LSN : News : Shanghai Airlines to launch direct route from Shanghai to Casablanca

Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg re-imagine the Rat Pack with AI campaign

Still GIN by Dre and Snoop Dogg, US

US – Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg have unveiled the new tech-powered Still GIN campaign, blending classic sophistication with cutting-edge technology. The ad, featuring AI-generated versions of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr, celebrates timeless artistry through a lens of modern innovation.

The ad transports viewers to a glamorous cocktail bar where the suave pair, Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg, encounter the AI-resurrected Sinatra and Davis. The duo order a round of Still GIN for the entire bar, sparking cheers and culminating in a toast between the legends.

Produced by Rosewood Creative and directed by Dave Meyers, the ad uses generative AI by Metaphysic, developed in collaboration with Sinatra and Davis’s estates. Tina Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra, called the campaign ‘thrilling and surreal’, praising its respectful homage to her father’s legacy.

Still GIN, a nod to Dre’s Still DRE, exemplifies the pair’s ability to merge music with entrepreneurial creativity, proving that innovation, like a fine gin, only improves with time.

In The Synthocene Era macrotrend report, we discuss the transformational journey creativity is undertaking, powered by the ascent and adoption of AI.

Strategic opportunity

Consider incorporating iconic figures or nostalgic elements into campaigns to evoke timeless values. It is essential, however, to collaborate with the estates of deceased celebrities to ensure that AI-generated representations are respectful, accurate and legally compliant

Nail tech meets fintech with Cash App and Chillhouse partnership

Cash in Hand Press-on Nail by Cash App in collaboration with Chillhouse, US

'Cash in Hand' Press-on Nail by Cash App in collaboration with Chillhouse, US

US – Financial services app Cash App and New York-based nail studio and spa Chillhouse, have teamed up to create an innovative Cash in Hand manicure.

The collaboration fuses beauty and technology by embedding Chillhouse’s award-winning press-on nails with RFID chips, allowing customers to send money with their manicures. By simply holding a phone near the thumbnail of the set, the chip technology will take you to the Cash App payment pad to make peer-to-peer payments.

Priced at £14.18 ($18, €17.15), the festive nails feature Cash App-inspired designs with green gradients and chrome accents, blending style and functionality.

In 2023, we covered crowdsourced beauty brand Kiki World’s NFC-embedded press-on nails, which allowed users to share contact details through their manicures. By putting a financial spin on the concept, the Cash in Hand nails offer exemplifies the potential for innovation from financial services designed for women, a topic we explore in FemFin: Female-forward Finance.

Strategic opportunity

Develop financial tools that seamlessly align with women’s routines by integrating technology into wearable devices or beauty products. Consider extending this concept to jewellery – such as rings, bracelets or necklaces – or clothing accessories that also function as wearable payment solutions

Shanghai Airlines to launch direct route from Shanghai to Casablanca

Adidas and Rimowa, Germany

China – Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, is set to launch a direct route connecting Shanghai and Casablanca, Morocco, starting 19 January 2025. This marks the airline’s second African route following the success of its Egypt service, with hundreds of Chinese tourists travelling from Shanghai to Cairo.

As reported by Shine, operated with Boeing 787 aircraft, the route will run on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flight FM871 will depart Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 1:55am Beijing time, make a stopover in Marseille, France, and arrive at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport at 1:10pm local time.

Morocco offers visa-free entry to Chinese citizens for up to 90 days, making Casablanca an attractive destination. Known for its rich culture, coastal beauty and industrial significance, Casablanca is dubbed both The Lung of Morocco and The Bride of the Atlantic. Chinese tourists, who could only fly into mainland China or Hainan during the strict Covid-19 lockdown are now searching for new destinations.

In our Future Forecast 2025 macrotrend report, we analysed how Indian and Chinese travellers embody swathes of opportunities for the travel and hospitality industry. But businesses must adapt to meet the demands of these more affluent and adventurous new emerging Asian travellers.

Strategic opportunity

Consider how to develop bespoke travel packages and tours for Chinese tourists visiting Morocco, focusing on cultural immersion, culinary adventures and luxury experiences with local guides fluent in Mandarin

Stat: Tinder reveals the top dating trends in 2024

No Ordinary Love zine produced by Dazed Studio for Hinge, UK

Global – Tinder’s 2024 Year in Swipe report offers a snapshot of modern dating in the US, the UK, Australia and Canada, showcasing how singles are planning to meet their black cat girlfriend, golden retriever boyfriend and cinnamon rolls. Among the many trends mentioned, such as having a brain rot romance, love potioning and cherry bombing, a prominent one is the friends-to-lovers pipeline, which highlights a shift towards deeper emotional connections. According to the report, 25% of singles surveyed now prioritise friendship as the foundation for romantic relationships, reflecting a desire for long-term compatibility.

In addition, running club relationships, where fitness intersects with romance, are also emerging. More singles are joining running groups and intramural sports to bond over shared interests, with 28% of survey respondents listing shared passions as their top must-have for potential partners in 2025.

Technology plays a growing role in modern matchmaking with D-AI-ting, where AI tools assist in crafting profiles, selecting photos and boosting communication confidence. A remarkable 68% of those surveyed said they would welcome AI assistance in photo selection.

For more insights on the social behaviours of Gen Z, check out our Gen Z Dating Futures report.

Strategic opportunity

Consider how you can foster a safe and inviting environment for singles to harness organic platonic and romantic relationships. Create slower-paced dating alternatives like book clubs, hobby meet-ups or creative workshops to cater for the friends-to-lovers pipeline