Y2K.2 and Sk8ter Boys

Your daily digest of youth culture

Meet the world’s most accomplished 8th grader, listen to new albums from IDK and Vince Staples (skip the Space Jam album or don’t say I didn’t warn you), sip McDonald’s viral Korean iced coffee*, and…

*Dip your soft serve cone into a cup of cold brew, basically

PACSUN NAMES A$AP ROCKY GUEST ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

As Pacsun’s first-ever guest artistic director, the rapper will oversee the mall store’s designer collaborations and brand campaigns. First Klarna, now this…? Dating Rihanna must be expensive. wwd // Related: Why PacSun is getting into the booming sneaker resale business. footwearnews

FROM SK8R BOY SUSPENDERS TO JUICY COUTURE, Y2K FASHION IS BACK

Could it be because “much of what is available on resell platforms and sought after in secondhand stores are from this era”? It’s not that simple, imo, but it’s an interesting theory. r29

THE FUTURE OF ONLINE RETAIL LOOKS A LOT LIKE QVC

Everyone’s doing it — Walmart, Amazon, Gucci, Levi’s — but “analysts are skeptical that live streams will translate to long-term sales growth,” given our endless streaming options on Netflix and Hulu (not to mention TikTok and Instagram). wapo

‘WHO ARE OUR ENEMIES?’ CHINA’S BITTER YOUTHS EMBRACE MAO

A Mao renaissance is underway among self-described “wage slaves,” “corporate cattle” and “overtime dogs” (i.e. overworked, underpaid young people). nyt

They read him in libraries and on subways. They organized online book clubs devoted to his works. They uploaded hours of audio and video, spreading the gospel of his revolutionary thinking.

THE FAKE CHICKEN WARS HAVE BEGUN

From the startup Daring, to Gen Z’s beloved Nuggs, to Lightlife’s new tenders and filets, to Kellogg’s Incogmeato Chik’n. fastco

One last thought:

Kaitlin Phillips @yoloethics

Ashley Olsen in the woods, drinking beer, carrying a machete.

Cheers!