Weekend reading list: 5.8.26
Fake brand scandals, the actual Met fashion exhibit, friendship circles and more in this week's reading + shopping roundup!
1. BEAUTY
I really enjoyed this profile on Hailey Bieber and her beauty brand, Rhode. I think what makes Rhode such a fascinating study isn’t just that it’s successful - it’s that Hailey has managed to turn an entire aesthetic into a billion dollar business! There are plenty of celebrity beauty brands at this point, but Rhode feels different because it was never just about products. She essentially built a whole world around a vibe: glazed skin, Erewhon smoothies, minimal packaging, “clean but sexy,” even the way products are photographed online! The article points out that Rhode had the biggest debut ever in the history of Sephora North America, which is wild considering the brand only launched a few years ago! Whether you personally love the brand or not, you have to admit Hailey Bieber has been incredibly smart about understanding modern branding and internet culture. (Personally, I’m a fan of their pocket blush and lip tint.)
2. ART
I already shared my thoughts on the Met Gala looks, but now I’m turning my attention to the exhibit itself! This year’s exhibit, Costume Art, explores the idea of the “dressed body” by pairing fashion pieces with historical artworks and sculptures across time. Apparently the exhibit isn’t organized chronologically, it’s organized around the body itself: the “classical body,” the “anatomical body,” the “mortal body,” etc. It sounds much more conceptual than a typical fashion exhibit, and very timely given how much conversation there’s been around body image, AI-generated beauty standards, and the way fashion still presents such a narrow idea of what bodies are supposed to look like! Definitely hoping to make it up to The Met soon to see the exhibit!
3. NYC
New York’s wellness scene has gotten wildly elaborate lately - we’re talking Roman bath-inspired spas, biohacking clubs, breathwork classes, infrared saunas, and entire “social wellness” spaces! If you have a trip planned here (or if you live here), bookmark this roundup of the city’s best spas. I’ve also noticed wellness here has become much more social, like people doing sauna sessions, cold plunges, and bathhouses with friends the same way you might meet for cocktails. Personally, I’m now very tempted to book a day at Aire Ancient Baths…it looks like a whole vibe!
4. INDUSTRY
Apparently fake brand scandals are now a legitimate marketing strategy! Beauty brands have started staging intentionally confusing “controversies” online, like fake apology posts, fake rebrands, and bait-and-switch campaigns because social media algorithms reward shock and engagement more than polished advertising now (ugh). And while this strategy can work, it’s also risky - especially in beauty where brands are constantly one bad launch or controversy away from real backlash. The internet really has become one giant attention economy, and beauty brands are clearly learning they have to entertain people first and sell to them second!
5. FRIENDSHIP
I thought this was a really insightful piece on why social circles naturally shrink over time - moves, relationships, work, kids, just life in general - and why maintaining friendships often takes way more intention than it did in your early 20s! The key is reframing friendship less as something that should “effortlessly happen” and more like something you actively build and maintain over time. It also made a good point about how even small interactions (like chatting with your neighbors) matter more than you think. As someone who’s been actively cultivating new friendships, I really felt this! Building community as an adult can feel awkward at first, but once you stop expecting friendship to happen automatically, it gets a lot easier to put yourself out there!
6. FASHION
Leave it to Chanel to debut the season’s buzziest shoe! At Matthieu Blazy’s latest Chanel cruise show, models walked in barely-there shoes designed to create the illusion of being barefoot, with only a tiny heel cap and ribbons attached. The internet is dubbing this the “naked shoe,” and while I’m not convinced the average person is about to start wandering around Manhattan essentially barefoot, I’ve learned never to underestimate what fashion people will eventually decide is cool! (I have thoughts on the actual Chanel ballet flats here!)
+ WHAT I’M EYEING
BEST DRESSED GUEST
DRESS (SEEN ON ME HERE) // EARRINGS // CLUTCH // SHOES
SPRING LOOK
DRESS (SIMILAR STYLE) // NECKLACE // BAG // SHOES
+ END OF WEEK EXTRAS
I’m loving this delicate shade of pink for spring — also seen here, here, and here!
Eying this cool pair of New Balance sneakers (only $100!)
There’s a new viral water brand taking over the internet.
I love a sculptural dress, such a chic LBD.
A delicious spring sheet pan recipe!
This FARM Rio dress was made for a tropical getaway.
It looks like the Zara tunic dress I shared has been restocked (size down!)
Pastel blue sneakers for spring!
Gen Z is discovering 90s Tae Bo on TikTok!
The cutest sleepwear set for spring and summer.
Obsessed with these easy Trader Joe’s dinner ideas.
This Ferragamo silk scarf is everything!!
The perfect pop of color.
All the celebrity cameos in The Devil Wears Prada 2 (and there are a lot).
A versatile raffia bag under $130!
