Lives of Tomorrow

Emma Worrollo, Founder of The Playful Den, helps adults rediscover the joy of play, featured in IKEA’s Power of Play report 2024. She discusses how play can alleviate stress and spark creativity, arguing that it's crucial for adult life. The conversation highlights practical tips for infusing play into routines, the positive impact of playful environments on work productivity, and the generational shift in playfulness happening today. Worrollo also shares inspiring stories of transformation and joy during challenging times.

StJohn (Singe) Deakins, founder and CEO of DataSapien, shares his insights on data privacy and the evolution of technology. He discusses the risks of centralized data systems and emphasizes the need for personal control over our information. The conversation touches on marketing influences, highlighting icons like Steve Jobs, and how technology can empower consumers. Deakins also explores the shift towards privacy-focused tech and the hopeful, trust-dependent future of data sharing, encouraging a balanced perspective on digital empowerment.

Natacia Lim, a Consumer Researcher at WGSN specializing in Southeast Asian markets, discusses the evolving landscape of entertainment. She explores the growing 'superhero fatigue' and the demand for complex narratives over simplistic blockbusters. The conversation highlights the rise of multi-streaming platforms and the resurgence of cinema attendance among younger audiences. Lim also examines the significant emergence of Asian cinema, emphasizing innovative storytelling and the representation of social issues in modern media.

Elizabeth Tan, WGSN’s Senior Culture Strategist and author of 'The Regression Generation', joins CEO Carla Buzasi to tackle the pressing issues faced by Gen Z and Alphas. They discuss how the pandemic has exacerbated loneliness, anxiety, and declining social skills, creating a 'regression generation'. Insightful strategies for community engagement and meaningful connections are explored, alongside the cultural significance of cooking as a love language. The role of technology and brands in enhancing youth safety and fostering emotional ties also takes center stage.

Liam Maher, Creative Director at ECCO and author of ‘Menswhere: A Lost History of the Militant Guild of Rural Tailors,’ dives into the transformative power of design. He discusses how personal histories and family legacies shape designers' identities and aspirations. The conversation also highlights the evolution of comfort in fashion and the blending of innovation with tradition. Liam emphasizes the importance of sustainability in leather production and the future of human-centered design, advocating a harmonious blend of creativity and integrity.

Christine Chua, a beauty strategist at WGSN based in Singapore, sheds light on evolving beauty trends in Southeast Asia. She discusses the rising obsession with anti-aging among young consumers fueled by TikTok. Christine also explores the unique perfume landscape, where local artisans craft unconventional scents like milk and rancid flesh. The conversation delves into how social media shapes age perceptions and encourages a shift in skincare prioritization over makeup, driving a new wave of beauty behaviors in the region.

In this episode, we learn about macro trends impacting how young people live their lives. We hear why Gen Z are spending more time at home, having less sex and focusing on more digital-first connections.WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks to Senior Strategist for WGSN Insight Allyson Rees about her research into this macro trend, what led to this behavioural shift, and what the future holds. Four years after the pandemic, some young consumers still prefer staying home to going out or engaging in nightlife. On TikTok, #BedRotting has become a popular hashtag (300m views) to describe lying in bed for prolonged periods. Retailers must meet Gen Z where they are while still facilitating social outlets and opportunities to indulge. Understanding this cohort’s fears and what makes them feel comfortable will secure their loyalty.

Who is modest fashion for? Where is it mainstreaming and how is it changing the fashion industry? In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, we debunk the myths associated with modest fashion, tracing its history right through to the latest trends. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks with Linda Anggrea, CEO of ButtonScarves, a premium Indonesian fashion and lifestyle brand specialising in headscarves and modest wear for modern women. Passionate about style, Linda shares her strategies in mainstreaming expressive modest wear and lets us in on her upcoming collections and ongoing Disney collaboration.

India’s middle class is the class of the moment. In this episode, we find out more about how the rising salaries of the middle class in India will impact businesses in the region. Senior Insight Strategist for APAC Rohini Wahi shares her expertise in retail, marketing, and lifestyle based on consumer behaviour in Asia. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi finds out from Rohini why the income pyramid has inverted and how the middle class in India will be the largest group by 2030.People in India have shifted away from predominantly looking to the West for fashion, food, and home trends. What do the people driving this shift care about then? Rohini sheds light on what this growing economic demographic wants and how brands should appeal to this market. We explore how investment from global tech firms Google and Amazon, the government’s ease of business policies, and the digitisation of India is accelerating the rise of the Indian middle class.

With children growing up online and much faster than previous generations, what does this mean and how will it impact our lives of tomorrow? How important are generational markers like ‘Millennials’ or ‘Boomers’ and do they mean much to you? Accelerated tech and trend cycles are confusing our view of traditional generational groups at an unprecedented rate. In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WGSN Insight Senior Strategist Cassandra Napoli reviews future generations with our CEO Carla Buzasi and explores why accelerated digital media age us quicker than ever. From being 13 today to being 13 for a millennial, Cassandra uses social media including Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok as a lens to highlight the digital differences between the generations. They’ll be investigating the changing boundaries between childhood and adulthood which are blurring identities. Listen in on how the internet has evolved and how this impacts how we navigate the digital world.