For the U.S.’ 250th anniversary, Cooper Hewitt named Thom Browne, Frank Lloyd Wright, Frederick Law Olmsted, Martha Stewart, and more as most influential figures.
To mark the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026, Cooper Hewitt’s National Design Awards gala (May 19 in New York) will expand to honor a wider group of “significant American designers” (and design brands) spanning the past 250 years, alongside its annual award winners. The initiative highlights figures across disciplines—from architecture and fashion to digital and product design—framing American design as a broad cultural force that has shaped everyday life and global innovation. These include Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Martha Stewart, Adobe, MillerKnoll, Target, and Tiffany & Co.
Biomaterials startup BioFluff is growing faux fur.
BioFluff, a Paris- and New York–based startup, is developing a plant-based faux fur made entirely from natural fibers, positioning itself as a sustainable alternative to both animal fur and petroleum-based synthetics. The material—already tested with brands like Stella McCartney and Ganni—aims to eliminate plastics and reduce emissions tied to fashion’s most polluting inputs, addressing the fact that materials account for a major share of the industry’s footprint. While still in early stages of scaling and adoption, the innovation reflects a broader push toward biomaterials that merge luxury aesthetics with environmental responsibility, potentially reshaping how “faux” fur is defined in the fashion industry.
One Beverly Hills—future home of an Aman—raises $4.3 billion.
Developers of One Beverly Hills have secured $4.3 billion in financing to complete the massive 17.5-acre luxury mixed-use project, one of the largest real estate funding deals in recent years. The project will include an Aman-branded hotel and residences, retail, and 10 acres of botanical gardens, linking the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria into a single campus. The financing—led by J.P. Morgan ($2.8B senior loan) and VICI Properties ($1.5B mezzanine debt)—supports a development expected to open in phases from 2028 and generate tens of billions in long-term economic activity.
Art Basel Hong Kong sales reveal a maturing market.
Sales at Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 reflect a maturing Asian art market, with activity concentrating around blue-chip works and more selective, high-confidence buyers rather than speculative spending. While early transactions and VIP days signaled steady demand and signs of recovery, particularly for established artists, overall buying behavior suggests a more cautious, consolidated collector base shaped by recent market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty.
Meta and Google have been found liable for social media addiction.
A Los Angeles jury has found Meta and Google liable in a landmark social media addiction case, ruling that their platforms were negligently designed in ways that contributed to harm for a young user.
The case—seen as a bellwether for thousands of similar lawsuits—focused on features like infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic recommendations alleged to drive compulsive use and worsen mental health outcomes. The verdict marks a major legal turning point, potentially reshaping liability standards for tech platforms and increasing pressure on social media companies to redesign products and address youth safety concerns.
Today’s attractive distractions:
A cult Korean perfumer has opened up on the LES.
Elsa Schiaparelli will make her U.K. museum debut.
Everyone is talking about Alix Earle’s skincare brand.
Cruise influencers are hauling in $350,000 a year to attract Gen Z travelers.
