Friday Fives, Vol.29
Every week The Working Assembly shares inspiration that intersects art, music, fashion, and culture — five stories that we have on our radar and think should be on yours, too.
Here’s this week’s Friday Fives!
Sad news for pretty people
People magazine has just unveiled a new take on its annual issue celebrating Hollywood’s most beautiful stars. The 30-year franchise, formerly titled “World’s Most Beautiful”, has been renamed “The Beautiful Issue” to make clear that the issue is “not a beauty contest.” We, the ugly and average-looking people of America, are devastated. For decades we’ve depended on People’s arbitrary shortlist to help determine our rotating lineup of celebrity crushes and obsessions. Today is truly the end of an era. — JD
This app wants to cure millennial loneliness (and hunger)
Making new friendships as an adult can be hard, as evidenced by the growing popularity of friendship-matching apps like Meetup and Bumble BFF. These apps are cashing in on the wave of loneliness confronting urban millennials around the world, which has been referred to by some as a “loneliness epidemic.” One of these apps is MealTribes, which functions like Uber or AirBnb for dinner parties. The app matches compatible groups and helps them schedule a time and place for a weekend brunch or a weeknight dinner. So start perfecting that baked Alaska, or — for beginners — avocado toast. — KJ
The color of money should actually be red
Did you know the British army’s famed red coats were given their color by crushed beetles? Or that the famous red gladiators smeared their faces with a toxic red pigment made from mercury? Then and still today, the world lacks a safe and sustainable bright red pigment. Over 200 red pigments are currently in existence, but these formulas all have issues with safety, stability, chromaticity, or opacity. This article takes an in-depth look at color chemist Mas Subramanian’s quest for the perfect red — and the multi-billion dollar profit to match. — MM
We all want to be pink Starbursts
This week Starburst joined the recent wave of food-centered brands venturing into the apparel space with the launch of an exclusive clothing line that settles — once and for all — the age-old debate of the best Starburst flavor. The collection, designed by Project Runway champion Erin Robertson, highlights the most important (only important?) Starburst color: pink. See the complete, quirky collection at youareapinkstarburst.com. — KJ
Okay, NYC — We see you
Exciting and beautiful things are coming to NYC! Designer Rafael de Cárdenas has created a psychedelic installation for Cadillac House called “Amaze,” which includes a literal maze of sixties-style graphics, mirrored hallways, and hysterical laughter intended to confuse maze participants. Although slightly less impressive than the Cadillacs that will also be on display, you can still cruise the city in style with this limited edition David Bowie metrocard that’s part of an MTA x Spotify collaboration. At least you’ll have something pretty to look at the next time you get stuck underground on the L. — MM
Originally published at eepurl.com.
