UNStudio has been tapped to reimagine Dubai’s former Expo City.
UNStudio has been selected to transform Dubai’s former Expo 2020 site into a dynamic urban center, incorporating much of the existing infrastructure to reduce waste and enhance sustainability. The 1.35 square mile development will house more than 35,000 residents and 37,000 professionals across five distinct districts, blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Green initiatives, extensive public spaces, and improved connectivity will anchor the project, aligning with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Shiseido, once a beauty industry heavy hitter, reported a 2024 profit drop of 73 percent.
Shiseido’s profits plummeted 73 percent in 2024 as sluggish consumer spending and a weak real estate market in China took a toll on sales. While the beauty giant struggled in its second-largest market, it saw strong growth in Japan, where flagship brands like Clé de Peau Beauté and Elixir gained momentum. In response to ongoing economic uncertainty, the company introduced a new action plan aimed at stabilizing operations and strengthening its brand presence.
The last Prairie house left in Chicago has been gifted to a local university.
Loyola University Chicago has received the Emil Bach House, the city’s last remaining Prairie-style residence by Frank Lloyd Wright, as a donation from billionaire Jennifer Pritzker. Along with the adjacent Lang House, the historic property will serve as a hub for student programs and community events, reinforcing the university’s commitment to preservation. The gift follows years of careful restoration by Pritzker’s Tawani Property Management.
Facing bankruptcy, skate and surf-inspired brands Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom will close all stores.
Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom are shutting down all U.S. stores as their operator, Liberated Brands, files for bankruptcy, citing inflation, supply chain issues, and competition from fast fashion. More than 100 locations will close, but the brands will live on under a new licensee, with their apparel sold through specialty retailers, department stores, and online. The closures reflect a broader retail downturn, with over 15,000 stores expected to shut down nationwide in 2025.
Emmanuel Macron’s deepfake montage sure got the conversation going at the Paris AI summit.
French President Emmanuel Macron set the stage for the Paris AI summit by posting a playful deepfake montage of himself, featuring altered images and a disco-dancing video with retro hairstyles. His post sparked discussions on AI’s power and risks as global leaders, tech executives, and experts debated its impact on inequality and the environment. The summit underscored both the technology’s potential and the urgent need for regulation.
Today’s attractive distractions:
Manhattan’s biggest retail tenant definitely isn’t what you’d think.
A close look at why Sabato de Sarno’s Gucci tenure didn’t quite work out.
The Miami Design District has become an under the radar hotspot for rare books.
Ranch dressing—as in, Hidden Valley—comes to New York Fashion Week.
