What we read this week: March 31
“Why Butter Yellow Is Suddenly Everywhere” (Harper’s Bazaar)
Takeaways:
Butter yellow has become a standout color for Spring 2025, gaining popularity through celebrity fashion choices like Timothée Chalamet’s Oscars suit and Sabrina Carpenter’s tour outfits.
The color has appeared prominently in Spring/Summer 2025 collections from designers such as Alaïa, Toteme and Chanel.
As people transition their wardrobes from winter to spring, butter yellow offers a fresh and warm alternative to darker tones and pairs well with wintry neutrals like brown, navy and gray.
“To Make Someone Happy, Ask for Help” (The Atlantic)
Takeaways:
Engaging in acts of kindness benefits both the giver and the receiver, facilitating a culture of goodwill.
There is an increased cultural focus today on building meaningful connections & cultivating a sense of community (i.e. Blue Zones).
Always giving without accepting help in return can create an imbalance, preventing others from experiencing the joy of giving and potentially leading to feelings of indebtedness.
“Designers Are Saying “I Do” to the Bachelorette Aesthetic” (Architectural Digest)
Takeaways
Bachelorette parties have evolved into multi-day events with travel involved, contributing to a market expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2033.
Property owners have recognized the growing demand for photo-friendly, bachelorette-themed rentals, leading to the rise of accommodations designed specifically for this purpose.
The success of these rentals has encouraged more designers to embrace the aesthetic, showcasing creativity and adaptability in the hospitality industry.
“H&M Knows Its AI Models Will Be Controversial” (Business of Fashion)
Takeaways
H&M is working directly with models and their agencies to create digital replicas of 30 different models this year that will be repurposed in AI-generated images for various marketing purposes.
The adoption of AI-generated models, or "digital twins," in H&M's advertising campaigns reflects a cultural shift towards digitalization in fashion.
The integration of AI in fashion raises ethical questions regarding consent, fair compensation and the perpetuation of unrealistic beauty standards.
“The Conservative Women’s Magazine With Big Ambitions, and Sex Tips for Wives” (The New York Times)
Takeaways
Evie Magazine, founded in 2021, has positioned itself as a conservative voice in women's media emphasizing traditional femininity and aiming to correct what it perceives as the detrimental influence of conventional magazines on women's well-being.
Evie claims to fill a niche for women who feel alienated by the progressive slant of other publications.
The publication has adopted a subscription model for both digital and print, allowing it to move away from ad-based revenue and eliminate external influences.
“Ben & Jerry’s alleges parent company Unilever removed its CEO over social activism” (Associated Press)
Takeaways
Ben & Jerry's longstanding commitment to social and political activism, which has cultivated its loyal customer base, has sparked internal conflicts with parent company Unilever.
Unilever's decision to remove Ben & Jerry's CEO, David Stever, raises questions about the economic implications of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its perceived impact on profitability & shareholder interests.
The discord between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever underscores challenges of maintaining brand identity within a larger corporate structure, especially when social activism is a core component of the brand's strategy.
“Getting AI to pick your March Madness bracket is harder than it seems” (AXIOS)
Takeaways:
The integration of AI into sports traditions like March Madness reflects a growing interest in leveraging technology for personal and entertainment purposes.
Despite advancements, AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude struggle with tasks requiring nuanced understanding and precise execution.
AI limitations in March Madness bracket completion emphasizes the importance of balancing technological innovation with human judgment in complex decision-making scenarios.
“We’re living in the golden age of mayonnaise” (Salon)
Takeaways:
With the buy-in of major brands, mayonnaise has transitioned from a simple sandwich spread to a celebrated ingredient.
The increased popularity of mayonnaise has sparked a movement within the condiment industry, leading to a proliferation of artisanal and specialty mayo products.
Niche mayo products like Kewpie mayonnaise, regional favorites like Duke’s & artisanal brands like Molly Baz’s Ayoh have now landed on grocery shelves next to major mayonnaise makers like Heinz.
“Snow White’s Failure Has Turned Rachel Zegler Into a Scapegoat — and an Icon” (Vanity Fair)
Takeaways:
The casting of Latina actress Rachel Zegler as Snow White immediately sparked discussions on representation and inclusivity in Hollywood.
Upon release, the film earned only $87 million globally against a production and marketing budget exceeding $350 million, raising questions about the financial viability of live-action remakes.
Disney's apparent attempt to silence Zegler backfired, as her supporters blamed the studio for tying the film’s failure to her public stances on political issues.
“The 35 Best Mother’s Day Gifts” (The New York Times - Wirecutter)
Takeaways:
The release of Wirecutter’s Mother’s Day gift guide six weeks ahead of the holiday highlights a common editorial lead time for consumer-focused seasonal gift guides.
The gift guide features products from both well-known brands and emerging companies, reflecting a strategy that balances reliability with innovation.
The inclusion of items such as wellness products, tech gadgets, and eco-friendly goods indicates an ongoing consumer focus on health, technology & sustainability.
Following the media outlets you want to be featured in helps you understand what their contacts are looking for. And the best part? This is something anyone can do without hiring professional support.
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