LSN : News : Foresight Friday: Alice Crossley, foresight analyst

Vaseline launches world’s first skincare product for transgender women

Transition Body Lotion by Vaseline, Singapore

Thailand – Vaseline has taken a significant step towards inclusivity with the release of its Transition Body Lotion, the first skincare product specifically designed for transgender women, whose skin can suffer from greater dryness due to hormonal imbalances.

Developed over two years in conjunction with Ogilvy Singapore, the product incorporates ingredients such as niacinamide and isoflavones.

Launched on International Transgender Day of Visibility, the lotion has been introduced in Thailand, where it quickly sold out in numerous Watsons health and beauty stores. Purchase intent soared 725% above the benchmark.

Louis Piereck, senior global brand director of Vaseline said in a statement: ‘It’s not every day that the agency responds to a communication brief with a product idea. But when that product idea fits perfectly to your brand purpose, you just gotta do it.’

For more best-in-class case studies on inclusivity, head to our Identities topic.

Strategic opportunity

Consider developing products that cater to underserved or marginalised communities. Identify unique needs and collaborate with advocacy groups to design products that address these

Morrama and Phoenix design planet-conscious Tela suitcase collection

Tela Luggage Range by Pheonix in collaboration with Morrama, Italy

Italy – Design consultancy Morrama has partnered with Italian luggage brand Phoenix to introduce the Tela range. Launching in June 2024, the three pastel-coloured, minimalist suitcases are designed with sustainability, durability and aesthetics in mind.

The Tela range embodies four core principles: design for disassembly, circularity, modularity and desire. The shell is made from aerospace-grade polycarbonate, with 30% recycled materials. Inside, the traditional textile cover is removed to reduce materials and increase packing space. All components, including wheels and handles, are easily replaceable with a screwdriver. Additionally, Phoenix offers a take-back scheme to repair and recycle old suitcases, promoting a circular lifecycle.

Each suitcase features a blank front, intended as a canvas for personalisation. ‘We kept the front face of the suitcase free from distractions. Every bump, scratch and sticker is a travel memory,’ explains Jo Barnard, founder and CEO of Morrama. ‘The design also serves as a blank slate for future artist collaborations.’

The Tela collection represents a step towards sustainable travel accessories, blending thoughtful design with environmental responsibility by focusing on disassembly and modularity.

Strategic opportunity

Brands can capitalise on the growing demand for sustainable travel products by integrating modular features that enhance both usability and environmental impact

Foresight Friday: Alice Crossley, foresight analyst

Victoria Ling for The Future Laboratory

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, deputy foresight editor Alice Crossley discusses Joe & The Juice’s collaboration with Nick Kyrgios, Nike Women's new zine and astro beauty.

: Joe & The Juice is celebrating Wimbledon season by launching The Big Smash, a protein shake in collaboration with tennis champ Nick Kyrgios. In our recent Functional Feasting macrotrend, we looked at the rise of the status snack and how small indulgences such as pastries and smoothies have become the go-to for buzzy brand collaborations. Something tells me Joe & The Juice is teeing its protein shakes up to be the UK equivalent of the famed Erewhon smoothie...

: Meanwhile, Nike Women has published a zine spotlighting female athletes ahead of the Olympics — long live print!

: Harry Styles’ brand Pleasing is back with the launch of a cosmos-inspired nail polish collection with product names such as Cow Jumped Over The Moon and Space Pink. To celebrate the launch the brand has opened AstroMilk Bar, a space-themed American diner pop-up in Chicago. Is this the beauty equivalent of Cosmic Couture?

Quote of the Week

‘Sports is blowing up right now, it is like the year of sports’

Jen Sargent, CEO of Wondery, speaking at Cannes Lion

Stat: Recent study by Slack Workforce Lab highlights the AI gender gap in experimentation

FutureSchool.AI, branding by Studio Alessia Oertel, Asia

Global – Gen Z is growing up in the age of AI-powered large language models such as ChatGPT and Gemini AI. However, a significant issue looms over this tech-savvy generation: the AI gender gap. A recent study by Slack Workforce Lab reveals that men aged 18 to 29 are 25% more likely to have experimented with artificial intelligence technology than their female counterparts.

Christina Janzer, head of Slack Workforce Lab, expressed surprise at this disparity. ‘I don’t know why Gen Z women are less likely to try [AI] than Gen Z men,’ Janzer told Fast Company. ‘To me, it’s a very big wake-up call that leaders need to do everything they can to enable everyone to use AI.’

This gap poses a professional disadvantage for Gen Z women as AI tools become more integrated into workplaces. The study found that 35% of men reported testing AI technology in their jobs, compared to only 29% of women. Among all generations, Gen Z showed the widest AI gender gap.

For more insights on the latest insights and innovations in AI, head to our AI topic.

Strategic opportunity

How can your business ensure equal AI experimentation for all employees? Focus on introducing AI responsibly to the workplace to ensure fair adoption and education