–Designer Keiichi Matsuda explores the “dystopian future of the workplace” in his new mini-film, reimagining productivity and work flows in the age of augmented reality, writes Dezeen.
–A Japanese company is pioneering “space entertainment” with artificial meteor showers, says Wired.
–Veganism moves into hospitality with Hilton’s new Vegan Suite, which features eco-cotton flooring, soybean-silk curtains and buckwheat pillows, announces The Times.
–Machu Picchu is the latest landmark to crack down on tourism, shares Conde Nast Traveler.
–Fast Company describes new startup The Farmer’s Dog, which offers fresh dog food delivery, making pet care the latest victim of the wellness craze. For more on elevated pet care, see trend 9 in the Future 100: 2019
–According to a new study, Chinese consumers are responsible for nearly half of app downloads and accounted for 40% of consumer spend in 2018, Techcrunch reports.
–Rihanna has become a trailblazer for diversity in beauty and fashion, unlocking a massive following in the process and leaving luxury brands struggling to keep up; now, she is reportedly launching a fashion brand with LVMH, reveals WWD.
–Apple ventures into film-making, becoming the latest Silicon Valley powerhouse to take on Hollywood. Via BBC.
–Despite the heralded “retail apocalypse,” DTC brands are moving offline and teaming up with brick-and-mortars to increase brand reach; Glossy announces that Thinx has partnered with Nordstrom and Curbed reports that West Elm has acquired Good Thing.
–Google buys Fossil’s smartwatch technology, following the new smart watches from LG and Samsung and launching a new wave of connected wearables, announces The Verge.
–Fast Company describes AtYourGate, a new food delivery service that is like Seamless for the airport.
