culture porn 6/30
our summer watch list
screenshot me:
pamela, a love story (netflix)
i was very intrigued by pamela anderson as a kid - she aesthetically imprinted in my mind, an image of femininity and fun. highly recommend this documentary (her son, brandon thomas lee, serves as a producer) which features pamela in her coastal canadian hometown and witty as ever. the doc is notably not hagiography, but instead shows pamela still figuring herself out - both empowering and endearing as she reflects on trauma and love.
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daisy jones & the six (amazon prime)
any show whose title song is patti smith’s “dancing barefoot” is worth paying attention to IMHO. by the third episode, i was hooked by the psuedo-story of a FLEETWOOD MAC-esque band through its ups and downs, but i only wish the music was as good as the actual group.
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drops of god (apple tv+)
BEST SHOW YOU'RE NOT WATCHING: does a lusciously filmed, franco-japanese drama about wine tasting based on a hit manga pique your interest? how about a dramatic version of a reality competition where the winner gets a wine cellar filled with $150 million worth of bottles? that plus childhood trauma, family squabbles and a heightened sense of smell make for a riveting and highly original show.
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the ultimatum: queer love (netflix)
oh, how eager i was to dive into yet another NETFLIX dating show - if you read this regularly you know i can't help myself. this season of the ULTIMATUM is NETFLIX's foray into LGBTQ+ relationships (featuring mostly cis women) and it does not disappoint! there's marriage ultimatums, spouse swapping, and lots of emotions (i genuinely cannot fathom proactively putting oneself through this torturous premise with the hope of improving your relationship) - i binged the first four episodes quickly.
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pearl (a24)
with the recent announcement of director ti west's upcoming third installment in the X trilogy (titled MaXXXine), i decided it was high time i watch the series' horror prequel, PEARL. starring a brilliant mia goth, the film's GREY GARDENS-esque plot set in 1920s americana farmland works perfectly. in signature A24 style, the aesthetic is impeccable.
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the last of us (hbo)
i love a good thriller, so was excited to tune into this video game-adaptation in the zombie apocalypse genre. i was even more interested given that the premise involved fungus causing the widespread decimation + zombie-dom (sidenote: several years back we had the idea of a mushroom horror piece! alas) regardless, i loved the first part of episode one -- knowing something bad is about to happen. i was hooked! the rest of episode one felt a little trope-ey, for my taste, and reminded me why i wasn't a WALKING DEAD fan.
insights & inspo
should you really post your “digital detox”?
our co-founder, sarah, spoke to NYLON about the new gen z trend: digital detoxing. the dilemma faced is unplugging in a hyperconnected world, and the irony lies in the fact that these digital detoxers often document and share their own detox experiences online. so, can it truly be considered a detox if one curates their abstinence for screen consumption? 📵
more insights here
bagging a new generation
from start up to gen z revolution,BAGGU has become a TikTok sensation. what began as a sustainable solution for replacing single-use bags has blossomed into a cult following of #baggugirlies. with no paid influencer marketing and a broad demographic, BAGGU has placed themselves at the top the reusables market and an ideal case study for a brand that in fact does little branding. Do you reuse? 🛍️
more insights here
#LOokforward🌅 with linda ong
at CANNES LIONS, i couldn’t resist when the incomparable walter frye asked for a pose at the MEDIA LINK X I HEART RADIO bash - where an electric lizzo lit up the hotel du cap.
meanwhile, the titanic submersible disaster was an international search-and-rescue operation, contrasting with the appalling lack of global attention given to the 750 shipwrecked migrants. with the greek government reluctant to get involved, it took the luxury yacht MAYAN QUEEN IV to scoop 100 survivors from the sea.
back on land, cap ferrat is a beautiful and serene way to top off a week of hustle. i’m inspired by the “coastal nonna” look - itself nodding to THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY and the euro version of last year’s “coastal grandmother” trend. a great start to my vacation - see you when i get back to LA!
for linda’s full debrief, head here
we’ll be taking next week off for the holiday and be back with fresh picks the following week! enjoy the break!