Culture x Investing → Cultured
Introducing… the first issue of Cultured.
Hello readers! We’re excited to be sharing the first issue of Cultured with you today.
Yes, we know many of you signed up for something called Culture x Investing, but we thought we’d make it a bit snappier. “Cultured” reflects how we hope you’ll feel after each issue.
Three times a week here, we’ll feature:
One deep dive into a recent headline from multiple angles (including, but not limited to, the culture x investing perspectives, of course)
One fun culture tidbit
A handful of other curiosities that caught our eye
This newsletter is a new endeavor, so we’re open to experimentation and we welcome your feedback and ideas! Have something you want to share? Just reply to this email.
🗞 STORY OF THE DAY
Virgil Abloh’s lasting impact on fashion
Virgil Abloh, the designer who founded luxury fashion label Off-White, passed away over the weekend after a private battle with a rare form of cancer. He was 41.
In his short life, Abloh managed to bring streetwear to the forefront of fashion, merging the online world with haute couture. He dressed Kid Cudi in a gender-bending floor-length skirt, while collaborating with commercial brands like Nike and Evian.
More than anything, Abloh created a framework for an inclusive approach to fashion: one that included music, art, and pop culture. He also paved the way for a more diverse fashion industry, becoming the first Black exec at LVMH.
Our Take: Virgil Abloh blurred the lines of art and pop culture, leading the way for a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.
Abloh was all about breaking down boundaries. He knew that clothing isn’t just about the designer’s vision; it should also express the identity of the people wearing it.
That vision resonated broadly. His network included tech entrepreneurs like Alexis Ohanian and numerous other celebrities—most famously, Kanye West, who brought Abloh on to guide his creative design firm, Donda.
Abloh made a diverse group of hypebeasts, music fans, and fashion lovers feel like they were part of something larger than themselves. As the reality of his absence is starting to set in, fans are clamoring for a piece of the designer’s work, sending resale prices through the roof.
🗓 TODAY IN CULTURE
On this day in 1982, Michael Jackson released Thriller, which remains the best-selling album of all time (it’s sold an estimated 70 million copies worldwide). The album, fueled by the title song’s iconic music video, completely revolutionized the music industry.
Despite continued controversy surrounding the King of Pop, the Michael Jackson memorabilia market remains strong, with a number of items going up for auction at Julien’s last month, including a signed copy of Thriller.
✨ AROUND THE INTERNET
Constitution DAO, the organization that lost a $43 million bid to buy a copy of the Constitution, is shutting down.
Kirby, the famous pink video game character, is on his way to the Grammys. A reworking of “Meta Knight’s Revenge,” from the 1996 Kirby Superstar game, was nominated for Best Arrangement. Video game scores are rarely nominated for Grammys — only two others (Journey and Civilization 4) have ever been shortlisted.
If you’re showing up to this vintage car show, make sure you’re rocking your tracksuit. RADwood, which took place last month in San Francisco, encourages people to bring their raddest cars from the 80s and 90s and to dress the part, as well.
🎵 Fake Pokémon...gotta catch ‘em all! 🎵 Chinese authorities seized 7 tons of fake Pokémon cards bound for the Netherlands, in the latest sign that ongoing trading card shortages are leading to a proliferation of fakes.
Macy’s in the metaverse? The department store giant is auctioning off 10 NFTs of its parade floats over the years in a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Have $28,000 to spare? This creepy elf can be yours today.
