Global-Crafting, The Narrative

Cultural exchange is about collaboration and enrichment.

1. Appropriation is appreciation, aesthetically speaking.

We've moved beyond the clumsy debates of cultural appropriation to a more gracious understanding of cultural appreciation that impacts all aspects of product and experience. A fluidity of global craftsmanship gives rise to fashion that celebrates rather than borrows from different cultures. The shift isn't about cherry-picking references—it's about building a richer, more meaningful narrative through design. Louis Vuitton's SS25 Paris show came down a runway constructed of over a thousand trunks, not only paying homage to the brand's travel legacy but also presenting a maximalist mix of fabrics, accessories, and techniques pulled from various corners of the globe and different eras of time. Cross-cultural exchange is a two-way street. Ralph Lauren's Tokyo store recently showcased their Artists in Residence program, collaborating with a seventh-generation Dine (Navajo) textile artist—a fusion of deep Western heritage with Eastern presentation. Meanwhile, anime—once a niche subculture—has exploded into the mainstream, further illustrating the global exchange of aesthetics. Graphic components like emojis, internet slang, and anime characters are a shared visual language, transcending borders and inspiring fresh re-imaginings when crossed with different cultures. This cross-pollination of aesthetics will accelerate, so lean into authentic collaborations that spin contemporary designs honoring cultural traditions.

2. World music is topping the charts.

Globalization dramatically reshaped the arts and entertainment industry, nowhere more evident than in the music business. Once a niche categorization, World Music is now a dominant force, with global sounds captivating audiences far beyond their countries of origin. Afro House, in particular, has surged in popularity, with artists like Black Coffee and Keinemusik selling out venues worldwide. And of course, the rise of K-pop is a testament to this shift: once confined to South Korea, K-pop has grown into a global phenomenon, with fans worldwide embracing the genre's high-energy performances, intricate choreography, and infectious melodies. Falling beautifully into this discussion: Jameson Sound Distillery, a music program led by Anderson Paak, brings together artists from diverse backgrounds, including India, South Africa, the USA, and Malaysia, in a space for collaboration, to blend their styles and create new, globally infused music. A sense of community and connection inspires this genre, proving that cultural exchange isn’t just happening on streaming platforms—it’s happening in real-time, creative spaces. Embrace these cross-cultural intersections, integrate global influences into your strategies, and foster initiatives that cross borders and mix cultures.

3. Borderless flavor profiles arrive.

Food and beverage have long been at the vanguard of globalization, but as foodie culture explodes online and global cuisines commercialize, things get more advanced. Take Manila’s Bibingka Latte, a collaboration between Commune Café and Google Philippines, where AI was used to create a new latte recipe inspired by the festive flavors of Filipino bibingka. In New York, the city’s first halal-themed food festival celebrated halal cuisine’s global influence, offering a platform for culinary traditions often overlooked in mainstream food culture. At the same time, the world’s obsession with Blue Zones—regions where longevity thrives—has sparked curiosity about diets from places like Japan and Sardinia, shaping modern food trends as people turn to cultural diets for inspiration. On that note, Asian cuisine’s meteoric rise in the U.S. signals a permanent cultural shift. As the country’s fastest-growing ethnic population, Asian Americans are bringing traditional flavors and techniques into the spotlight, altering what’s "on the menu." 

For more on the rise of Asian Cuisine,
incoming flavor profiles, and cultural cues
related to the Food & Beverage space
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On The Menu

4. All eyes on Ayurveda.

Ayurveda, a wellness philosophy with 5,000-year-old roots in India, has become a cornerstone in the shift toward holistic health and natural practices. Luxury wellness retreats like Ananda in the Himalayas are championing Ayurvedic practices in deeply personal areas, such as a fertility enhancement program. This initiative combines Ayurvedic therapies with modern wellness approaches to help restore balance of body and mind. It’s an example of how ancient practices are applied to highly specific, contemporary health concerns, with the focus on long-term, sustainable well-being. In the beauty & wellness sector, brands like Squigs offer products rooted in Ayurvedic traditions but designed to be approachable and accessible, making them easy to incorporate into everyday routines. NYC’s latest hotspot, Oases, draws inspiration from Ayurveda to create a sanctuary for urban dwellers seeking restoration. Offering Ayurvedic consultations, herbal treatments, and therapeutic practices, Oases taps into the broader trend of consumers looking for holistic, historically inspired self-care solutions that go beyond surface-level wellness. What we’re keeping our eye on: Halal beauty, which is attracting a wider audience beyond its Muslim origins.

5. Where you travel is who you are.

Modern travelers, especially younger generations, are looking for experiences that align with their personal backgrounds, heritage, and sense of identity. Travel isn’t just about escaping; it’s about discovery, connection, and, sometimes, a redefinition of self. Travelers are choosing destinations and experiences that not only expose them to new cultures but also help them strengthen ties with communities and traditions around the world. Look to Aman’s multi-destination journeys, where the luxury hotel group integrates travelers into the cultural and environmental fabric of each destination. With multi-property itineraries that celebrate local traditions, Aman offers immersive experiences designed to uncover the richness of each region. Similarly, Black Tomato, a business we’ve been tracking since 2017, offers a "Bring It Back" package that reframes travel as a tool for personal transformation. Travelers are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in new cultures and return home with insights that can be applied to their everyday lives. This service takes travelers beyond the superficial, offering experiences that challenge perspectives and provide long-lasting, meaningful connections. Businesses in the travel sector are recognizing that today’s global explorers are after more than just sightseeing—they’re seeking travel that changes the way they see themselves and their place in the world. Products and experiences that facilitate deeper connections to heritage, identity, or new perspectives will resonate with this next generation of culturally conscious travelers.

6. Rosetta Stone, who now?

Smartphone tech is making the world feel smaller. Features like real-time translation and instant text recognition have been breaking down language barriers (and language skills, but that’s for another day), turning foreign signs or menus into familiar reads in seconds. Now, new tools like Google’s Live Translate allow conversations to flow naturally, even when speakers don’t share the same language. These advancements aren’t just convenient—they’re fundamentally reshaping how we connect, globally. The result of this fluency is deeper, more spontaneous cultural exchanges and an ecosystem where communication can be achieved without any academic heavy lifting. People are traveling more confidently, engaging in local experiences without hesitation, exploring cultures in real time, and forming connections that would have previously been barred by language. In an era where understanding is instant, curiosity is met with immediate access, allowing people to experience the world more fully—no language courses required.