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Tiny Associates is creating post-natural skincare

Tiny Associates, Sweden

Sweden – With many naturally derived cosmetic ingredients having a damaging impact on the planet, the skincare brand is creating an alternative solution using bio-technology. For its post-natural skincare, the brand aims to challenge the beauty industry’s reliance on natural or clean products.

Launching with five skincare products, Tiny Associates products are microbiome-gentle, and draw on molecules that naturally occur in human skin. Through this approach, the brand aims to support both people and the planet, as well as future-proofing the wider beauty industry. ‘In essence, we believe that bio-technologically made molecules could be the future of sustainable skincare,’ explains David Koo Hjalmarsson, CEO and founder of Tiny Associates. ‘Bio-technology could actually offer the cosmetics industry a frictionless transition to more sustainable ingredients.’

As supplies of raw ingredients dwindle, innovations in bio-technology are emerging to encourage beauty brands and consumers to rethink conventional approaches to skincare.

Strategic opportunity

Bio-technology is emerging as a planet-first solution across sectors from beauty to food and drink. Consider working with scientific experts to experiment with such technologies

A roller-skating rink in the heart of New York

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at Rockefeller Center by Liberty Ross, US

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace by Liberty Ross, US

New York – Model turned entrepreneur Liberty Ross is opening a roller-skating rink at the Rockefeller Center, capitalising on the pandemic boom for new hobbies.

The new venue is a revival of Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, a skating rink set up by Ross’s father in the 1980s and described as ‘Studio 54 on wheels’. For three years, the club was the beating heart of West Hollywood’s art scene, said to be frequented by everyone from Elton John to Cher.

With the resurgence of retro and nostalgic hobbies, Ross decided it was the appropriate time to re-open Flipper’s to provide a health and community-orientated space for people to congregate in real life. The rink has been designed by Bureau Betak and includes food and dining areas, a viewing platform and a store, with events such as music performances and live DJ sets planned. 'At Flipper's, we believe in less scroll, more roll!’ explains Liberty Ross, co-founder of Flipper’s Boogie Palace.

By tapping into the rise of roller-skating among younger people in particular, and creating a space where they can meet offline, Flipper's is contributing to the Gen Z Hangout Market.

Strategic opportunity

When striving to create a new hangout space for younger generations, companies should consider reviving historic venues instead of creating something new

Brands unite to uplift London’s next-gen creatives

London – Swedish homeware retailer Ikea and fashion brand H&M are partnering to open a meeting and workplace for designers and makers in London.

The two companies are positioning the space, named Atelier100, as an 'ideas factory' that unites, mentors and promotes emerging creatives. By amalgamating next-gen thinkers, Atelier100 wants to establish more sustainable and hyper-local approaches to retail, with all products made using locally sourced materials, by manufacturers based within 100km of Trafalgar Square.

While initially launching in London, Ikea and H&M want to expand Atelier100 to global cities in future. Successful applicants to the programme will also receive funding and guidance to scale up their ideas. Here, the retailers are recognising their potential to nurture the next generation of talent through resources and education.

Such an adaptable strategy also reflects the ideas we explore in Elastic Brands, with businesses creating flexible solutions that allow their workforces and retail spaces to become transformable entities.

Atelier100 by H&M and Ingka Group (Ikea), UK

Strategic opportunity

Looking ahead, high street retailers can continue to create such solutions to support local communities, and move away from being solely focused on making transactions

Stat: The climate crisis is impacting communities

Food is power by Skyhigh Farm in collaboration with Playground Coffee Shop and Quil Lemons is a project dedicated to address food insecurity in underserved communities, US

Across the world, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the climate crisis. According to research by Amex Trendex, 73% of consumers have noticed the impact of the climate crisis and global heating on their local communities.

With 76% of respondents saying there is greater urgency to tackle the climate crisis, the research reveals that consumers are eager to change their behaviour to support companies with strong environmental credentials. Almost 80% of respondents said they would be more loyal to a company that prioritises the environment, while 75% said they would be willing to pay more for sustainable items.

Even though 84% of consumers say they want to learn more about how to help the environment, 65% of those polled said they have no idea how to reduce their carbon footprint. This demonstrates a strong opportunity for companies to use the lessons from our recent Neo-collectivism report to help communities make positive changes.