Anu Lingala

Trend strategist and founder of the Substack newsletter WHAT'S ANU, specializing in trend forecasting, cultural analysis, and brand strategy; guest on this episode to discuss the collapse of the irony–sincerity cycle and her theory of 'trend bipolarity'.

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Nov 4, 2025 • 47min

Anu Lingala on “Trend Bipolarity” and How Brands Kneecapped Cool

Anu Lingala, a trend strategist and founder of WHAT'S ANU, brings her expertise to the conversation about cultural shifts. She dives into her groundbreaking theory of 'trend bipolarity,' explaining how modern trends now cluster around opposing poles. Anu also discusses the demise of the cool factor, arguing that chasing virality is counterproductive for brands. With insights on how financial pressures impact quality and authenticity, she highlights the need for brands to return to core values while recognizing our complicity in the commodification of culture.

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