offcultured

As fall approaches, I’m reflecting on the rave otherwise known as Summer. It’s been a season of record-breaking global heatwaves, full-powered megastar world tours, and a mass return to “outside.” Hot Girl Summer — the femme-centered rallying call to play, do what we want, and care for our overall well-being — skyrocketed. However, even as temperatures continue to surge, the jovial energy slowly wanes as we prepare trade swimsuits for sweaters and take our wanderlust to the Great Indoors.

For decades, all things Japanese, including Japanese fashion, have acquired a reputation for being futuristic, avant-garde, eclectic, and a little bit “out there.” Western perceptions of Japanese fashion often include the exaggerated Harajuku street style popularized by the likes of Gwen Stefani in the 2000s or the deconstructed and heavily conceptual garments designed by maestros like Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo and Junya Watanabe.

Change is inevitable in life, yet choosing between trying out something familiar or venturing out into unknown territories often presents us with a dilemma. We experience it daily when making lifestyle, home, and personal style decisions, both approaches have their own benefits as well as downsides. This article contains affiliate links and does not earn commission. Fitness enthusiasts tend to rely on their tried-and-true workout routines for consistency in workout results and safety.

We love featuring burgeoning creators who have a passion for self-expression and creativity. Vancouver, Canada’s Ella Chan is making a name for herself in various artistic fields, showcasing her impressive range and versatility. After she started modeling, acting, and dancing around age five, she fell in love with it. Now, 12-year-old Ella has graced the runway with her striking presence, walking prestigious events — including Vancouver Kids Fashion Week — to showcase the latest fashion trends.

For many, the height of the growing season means it’s time to rethink your garden. You might be considering investing in a little landscaping, or starting up a new maintenance routine to keep everything in check, but could there be a benefit to simply letting the garden grow as it will? This concept is getting some traction lately, with the practice of rewilding becoming more and more of a trend. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean just ignoring your garden.

The rise in cafe culture provides spaces to unwind, relax, and socialize among friends and strangers. Coined by Ray Oldenburg, the “third place” is a meeting ground where people can connect, grow, and foster community. With hundreds of independent cafes fighting for survival, choosing a cafe as your own third place can be the next strategy for individual growth. This article contains affiliate links and does not earn commission.

Looking to mellow out? The principles of slow living set you on track for a much more mindful, conscious, and grounded life. While many assume this makes for a bland, boring existence, it couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the minimalist aesthetic of the slow living lifestyle has honed its own unique style. One that adheres to modern design trends that many people consider appealing today.

For a very long time, personal taste in art and entertainment has been a way to signal to others what kind of person you are. Being a fan of a certain artist seems to automatically signify something about your character. It’s “cool” to like certain kinds of movies and musical artists — even if you don’t enjoy their work. Often, cinema or music that’s heralded as “artistic” (and thus, “good”) isn’t in the slightest bit easy to consume.

No one likes a predictable story with the same old plots and cliches. Audiences want to be shocked and entertained, and many desire some relatability. The Boys by Eric Kripke certainly keeps people on their toes. Even when they want to look away, they really can’t. The fourth season of the horror-comedy is here and without a doubt, it’s gruesome and hilarious. The storytelling is strong and weirdly relatable as wildly flawed characters play a chaotic role in the community.

Be it fashion, music or aesthetics, Black culture has set the template for an overwhelming array of mainstream trends. From the rise of hip-hop to the popularity of “clean girl beauty,” the influence of Black American culture is omnipresent. But nowhere is Black culture as apparent yet unacknowledged as it is in K-pop. Korean pop music took the world by storm with catchy songs, synchronized choreography, and memorable style.