and UAE drivers switch to second-hand vehicles.

An exhibit exploring algae’s architectural future

Bit.Bio.Bot by EcoLogicStudio, Italy
Bit.Bio.Bot by EcoLogicStudio, Italy
Bit.Bio.Bot by EcoLogicStudio, Italy

Venice – Algae could play a vital role in the future of urban architecture, according to the latest exhibition from design practice EcoLogicStudio.

On show at the Venice Architecture Biennale, the studio’s Bit.Bio.Bot exhibition invites visitors to grow their own algae and consider future use cases for the biomaterial in urban design. Having worked with the resource for the past decade, EcoLogicStudio is further experimenting with the architectural applications of algae – presenting the idea of ‘living cladding’ that allows walls to become air purifiers, and vertical gardens for algae farming.

‘Bit.Bio.Bot contributes to questioning and redesigning… which led us to the current health crisis,’ explains Claudia Pasquero, co-founder of EcoLogicStudio. ‘If we, collectively, daily and locally, will contribute to transforming air pollutants and water contaminants into highly nutritious aliments, there will be fewer opportunities for unbalanced viral ecologies [to] cause us harm.’

By highlighting the multiple use cases of algae in architectural design, this exhibition points to an urban future imbued Air-purifying Algae.

Netflix is co-designing a high-end fashion line

Halston and Netflix Halston and Netflix
Halston and Netflix Halston and Netflix

US – The streaming platform is collaborating with luxury label Halston on a capsule collection as a form of cross-promotion for both brands.

Created in line with the release of Netflix’s new biopic of the designer, the 10-piece collection will include gowns inspired by archival Halston designs featured in the series. The garments are the result of a partnership between Robert Rodriguez, chief creative officer at Halston, and Jeriana San Juan, the Netflix series' costume designer, with both creatives recognising the opportunity to ‘…bring back iconic gowns that Halston himself created, but re-interpret them to make them more modern.’

Through this collaboration, Rodriguez hopes to connect the brand with new and younger audiences. He says: ‘Netflix has such enormous reach that the show is going to introduce a younger generation to the brand that did not know Halston. It will bring the Halston name back.’

To discover more about the ways in which luxury brands are experimenting with media partnerships, delve into Luxtainment.

Wacoal’s AI app augments bra fittings

My BraFit, Wacoal, US My BraFit, Wacoal, US

New York – Intimate apparel brand Wacoal is launching an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered app to support its customers in accurately determining their bra size.

Dubbed mybraFit, the app takes measurements through a secure body scan that considers details such as breast tissue type, shoulder slope and preferred fit. An in-built proprietary algorithm considers all shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities to create a detailed recommendation. After using the app, customers will receive an email containing their suggested cup size and band number, along with product recommendations from Wacoal.

‘For too long, the industry has relied on the consumer to provide the information needed for accurate sizing,’ says Miryha Fantegrossi, vice-president of merchandising and design at Wacoal America. ‘The mybraFit app is a transformative solution, and by using our vast knowledge of fit and style expertise, we've created a personalised, time-efficient and foolproof sizing tool for everyone.’

This innovation showcases ongoing design development in the Digital Fit sector, reflecting the continued demand for intelligent tools that support e-commerce experiences.

Stat: UAE car-buyers favour second-hand vehicles

Vision Urbanaut by Mini, UK Vision Urbanaut by Mini, UK

According to research by YouGov, drivers in the UAE show the highest demand for new vehicles when compared with Australia, Germany, Britain and the US.

Two in five drivers based in the UAE plan to buy a new car in the next 12 months, while in Britain and Germany, fewer than one in 10 people are looking for a new vehicle.

Interestingly, almost a quarter (23%) of UAE drivers would like to buy a second-hand car in the next 12 months. This percentage is similarly high in Australia, where 19% are seeking second-hand vehicles, but just 8% of Britons and 7% of Germans report the same mindset.

While the UAE is less commonly associated with pre-owned products than other regions, the automotive sector has the potential to drive new behaviours in second-hand purchasing. With this in mind, brands have an opportunity to court these new car-buyers with engaging automotive retail concepts.

Previous News Articles
JD Sports celebrates modern families in Christmas campaign

News

JD Sports celebrates modern families in Christmas campaign

JD Sports is redefining the meaning of family this holiday season with its 2024 Christmas campaign, Family.
Society : Identities : Home
Louis Le Joly Senoville debuts wearable chess set

News

Louis Le Joly Senoville debuts wearable chess set

Central Saint Martins graduate Louis Le Joly Senoville has introduced a groundbreaking wearable chess set as his final-year project.
Design : Fashion : Sport
Foresight Friday: Fiona Harkin, director of foresight

News

Foresight Friday: Fiona Harkin, director of foresight

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. Here, direc...
Foresight
Stat: Sober Christmas parties are on the rise

News

Stat: Sober Christmas parties are on the rise

Christmas celebrations are being reshaped because of shifting consumer attitudes to alcohol, with health, inclusivity and experiential elements dri...
Society : Holidays : Food & Drink
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
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