A brief overview of what is currently trending on X in news, culture, and/or trending hashtags and formats.
Prince Harry: Rupert Murdoch’s U.K. tabloids agreed to pay substantial damages to settle Prince Harry’s privacy invasion lawsuit.
J Hope: Pharrell previewed a new Don Toliver song he produced featuring J Hope at the Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall-Winter ‘25 show.
Tallahassee: Roughly two inches of sleet and snow fell on Tallahassee, FL yesterday from a historic winter storm that hit the Gulf Coast.
A deeper dive into a subject that is impacting culture on a macro level, beyond just the social space.
The Jelly Cat Craze
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
What It Is: Jellycat, a brand that first gained attention last year, continues to grow in popularity, particularly among Gen Z consumers. But what is driving this surge in fan devotion? Is it the brand's name — suggesting a cat made of jelly — or something else entirely? In fact, Jellycat is neither a jelly product nor a cat-themed brand. Instead, it’s a collection of whimsical, collectible plush toys that offer a unique sense of comfort and joy.
These soft, quirky animals tap into a growing trend among Gen Z: a deep desire for products that evoke nostalgia and promote serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. Much like the popular Sunny Angels figures, Jellycat toys are designed to bring out the inner child in its collectors. With many of its creations available in limited quantities through exclusive stores or online platforms, the brand has successfully cultivated an air of scarcity and exclusivity, making these plushies highly sought after.
For Gen Z, the appeal is clear: Jellycat represents a delightful escape, offering not just a toy but a collectible that connects to a sense of comfort, warmth, and the carefree joy of childhood. As these plush animals continue to fly off the shelves, it’s evident that Jellycat has tapped into a niche that resonates with a generation craving emotional fulfillment and whimsical self-expression.
Brand Takeaway: Nostalgia has become a central theme for Gen Z and other age groups seeking to reconnect with their inner child. In response, many brands are shifting towards creating immersive experiences with collectible items, reviving styles from Gen Z’s formative years, and even designing home decor that evokes a sense of childlike wonder. Jellycat is a brand that has successfully tapped into this sentiment, continually embracing nostalgia as a key selling point. With its whimsical plush toys and emphasis on comfort and joy, Jellycat has struck a chord with its audience, capitalizing on the growing desire for items that offer a tangible connection to the past and provide a sense of emotional fulfillment.
Four must-click links that crossed our feeds today.
Netflix announced that it's increasing subscription prices in the U.S.
Users who deleted the TikTok app after the ban are still not seeing it available for download in the App store.
Star of the reality TV show Mob Wives, Natalie DiDonato, has allegedly gone missing.
Keke Palmer's new comedy, ‘One of Them Days,’ has broken a Rotten Tomatoes record.
Want to subscribe? Reach out to culturetaskforce@substack.com.