Sep 18, 2020
Friday Fives, Vol. 140
Every Friday we highlight five things we have on our radar that we think should be on yours, too.
Here’s this week’s Friday Fives.
In Vogue’s latest tribute to New York, you can catch Whoopi Goldberg saying “Romans have the Church, British have the Queen, New Yorkers have each other yelling “Wear a damn mask,” and honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Overall, the film is chilling, and honestly I began to get very emotional towards the end. The city is beginning to come alive again, but the fact that it even became silent in the first place is a reality that a lot New Yorkers, including myself, are still grappling with. To see a bunch of cameos from your favorite fashion friends, or honestly, have a good cry, check out the film here!— EO
During a time when toilet paper became the hottest commodity of 2020, it seems timely to now explore a bit more about what sits in everyone’s bathroom (or is hoarded away in their closets). The newest exhibition at the Marta gallery in sunny Los Angeles commissioned over 50 creatives to design their own toilet paper holders — an object normally designed for function, not beauty. The playful forms and bright colors of these designs draw attention to the bigger picture: the environmental disaster that is toilet paper. One of the most common discussions we have regarding toilet paper is: “under or over”, but as consumers in a capitalist society, we are responsible for being aware of where our products come from and how they impact the environment. Although the idea of a toilet paper holder display may at the surface be pretty funny, it’s important that we dig deeper and reevaluate our consumer choices.— ZL
Swedish furniture giant, IKEA, boasts 70 years of history and after all this time, they know exactly what it is we want. In this digital age where most archives can be accessed online, IKEA has launched IKEA Museum, where they have collected digital versions of all their catalogs so you can browse through the history of IKEA in a scroll. We all remember IKEA as that huge, boxy building with a giant blue and yellow logo. However, as you browse through the catalogs you’ll notice that its graphic styles and furniture styles have changed throughout its rich history. It’s interesting to point out that IKEA furniture was originally sold pre-assembled. Like any good brand, IKEA has constantly been working on developing its brand concepts. Its idea of utilitarian and accessible furniture wasn’t developed in just one day.— KW
Over the past couple months, video calls have become a part of our everyday lives. And amidst the Brady Bunch-esque tiles of faces, you’re now also confronted with seeing yourself for hours on end. While “self-view” is useful for making sure the lighting is right or that you’re hitting a flattering angle, it can also be a distraction. Studies have shown that seeing yourself during video calls may actually negatively impact team performance and individual satisfaction by shifting focus away from the environment or task at hand. So, next time you’re on that team meeting, consider disabling self-view. It’ll make it a bit closer to an IRL conversation. Almost…— AF
If I’m not here to write a Friday Five next week, I’m probably on a plane to London. Since its first opening in Miami back in (what feels like the ancient times of) 2012, Architecture for Dogs has made its way around the world, from Tokyo and Shanghai to São Paulo and is now arriving at Japan House in London. This exhibition features the work of world-class architects who were tasked with designing unique objects and experiences for dogs, and even includes a number of exhibits that dogs can actually interact with. As for us humans…visitors will be able to become architects for the day and try to design their very own dog-related architecture. So, if you’re lucky enough to be in London right now, make sure to stop by this exhibition that is sure to bring a smile to your face (and some very jealous looks from me).— CC
The Working Assembly is an award-winning multidisciplinary design studio with a focus on branding and visual design.
Founded in 2014, we partner with clients and agencies for end-to-end brand building, including strategy and visual identity, print and digital design, content and creative communications.
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