Weekly Highlights
Highlight from this weeks articles, conversations and creative inspirations from Rosie Lee and our community. Opening the lid on topics, news and inspirations that affect our thinking and our work.
Our last full week before the holidays. Some years tail off at the end…and some ramp up - this year has definitely been a ramp up year. Maybe our industry is setting up for a big 2025? Maybe the permeation of hustle culture is here to stay? Who knows. One thing is for certain - we’d always rather be worried about being busy rather than worrying about being not busy…
While we start to think about mulled wine, taking a break - and the good, bad and ugly of Christmas, here is our last weekly highlights of the year.
We have a Q&A from Chris - probably the first person we know who saw the potential of Against Time when we launched. We’ve also been pushing forward with branding support for PNQAL, ESP Foundation and Ode Studios as well as lining up projects for 2025.
See below for this week’s roundup. And have a well-deserved break this holiday season.
Unorthodox Blend
Article: UBA074 - Bookspiration - Monkey vs. Robot
In Russell's latest post about the books that inspire him, he takes a look at graphic Novel Monkey vs. Robot. An unexpected recommendation perhaps, but one that has provoked thoughts of reflection as Russell has reread the book, by James Kochalka.
“Monkey vs Robot may look like a quirky illustrated novel, but it’s a deeply philosophical meditation on the tensions we all navigate. Through its simplicity, it challenges us to step back and think about how we’re living - are we too focused on the past, too driven by the future, or are we truly here, in the present?”
Friends
Chris Shimojima
Founder and President, C5 Advisory
We met Chris during lockdown through an introduction from Drieke and the Kouch Culture team. He quickly became a friend, mentor and collaborator, generously sharing his network and skills with us. We’ve worked together on a few brands, and his experience and thoughtfulness have been invaluable, helping us forge new connections and friendships around the world.
Thank you, Chris!
Rosie Lee News
Shattered Peace. Juxtapositions.
Against Time
This series explores the some of the political concepts that divide humanity, using the peace symbol as the central motif to highlight the contrast between unity and division. Each image portrays the peace symbol being compromised by heroin, blood, bullets, oil and barbed wire. These images represent, violence, militarization, environmental degradation and separation respectively.
The project seeks to inspire action towards overcoming these divisions and fostering a deeper understanding of the universal struggle for peace.
Inspirations
SATISFY x Levi’s
SATISFY and Levi’s team up to give the iconic 501 a new life—this time, tailored for climbing. The “501 Re-Possessed” Climb Jeans take everything you love about the classic and reimagine it for performance and comfort on the wall.
Bialetti x The North Face
The North Face and Bialetti—two icons of exploration and craftsmanship, have come together to create a limited-edition coffee set designed for adventurers. Built for life on the road or the trail, this set ensures you can enjoy fine Italian coffee wherever your journey takes you.
1-800-ChatGPT
OpenAI’s introduction of 1-800-CHATGPT marks a milestone in the evolution of conversational AI, enabling users to interact with ChatGPT via calls and text messaging. This shift from screen-bound interactions to traditional phone-based communication feels nostalgic and futuristic at the same time.
If you have any inspirations that you’d like featured on UB, then please share them with us.
Work with us
So that seems to be it. We normally share a little here with some noters about how you can work with us but this time its just a case of saying Merry Christmas (if that’s your thing) and a Happy New Year. You can still reach out to us, but actually why are you even reading emails any more? Put your laptop or phone down. See you on the other side.