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It’s hard to believe that we’re just a week away from bidding summer farewell. Many BMFers are OOO, taking well-deserved breaks, while others are gearing up for a busy fall season. |
The September issue of Vogue has hit newsstands (featuring The Super Models!), serving as an emblematic indicator of autumn’s inevitable arrival. Our minds shift towards changing wardrobes, and the rich cultural tapestry that characterizes the latter part of the year. |
This issue is dedicated to culture – BMF’s stock-in-trade – how we serve up relevance for brands wanting to connect with consumers in a way that matters beyond whatever functional benefits they’re slinging. And there’s so much going on. From the glamour of Fashion Month to the louder-than-ever Miami Art Week, a smorgasbord of cultural moments and tentpoles loom on the horizon, from September through December – and beyond. |
Read on for a roundup of what’s happening in culture around the world, and get our POV on how brands can plug themselves into culture. |
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Bruce, Brian, Ed + The BMF Team |
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The POV |
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 | Pulse Check: Plugging Brands Into CultureBMFers are Cultural Engineers, with heterogeneous interests across a range of pop culture, high culture, global culture, subculture, counterculture, and more. Each contribute their own perspective, insight, and passion to provide clients with relevant marketing & communications solutions. Check out our POV on how brands can plug into and create culture. ➔ |
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The New + The NoteworthyEverything Worth Doing/Seeing/Getting/Booking |
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 | Photo via The New York Times | The US Open takes place from August 28 - September 10 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in Flushing Meadows in Queens, NY. As one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, fans and sports enthusiasts will flock from all over the world to attend the annual tennis competition. Secure your tickets here. ➔ |
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 | | The Austin City Limits Music Festival is an iconic celebration of sound and culture in the eclectic heart of Austin, Texas. Set against the backdrop of Zilker Park's natural beauty, this annual event gathers music enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. From indie rock to hip-hop, folk to electronic beats, ACL embodies the diverse and magnetic pulse of Austin. The music festival takes place over two weekends this fall, October 6-8 & 13-15, so get tickets while you can here. ➔ |
|  | Photo via London Design Festival | London Design Festival celebrates and promotes the city as a design capital and focuses on nurturing emerging talent. By day, exhibitions and workshops buzz with creativity, while illuminated installations and night events dazzle after dark. This event is a must-visit for anyone passionate about the transformative power of design. The London Design Festival takes place from September 16-24, learn more about it here. ➔ |
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 | | Some brands follow culture, others create it. This summer, BMF client Lilly Pulitzer is painting the city of Chicago in its colorful signature prints with ‘The Cube’, an immersive retail activation typically only available at the brand’s Palm Beach flagship. The location features five exclusive shift fabrics only available for purchase at the Chicago and Palm Beach stores, as well as exclusive hand painted accessories. Check out the brand’s newest pieces here. ➔ |
|  | | BMF-client Smashbox reflects Gen Z values and overarching cultural trends with their ‘Cruelty Free Vegan Primers, Makeup and More’. Now, they’ve taken it a step further with the newest addition to their beauty line up, the Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation. The full-coverage favorite was already named a top product of 2023 by the New York Post. Get it here. ➔ |
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| Immerse yourself in Keith Haring's vibrant world at The Broad in LA at the “Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody” exhibit. Over 120 artworks and archival treasures reveal Haring's iconic use of color and characters that break down art-life barriers. The exhibit spans ten galleries, tracing Haring's journey from the '70s to 1988. Discover his activism, from nuclear disarmament to contemporary issues, alongside his poignant works from the late '80s and framed posters showcasing Haring’s activism within the HIV/AIDS crisis. The exhibit runs until October 8, get tickets to the exhibit and discover more here. ➔ |
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 | Photo via LA Day Of The Dead | Every year on the last Saturday before November 2, the Hollywood Forever cemetery welcomes the world to its grounds to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos – the Day of the Dead. More than 100 altars, created by members of the community in remembrance of their ancestors and loved ones, are dispersed throughout the cemetary. Learn more about Dia de los Muertos Hollywood Forever and buy tickets here. ➔ |
|  | | Brands are always looking for fresh ways to show up during Miami Art Week, and a new show is coming in 2023, freshly imported from Italy. Founded in 2018, Alcova is an itinerant platform for independent design. Watch this space to find out more about Alcova / Miami 2023. ➔ |
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 | | Cinespia is a Los Angeles-based organization bringing classic cinema to life with screenings in iconic venues including The Hollywood Forever Cemetery, The Greek Theatre, and Los Angeles Historic Park. Cinespia also hosts private screenings, concerts, and premieres throughout the year at art deco movie palaces and at outdoor venues. Get your tickets for a dazzling screening under the stars here. ➔ |
|  | | Heading to the French Riviera during shoulder season? Check out Arles, France, a capital of photography. Rencontres d'Arles is a major influence in disseminating the best photography work from around the world and has a worldwide reputation as a springboard for photographic and contemporary creative talents. The exhibitions are held on various heritage sites, suitable stage-designed for the purpose. Learn more about the festival and get your tickets here. ➔ |
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The FrequencyWhat We’re Listening To Now. |
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 | | With over a dozen hubs all over the world, next-generation music company and BMF music PR client ONErpm has its finger on the pulse of global music culture. Their signings range from Azer Bülbül’s who has the #1 song in Turkey, Nigeria’s Kcee with his hit “Ojapiano”, Kabaka Pyramid from Jamaica (winner of the GRAMMY 2023 Best Reggae Album) to Chance Peña, Nightly, Jordi and many more in the United States. Listen to all these artists and more here. ➔ |
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The DestinationNow Departing... |
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 | | Upstate New York is defined by three things: culture, the arts, and antiques. Whether you’re headed up for a late summer jaunt, or planning a fall leaf-peeping weekend – we’ve got you covered with our refreshed Upstate Travel Guide. ➔ |
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The SublimeCreators, Innovators, And Cool $#!+ You Should Know About. |
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 | | The original 90s super models are the cover girls for the September issue of Vogue. Why? BMF client Apple TV+ is dropping a new title called ‘The Super Models’ on September 20th. Check out the trailer here and learn more about the enduring cultural significance of the super models here. ➔ |
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| Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary has been celebrated all month long across the country. As Hip Hop was born in the Bronx, it makes sense that NYC has gone BIG for the anniversary. “Hip Hop Til Infinity” is an immersive experience designed as a visual journey through 50 years of Hip Hop. The exhibit will be hosting virtual concerts, interactive programming, and listening parties through September 17th. Read more about the experience here. ➔ | |
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Frieze has announced a new global partnership with Getty that will launch at Frieze Seoul this September. PST ART will explore the intersection between art and science and open dialogues pertaining to climate change, artificial intelligence, environmental justice, and alternative medicine. PST ART will showcase over 800 artists in 50 coordinated exhibitions and public programs. Learn more about the inaugural PST ART: Art & Science Collide here. ➔ | |
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| GASP ZINE is a cultural platform highlighting local talent and bridging the gap between the “OG Generation” of artists and creative thinkers with the “New School” of creatives. In addition to a printed magazine, GASP holds bi-monthly art shows in LA & NYC. The GASP collective’s intention is to provide education, inspiration, and community support for all. The next GASP Gallery is happening Saturday, August 26th in LA. Learn more here. ➔ | |
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Benito Skinner, also known as Benny Drama, is a Gen Z pop culture icon who gained recognition for his over the top celebrity impressions and skits. With growing TikTok and Instagram platforms reaching millions of users, Benito has become an internet sensation collaborating with A-listers such as Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Kourtney Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, and more. Now, Benito is working on a new series in partnership with Amazon and A24, called “Overcompensating” based on his own life. Read more about the social media star here. ➔ | |
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| LVMH has revealed details of a major partnership that’ll bring together the French luxury conglomerate and the Paris 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2024. Expect to see the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Berluti designing non-performance attire for competing French athletes. LVMH has all bases covered with Moët Hennessy supplying celebratory drinks throughout the games, and Chaumet taking charge of all Olympic silverware. This unprecedented partnership will make Olympic history. Read more about the partnership here. ➔ | Photo via Vogue Scandinavia |
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 | Photo via Objective Gallery | Objective Gallery has built a reputation for championing the best in design and functional sculpture. To celebrate its third year, Objective is bringing artists together that represent each of the past 14 exhibitions since its inception. The exhibition's O-shaped design is both a nod to the gallery name and to the constant cycle in which creativity moves. The show, Grand House | Three Years at Objective, runs until October 10 in Shanghai. Read more about the gallery here. ➔ |
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 | | New York is one of the liveliest hubs for creative people, and the art reflects that. Chelsea and the Lower East Side have always been the nuclei of New York’s art scene. But in recent years, the dynamic has shifted and moved into ‘off road’ locations with unconventional features. These small-scale spaces are aligned on their mission to showcase emerging and under-represented artists while creating an inclusive and approachable gallery experience. Read on to find out more about the gallerists launching spaces in NYCs cutthroat art market here. ➔ |
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The Week in ReviewICYMI... |
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TravelAmerica’s Best Small Spa And Wellness Town Is A Lakeside Gem In Upstate New York ➔ The 14 Best Upstate Resorts In New York ➔ 20 Best Places To Visit In Upstate New York ➔ What’s Your Upstate New York Vacation Style? ➔
Fashion & BeautyThese Are The Fashion Week Essentials You Need – From Portable Chargers To Designer Tote Bags ➔ A Complete Guide To New York Fashion Week ➔ 41 Back To School Outfits That'll Get You Hype For Your First Day ➔ 12 Back-To-School Beauty Essentials To Add To Your Routine ➔
Entertainment33 Best Back To School Movies That'll Get You Excited For The School Year ➔ 11 Back-To-School Movies For Your Next Family Movie Night ➔ T40 Fun And Creative Back-To-School Activities For Kids Of All Ages ➔ The Best Back-To-School TV Episodes For Every Age ➔
TechnologyElevate Your Back-To-School Game With These Essential Tech Accessories ➔ AD’s Back-To-School Tech Essentials 2023 ➔ AI Goes Back To School ➔ A Surprising New Tech Center Is Emerging In Upstate New York ➔
Automotive‘This Experience May Feel Futuristic’: Three Rides In Waymo Robot Taxis ➔ A Bumpy Ride At Monterey Car Auctions, Despite Million-Dollar Ferraris ➔ Electric Cars Are the Future. But Renting One? Good Luck. ➔ Electric Cars Are Breaking Sales Records, But Here’s Why They’re Not Replacing Gas Cars Anytime Soon ➔
MediaBack To School: TikTok Banned On School District Devices, Poses Security Risk ➔ Bobby Flay’s Vacation Home In Upstate New York Just Hit The Market For $3.3 Million ➔ This Mom’s Viral Back-To-School ‘Rules’ For Son Are Hilarious … And Helpful ➔ “Girl” Trends And The Repackaging Of Womanhood ➔
EventsA Mysterious Foundation Is Throwing A Huge Cultural Festival On The National Mall ➔ 24 Things To Do This September In New York State ➔ Upstate Art Weekend Is Bigger Than It’s Ever Been ➔ First U.S. Indigenous Fashion Week Launching In Santa Fe, New Mexico ➔
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