UK supermarket Aldi leaned into its fan culture by launching a limited run of temporary tattoos inspired by its cult Specialbuy products. The collection riffs on items from air‑fryers to wheel‑shaped cheeses and is free to anyone who emails the brand between 6 and 22 August 2025. A survey commissioned for the campaign revealed that 65 % of Gen‑Z respondents would consider tattooing a favourite brand, while only 9 % of Baby Boomers felt the same; barely 1 % of Brits have tattooed a logo. Aldi says the playful promotion celebrates the “middle aisle” phenomenon and invites customers to wear their love of bargain hunting on their sleeve.

Takeaway:

Even low‑brow product categories can build cult followings and benefit from unexpected brand‑loyalty stunts.

The celebrated OFFF design and digital arts festival will launch its inaugural Montréal edition at Société des arts technologiques (SAT) on September 8-9, 2025. Curated by local studio Caserne, the two‑day event expands the Barcelona‑born festival into Canada, promising talks, interactive installations and performances that blur the boundaries between graphic design, motion graphics and music. Early promotions include teaser visuals featuring acts such as Fino.

Takeaway: 

OFFF’s first Canadian stop signals Montréal’s growing importance as a creative hub and offers a meeting point for designers, coders and artists.

Design studio Pentagram has crafted a new identity for London’s Royal Drawing School, unveiled at a reception attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The bespoke wordmark sits within a flexible rectangular “drawing window,” and a custom serif typeface reflects the spontaneous, human quality of observational drawing. The rebrand coincides with the exhibition “The Power of Drawing,” showcasing works by Sarah Ball, Barbara Walker and others, and emphasises drawing as a foundational skill across disciplines.

Takeaway: 

Thoughtful typography and brand architecture can elevate an arts institution and underscore its mission.

Indian designer Akhil Krishnan created “Bindu – Water Poetics”, a series of domestic objects that honour water’s journey from sky to table. Using cork, terracotta and ancient shapes, the collection includes Pavita, a shrinking water pot with a cork base and handle, Sanchaya, a sealed storage container, and Kalasha, a vessel inspired by Indian auspicious rituals. Each piece encourages users to slow down and appreciate water as a precious resource, merging modern sustainability with traditional craft. 

Takeaway: 

Product design can address environmental consciousness through poetic, ritualistic objects.

Italian outdoor furniture brand Unopiù has opened a 150 m² showroom inside CLIMA Home in Miami’s Design District. The space showcases collections by designers Matteo Thun, Benedetto Fasciana and Studio Rais Kane, featuring Mediterranean‑inspired outdoor furniture, modular pergolas and versatile textiles. The showroom emphasises craftsmanship and invites visitors to experience Italian outdoor living first‑hand. 

Takeaway: 

Premium brands continue to invest in physical spaces that double as experiential marketing hubs.

3D‑printing start‑up Zellerfeld teamed up with Brazilian sandal brand Havaianas to create the world’s first 3D‑printed flip‑flop. The recyclable design integrates the Y‑shaped strap into the footbed and features a textured insole, rounded toe cap and secure back heel for stability. The pair will test prototypes throughout September 2025 with an eye towards mainstream release. Using a single material makes the flip‑flops fully recyclable. 

Takeaway: 

Additive manufacturing continues to reshape everyday products, offering customisation and sustainability.

Design collective Fabulism has woven a wearable raincoat/shelter from rice straw. “Chaude Couture” is shaped like a dome; loops of straw create a flexible, water‑repellent structure that can be draped over the body to protect against rain or set up as a micro‑shelter. The project critiques our reliance on plastic rainwear and proposes natural materials as alternatives. 

Takeaway: 

Imaginative clothing can also be architecture, offering both protection and commentary on sustainability.

STORYN Studio for Architecture has designed the new Woodson African American Museum of Florida in St. Petersburg. The 40 000 sq ft complex features a sinuous, copper‑coloured facade, landscaped roof and an array of galleries, gardens and community spaces celebrating African‑American history. The design draws on Afrofuturism and has already won international awards, positioning the museum as a cultural beacon for the region. 

Takeaway: 

Architecture can embody cultural narratives while revitalising underserved communities.

Houzz’s 2025 U.S. State of AI in Construction & Design report surveyed more than 700 professionals and found that 34 % of respondents already use AI, saving an average of 3 hours per week – equating to over $108 000 in annual productivity gains per business. Two‑thirds of pros expect AI to transform the industry within five years, and usage is higher among larger firms. Respondents most frequently employ AI for administrative tasks, sales and marketing, planning and design, and project management. Despite enthusiasm, more than 90 % say they lack formal AI training. 

Takeaway: 

AI is already boosting productivity in design and construction, but skills gaps remain an obstacle to broader adoption.