girls getting defensive
plus an exclusive and delicious greeting from Bangkok.
Morning to you - because it’s definitely not morning as this goes up for me! It’s Ashe on the intro today and I’m back home [for the week] babyyyyy.
Back to the world of micro (and macro) trends, small business stalls in big commercial malls, 32° + sunshine, and unnecessarily good food. Bangkok.
I could wax poetic about everything here, but instead, I’ll just leave you with my meals (that I remembered to take a picture of being wolfing down).
🗞️News
So much came from the Oscars 2025. We won’t discourse too much on on all the snub and dubs, but lots love for ‘Flow’, ‘I’m Still Here’, and ‘No Other Land’. But what was up with all the gum everyone was chewing?
M for McDonalds? Nope. Mixue, a Chinese boba and ice cream chain, has surpassed them with over 45,000+ locations.
Sabrina Carpenter pisses off viewers of the Brits with ‘racy performance’ - surely, popstars are so back.
Hasanabi suspended from Twitch over ‘controversial’ comments regarding US Senator. DW he’s unbanned now.
🧂Trends
Muay Thai the ‘New Pilates’?
Don’t worry, low-exposure reformer pics aren’t going anywhere. As Pilates becomes more mainstream (and still pricey), Muay Thai might be stepping into the ‘it-girl’ workout ring.
We’re seeing more girlies hitting the mats, not necessarily for self-defense but for strength and toning. The combination of both seems to create the ultimate lethal gym-girlie.
Will Muay Thai take over? Maybe not. But expect to see more sweaty wraps and heavy bags on your feed.
Gourmand perfumes
Domino’s pepperoni pizza perfume might be a Valentine’s Day marketing stunt, but food-inspired scents are actually an emerging category. Vanilla, matcha, rosemary, praline, fennel, and yes, even pizza—NY-based scent-makers NONOSES INC’s Slice Society promise to make you smell like a “mouthwatering piece of pizza.” They also have something for those who want to be a walking croissant. But doesn’t that just make the wearer hungry?
Here’s a roundup of some foodie perfumes.
Zebra striping
Zebras are trending, and not just as a clothing pattern. Zebra striping is a drinking-in-moderation method, allowing people to pace themselves at social events without going fully sober. The concept is simple: alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the night. Some might have already been in zebra mode without even realizing it— (like Ilze switching between % beer and n/a one).
This approach skips the toxic “all or nothing” mentality while keeping a drink in hand and the social flow intact.
Grisch
Are we still on the hunt for a finance bro? Well, if TikTok stats for #grisch are anything to go by.
Grisch is a Swedish rich-kid aesthetic for guys - think puffer vests, polos, glitzy watches, and a strict muted color palette. Ilze’s Stockholm-based student adds: “Here, in Stockholm wearing the "right" brands is very important for the younger guys: Ralph Lauren, Moncler, and Valentino trainers.”
Ralph Lauren isn’t just trending for the guys. A friend managing a vintage clothing chain reports – RL cable knits are flying off the shelves. Ilze’s university observations and Vinted sales back that up. Tommy Hilfiger is also making a comeback.
Might be a good time to list your RL stash on Vinted. Cha-ching!
Fluffy Yoghurt
We might’ve accidentally gatekept this one for a bit too long. Back in October, we mentioned "dry yogurt" and dismissed fluffy yoghurt as a micro-trend, but now it’s having its moment.
Quickly adopted by the protein fiends, this high-protein hack (popularized by buffunicorn on TikTok) involves baking powder, gelatin, protein powder, and your toppings of choice. It’s thick, airy, and has gym bros thanking the girlies for saving them from a lifetime of just protein shakes and plain chicken and broccoli.
Tate McRae’s Revolving Door Dance
Tate McRae’s Revolving Door choreography has TikTok in a chokehold. Dancers (and non-dancers) are attempting the her signature move in the video - some nailing it, some struggling.
Beyond the dance trend, her entire new album is getting love online. Whether it’s the footwork or the hooks, the marketing team is definitely winning with this one.
Anxiety - Doechii
Ok, ok, Doechii once again - but what can we say, she’s getting her flowers and more. A song feature of hers from around a year ago blew up on TikTok - to the point that she’s released a solo version.