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The Return of Heritage Wear: How Quiet Luxury Is Redefining Couture

A counterpoint to the concurrent fleeting trends of fast fashion

A shift is taking place in the upper echelons of today’s fashion. Where once status was loudly declared through logos, embellishment, and brand-heavy ieces, a more considered aesthetic has taken hold – quiet luxury

Subtle, refined, and in most cases logo-free, it is the fashion world’s response to economic prudence, consumer fatigue, and the desire for meaning beyond the surface.

But quiet luxury is not simply a reaction to the trend fatigue – it’s a movement deeply rooted in values that emphasize permanence, artistry, and cultural heritage. Once viewed as traditionalist or niche, heritage fashion has now become the expression of understated elegance. It prioritizes storytelling, excellence in craft, and a connection to cultural identity. At the heart of this resurgence are ateliers like Habsburg, where refinement is not an affectation but a conviction – where every stitch signals legacy rather than novelty.

Quiet Luxury and Heritage Wear: A Natural Confluence

This shift in fashion sensibility has brought quiet luxury and heritage wear into close alignment. The emphasis is no longer on bold logos or seasonal spectacle, but on garments that express refinement through cut, fabric, and construction. Style today is increasingly measured not by visibility, but by discernment.

As fashion turns more and more toward understatement, heritage wear has stepped into the spotlight, again – but not as nostalgia, rather as a celebration of enduring design principles. With its roots in precise tailoring, noble materials, and cultural continuity, it offers a counterpoint to fleeting trends of fast fashion.

What Defines Quiet Luxury?

Quiet luxury is not the absence of style; it is the presence of intention.

It signals taste through cut, fabric, and silhouette rather than logos or spectacle.

Characteristic Description Consumer Benefit Notable Examples
Muted Color Palette Earth tones, creams, navy, and charcoal dominate Versatility and timeless appeal Lemaire, The Row
Fine Materials Cashmere, linen, silk, alpaca, virgin wool Comfort, longevity, and prestige Loro Piana, Habsburg
Tailored Silhouettes Structured coats, sharp lapels, high-waist trousers, coats Flattering, refined aesthetics Brunello Cucinelli
Absence of Branding No visible logos, monograms, or slogans Exclusive yet discreet recognition Jil Sander, Gabriela Hearst

Consumers are not only seeking value – they are signaling values. By investing in garments that prioritize materials and heritage over flash, buyers are shifting fashion’s focus from performance to authenticity.

Heritage Wear as Cultural Continuity

What’s more: Heritage wear transcends seasonal relevance. It speaks to a deeper narrative – one grounded in place, process, and provenance. Every detail in a heritage garment bears the imprint of time: button placements rooted in military function, linings derived from regional weaving traditions, tailoring honed over generations.

Habsburg Luxury Couture is exemplary in this regard. The manufactory doesn’t reference tradition for effect – it inhabits it. The garments are not relics, but living testimonies to a style that prioritizes both dignity and form. Markus Meindl and Michael Rumerstorfer of Habsburg are committed to reviving and refining historical tailoring showing that it is NOT retroactive. By treating tradition as an asset rather than an aesthetic gimmick, they deliver fashion that is culturally intelligent and structurally exquisite.

This emphasis on narrative and permanence resonates strongly with millennial consumers. According to Lectra’s recent fashion insights, 72 percent of millennial luxury shoppers now favor products tied to personal or historical significance over flashy novelties. Today, fast fashion has severed clothing from context and brands like Habsburg try to restore that connection.

Why the Industry Is Returning to Its Roots

For decades, luxury brands operated under the directive of scale. The focus was on expansion – more stores, more product lines, more global reach. But in that race, something was lost: the close relationship between maker and wearer, the purpose behind design, the devotion to excellence.

Heritage manufacturing rejects this model. It is inherently small-batch, localized, and artisanal. It cannot – and does not want to – chase the tempo of fast trends.

Contrast Between Fast Fashion and Heritage Luxury

Factor Fast Fashion Heritage Wear
Production Cycle Weeks Months or longer
Design Philosophy Trend-driven, reactive Rooted in tradition, iterative refinement
Material Quality Synthetic blends, low-cost fabrics Natural fibers, fine-grade textiles
Consumer Perception Disposable, trend-centric Emotional investment, heirloom potential

As sustainability becomes a non-negotiable value in fashion, heritage methods emerge not just as aesthetically pleasing, but environmentally and ethically aligned with contemporary expectations.

What Luxury Buyers Want Now

Luxury is no longer synonymous with extravagance. For many consumers – particularly in the 30 to 45 demographic – it now means discernment. According to Vogue, over 60 percent of millennial luxury buyers prioritize brand integrity and product longevity over brand recognition.

This demographic doesn’t want what’s new – they want what’s meaningful.

AS such, today’s fashion designers are no longer expected to invent in a vacuum. Instead, they can curate history through fabric, silhouette, and construction. Their role is not to simply dictate trends but to interpret and preserve continuity through garments.

A Changing Aesthetic Market

Having said that, quiet luxury is not without competition. Signals of maximalism’s return can be spotted in recent collections from Gucci and Diesel, where color and chaos are inching back into the vogue. Yet the enduring appeal of quiet luxury lies in its resistance to theatrics. It is not about shock – it is about serenity. The real challenge for brands lies in remaining steady without becoming stale. For heritage labels, the key will be in keeping the tradition vital – not merely archived.

Final Reflection: Why Heritage and Quiet Luxury Are Here to Stay

Quiet luxury and heritage wear are not passing trends – they are deliberate responses to deeper social needs. In their embrace of authenticity, provenance, and durability, they offer an antidote to disposable culture. They restore dignity to design and remind us that what we wear can reflect who we are, not just how we want to be seen.

Habsburg, through its unshakeable dedication to tradition and excellence, exemplifies what this future looks like: thoughtful garments made with care, meant to be worn across decades and generations.

The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 3: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

With The Ultimatum: Queer Love season 2 in the rearview mirror, now is the perfect time to look to the future.

The Netflix dating show is the perfect amount of chaotic, with the kind of premise that is definitely going to make or break relationships. There’s no wonder viewers keep coming back for more.

So, are we going to see a fresh batch of couples going through the ringer? At the time of writing, we can’t tell for sure.

The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 3 Release Date

Unfortunately, Netflix hasn’t renewed the dating reality series just yet. There’s no need to despair, though. The final episodes of season 2 just dropped, so there’s still time for the streaming service to make an announcement.

Season 1 of the series premiered in May 2023, while season 2 arrived in June 2025. As long as there will be a The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 3, it will likely debut in summer 2027.

The Ultimatum: Queer Love Cast

Given that the series hasn’t been officially renewed yet, there’s also no news about who might potentially join the cast.

In season 2, six couples decided to test their relationships. We can expect five or six new couples in a potential season 3.

The show is hosted by JoAnna García Swisher, whom you might know from Sweet Magnolias.

What Is The Ultimatum: Queer Love About?

The Ultimatum: Queer Love offers a queer-focused spin on original The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On. The show features couples made up of women and nonbinary individuals, where one person issues an ultimatum: get married or break up.

To test their bond, the participants temporarily split up and enter “trial marriages” with other cast members. They live with these new partners for a few weeks before reuniting with their original partner to decide whether to commit or walk away for good. The setup is likely to lead to intense emotional moments and messy conflicts.

That said, the reality hit also offers raw and complicated portraits of queer relationships, bringing much-needed queer visibility to the reality dating genre. We’re keeping out fingers crossed for The Ultimatum: Queer Love season 3!

Are There Other Shows Like The Ultimatum: Queer Love?

If you’re a fan of the spin-off, you will probably enjoy the original series, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey.

Other popular reality series on Netflix include Love Is Blind, Too Hot to Handle, and Perfect Match. Fans of this universe might also be into Battle Camp.

Squid Game Season 4: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

As the most-watched Netflix series, Squid Game had big shoes to fill as it came back with season 3. It rose up to the challenge.

The new episodes amassed 60.1 million views since the drop, with the series becoming the first to debut at number 1 in all countries where the streaming service is available. It’s the first Netflix show to achieve that.

Needless to say, fans were quick to catch up with Gi-hun and the other players after the failed rebellion in season 2. But is this really the end of the series? Or is there more to come? Here’s what we know so far.

Squid Game Season 4 Release Date

Unfortunately, Squid Game season 4 isn’t happening. It was announced a while back that the third installment will also be the show’s last. With Gi-hun’s story concluded, it doesn’t look like creator Hwang Dong-hyuk changed his mind.

That said, fans of the series still have something to look forward to. An English spin-off series is possibly in the works, with none other than Davind Fincher attached. Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed this news. Even so, given that Squid Game is the biggest show in the world, this could be only the beginning.

Squid Game Cast

  • Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun
  • Lee Byung-hun as Hwang In-ho
  • Choi Seung-hyun as Choi Su-bong / “Thanos”
  • Wi Ha-joon as Hwang Jun-ho
  • Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok
  • Im Si-wan as Lee Myung-gi
  • Lee Jin-wook as Park Gyeong-seok

What Could Happen in the Squid Game Spin-off?

Squid Game became a sensation thanks to its thrilling premise and biting social commentary.

The South Korean drama follows a group of desperate people invited to join a series of children’s games for a chance to win a ridiculous sum of money.

However, there’s a twist. Losing a game means being eliminated, literally. In order to forge through the competition, the contestants risk their lives and watch others die brutally. With such dire stakes, alliances form and moral boundaries are continually tested.

At the centre of the action is Seong Gi-hun, a struggling father. After winning the big prize in season 1, he sets off to destroy the games. Confronting the darkest aspects of human nature will do that to a person. Whether or not he manages to, we won’t spoil the ending. But as season 3 comes to a close, we can confirm that viewers get to learn Gi-hun’s fate.

The series finale also teases an American version of the games (with a huge celebrity cameo to boot!), which is likely what the spin-off will focus on. While not much is known about the plot, there’s a good chance it will follow similar beats as the original, games and gore included. With no Squid Game season 4 on the horizon, it will have to do.

The latest rumours suggest that the American spin-off might start production in December 2025. It may reach streaming sometime in late 2026 or in 2027.

Are There Other Shows Like Squid Game?

Until the spin-off series arrives, you might want something to tie you over. You can check out reality series Squid Game: The Challenge, which sees contestants compete for a large cash prize (though the real-life stakes are much less deadly).

For similar dramas, you can try Alice in Borderland, All of Us Are Dead, 3%, The 8 Show, and The Purge.

Cubzoa (Penelope Isles’ Jack Wolter) Announces Debut Album, Shares New Single

Cubzoa, the solo project of Penelope Isles‘ Jack Wolter, has announced his debut album. Unfold in the Sky is set for release on October 24 via Bella Union. It’s led by the sunny new single ‘Choke’, whose second verse is sung by Nanna Schannong of Lowly. A press release cites Tame Impala and Rival Consoles as reference points, but Youth Lagoon’s beautifully tender dream-pop also comes to mind. Take a listen below.

Choke is about painting a picture in your own head, pretending that things are okay when they’re not,” Wolter explained in a press release. “The chorus lyrics brush the truth under the rug, whilst the verses pull it back, revealing the reality of unhealthy relationships with both substances and people. Often, with prior songs, I’ve tended to hide behind blurry lyrics, as a way to mask true feelings both from myself and audiences. But in this chapter I strove for honesty. I found the whole process therapeutic and consequently, probably for the first time ever, allowed myself to reflect this in my writing.”

Unfold in the Sky Cover Artwork:

Unfold in the Sky Cover Artwork

Unfold in the Sky Tracklist:

  1. In 2 Worlds
  2. Choke
  3. Buckle Up
  4. Mid-Air Collider
  5. Lost In You
  6. I Dreamed A Beach
  7. Turtle
  8. Barcelona
  9. Chewin On My Lips
  10. Dance With Me
  11. Unfold In The Sky

Hetta Falzon Unveils New Song ‘Freckles’

Manchester-based singer-songwriter Hetta Falzon has released a stunning new song, ‘Freckles’, via Matt Maltese’s Last Recordings on Earth. It was recorded live in four takes with collaborators badbadbad (not to be confused with BADBADNOTGOOD). Check it out below.

“I think we all have a human in our lives who will always have a hold on us,” Falzon said in a statement. “For me, it’s my year 9 situationship. That’s who this song is about. Somebody I will probably always make excuses for and no matter how much I move on, when I see them, I am right back where I began.”

She added: “There’s so much history and so many layers emotionally within this song that I knew the only true way to capture it would be a live recording, as the song takes on a new dynamic journey every single time I perform it.”

John Glacier Shares New Single ‘Fly With Me’

London-based artist John Glacier has dropped a new single, ‘Fly With Me’. Produced by regular collaborator Kwes Darko, the woozy, corrosive track arrives on the heels of her debut album, Like A Ribbon, which came out in February. Check it out below.

How to Build a Scalable Managed Support Strategy

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Managing customer support can feel like juggling too many balls at once. As businesses grow, their support systems often struggle to keep up. Slow responses, unorganized processes, and frustrated customers are common headaches.

Did you know 86% of buyers will pay more for great service? But delivering that consistently gets tricky without the right strategy. This is where creating a managed support plan tailored for growth makes all the difference.

In this post, you’ll learn how to build a reliable system step by step. From adopting tools that handle repetitive tasks to training your team effectively, we’ll cover it all. Keep reading; your solution starts here!

Key Takeaways

  • Assess your current support tools and workflows. Identify challenges like outdated ticketing systems that slow response times or frustrate customers.
  • Build a flexible framework with adaptable tools, like cloud platforms and automation software. These adjust to customer demand during peak periods.
  • Use automation for repetitive tasks like chatbot responses, ticket prioritization, and system checks. This saves time and improves efficiency.
  • Train IT teams regularly on advanced tools and service strategies to improve performance and handle challenges effectively.
  • Monitor key indicators such as response times, resolution rates, and customer satisfaction scores. Adjust resources based on trends for ongoing improvement.

Assessing Current Support Infrastructure

Understanding the existing support structure sets the foundation for growth. Review your current setup by listing tools, roles, and workflows in use today. Identify any gaps or bottlenecks slowing response times or frustrating customers.

For instance, outdated ticketing systems can delay resolutions, leading to customer dissatisfaction.

A strong system should reduce headaches, not create them.

Check if your infrastructure supports remote work capabilities and omnichannel interactions. Evaluate whether agents have access to proper remote support tools and training resources.

Without these elements, expanding becomes an uphill battle instead of a well-planned move forward. If funding growth initiatives is part of your challenge, Credibly’s fast loan process can help businesses secure capital quickly to upgrade support tools and expand resources efficiently. Keep efficiency at the forefront while noting what needs improvement or replacement.

Designing a Scalable Support Framework

Building an adaptable support structure is key to handling growth without chaos. Focus on creating a system that bends but doesn’t break under pressure.

Identifying core support requirements

Define the essential tasks your support team needs to handle daily. Focus on areas like customer inquiries, technical troubleshooting, or system maintenance. Pinpoint recurring challenges that slow response times or frustrate clients.

For example, if remote support is vital for your business, invest in tools capable of resolving issues quickly without physical visits.

Understand the expected demand from customers during peak periods or growth phases. Anticipate future needs by analyzing past data and current trends in customer service optimization.

Choose resources and systems flexible enough to adapt as client expectations evolve.

Prioritizing flexibility and growth

Flexibility lets support systems adapt to customer needs and market changes. Businesses should design frameworks that handle unexpected demands without breaking a sweat. For instance, adding remote support options or integrating chatbots can reduce response times during peak periods.

Systems must grow alongside the company.

“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”

Focus on tools that scale easily, like cloud-based platforms or workflow automation software. Solutions such as Oracle Cloud Integration services can streamline operations across systems, ensuring your infrastructure grows with demand. These solutions simplify operations and cut down manual tasks as your team expands. Strong foundations now pave the way for smoother transitions later on.

Implementing Automation in Support Processes

Automation trims the fat from repetitive tasks, saving both time and sanity. It allows your team to focus on solving real problems instead of shuffling paperwork.

Utilizing ticketing and workflow tools

Ticketing systems maintain support requests in an organized and efficient manner. They assign tasks appropriately to team members and monitor progress effectively. This ensures all customer issues are addressed, even during peak times.

Automated ticket queuing prioritizes critical problems, saving time and maintaining customer satisfaction.

Workflow tools make managing repetitive processes more straightforward for teams. These tools establish clear steps for resolving issues or escalating them when required. For example, remote support teams rely on these systems to work together across various locations without interruptions.

This collaboration enhances response times and significantly improves service quality.

Automating routine support tasks

Automation enhances efficiency in customer service. It allows teams to concentrate on complex issues while routine tasks are managed effortlessly.

  1. Write chatbot scripts for common customer inquiries. These bots can handle FAQs, guide users, or assist with basic troubleshooting.
  2. Configure automatic email replies for ticket acknowledgment. This ensures customers know their requests have been received promptly.
  3. Arrange recurring system checks with remote support tools. This approach helps identify minor issues before they grow into significant problems.
  4. Automate ticket prioritization based on urgency and importance. Assign high-priority cases directly to available agents.
  5. Create reminders for subscription renewals or pending updates. These alerts keep clients informed and help lower unnecessary tickets.
  6. Introduce workflow automation for repetitive IT tasks such as password resets or software installations. This saves valuable hours by eliminating manual processes.
  7. Use AI-driven analytics tools to recognize trends in support requests over time, enhancing service strategies through data-based insights.

Let automation handle these repetitive duties so your team can focus on solving meaningful customer challenges!

Ensuring Security and Compliance

Protecting sensitive data requires constant vigilance. Regular checks help you stay ahead of risks and regulatory demands.

Adopting zero-trust security principles

Zero-trust security requires verification at every step. Consider every user, device, and connection as untrusted until proven otherwise. This method reduces risks from internal breaches and external attacks.

Provide access strictly on a need-to-know basis.

Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance identity verification. Continuously observe network activity for unusual behavior or threats. Divide data access, reducing exposure during potential breaches.

Trust but verify is obsolete; now it’s always verify, without exceptions!

Regular audits and updates for compliance

Security doesn’t stop with adopting principles. Ongoing audits and updates are vital to maintain compliance.

  1. Conduct system-wide reviews every quarter to identify vulnerabilities in your support infrastructure.
  2. Verify that all customer support tools align with industry regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA, to avoid costly fines.
  3. Check software licenses regularly to confirm legal usage across your organization.
  4. Update remote support tools routinely to close any security gaps caused by outdated versions.
  5. Assess chatbot implementation for data privacy compliance and ensure encrypted communication protocols are active.
  6. Keep IT teams informed on changes in cybersecurity laws and standards through workshops or webinars.
  7. Test disaster recovery systems often to validate their ability to handle breaches effectively.
  8. Use the previous review performance analysis to track progress and highlight potential weak spots in the network management process.
  9. Document findings from each review properly for transparency during future inspections or legal requirements.
  10. Schedule follow-ups after every update rollout to ensure no steps were missed that might affect overall system efficiency.

Regular checks like these protect your customers and strengthen trust in your managed services offering over time!

Training and Upskilling IT Support Teams

Regular workshops help teams stay proficient. These sessions focus on new remote support tools, improving workflow processes, and customer service strategies. For example, teaching agents to work with advanced ticketing systems enhances their efficiency.

Including role-playing exercises can prepare them for real-world scenarios like managing irate customers or resolving complex technical issues.

Providing access to certifications benefits both employees and businesses. Courses on topics like network management or chatbot implementation develop skills while aligning with company goals.

Flexible training schedules allow employees to learn without disrupting daily operations. Interactive learning platforms add an enjoyable twist, maintaining interest throughout the process.

Monitoring and Evaluating Support Performance

Keep tabs on performance using clear, measurable criteria. Monitor response times, resolution rates, and customer satisfaction scores regularly. Numbers like an average first-response time under 30 minutes or a ticket resolution rate above 90% provide a strong indication of efficiency.

These standards help identify gaps that need addressing before they escalate into larger issues.

Use tools to gather insights across all support channels. Analysis platforms can reveal trends in common issues or peak support hours. Recognizing these patterns early helps teams adjust workloads and resources effectively.

For example, if chat traffic increases every Friday afternoon, adding more agents during those hours prevents delays while maintaining service quality.

Conclusion

Building a managed support strategy is like setting the foundation for your business’s future growth. Focus on flexibility, smart tools, and a strong team to handle challenges head-on.

Small steps today can keep your operations efficient as demands grow. Test, refine, and stick with what works best for you. A well-built plan means satisfied customers and sustainable success ahead!

The Pre-Symbolic Dance: A Deep Dive into Manlin’s Artistic Mindscape

Manlin Zhang’s work invites us into a liminal space, where art and science might coexist; where cognitive inquiry and the evocative language of visual expression are addressed with rigorous care. Her 2025 exhibition – Intelligence in MotionDreaming Butterfly and A Thoughtful Bee – presents the potential of this intersection with luminous clarity and delicacy in its contemplation of consciousness, what feels equally significant, is the congruence between intelligence and the possibilities of perception that these works explore.

Manlin is not just an artist. As a Professional Optoelectronic Engineer, with an education in Art and Science at Central Saint Martins, Manlin is uniquely positioned as an artist/researcher, situated at the remarkable intersection of empirical exploration and advancing artistry as speculative practice. The particularity of her on-ground position – which integrates scientific analytical rigor and proposed forms of creative expression – allows the rigor and criticality of her practice to emerge naturally, unfolding alongside the visual language, she integrates scientific research into her creative painting practice; The medium in which she does this – Oil on Claybord – presents an ephemeral moment that indicates the cognitive process just before intelligence identified itself through language. The collected strokes of her mark-making present a sparkly moment in cognition: a trace; a flicker that is pre-symbolic.

Her statement – “a visual trace of intelligence, before it becomes language.” – reads as a poetic manifesto towards an emerging form of scientific art. Intelligence, in this sense, is free flowing; it flows, it is living, recursive, and vibrant. Intelligence exist before logic conquers it, and before thought calcifies into categorical stasis. The brushwork in her painting captures not just subjective feeling, or computational thought, but the “between” of the two; and the biological and more-than biological.

On first glance, Intelligence in Motion – Dreaming Butterfly entices the viewer’s gaze with its luminous layers of translucent blue and green and ochre that take on broad overlapping strokes which ripple across the surface of the claybord and spark memory or connect neural pathways. The image itself – abstract in nature and organic in subject – uses the wings of a butterfly, and yet it is not just a representation. It functions as a visual echo of the fleeting nature of thought as it moves before it becomes identified with the body or mind.

The surface texture of the claybord allows oil to stay fluid and imbues tactility that evokes a sense of biological matter and micro surfaces. The way the fluids bleed out and pool evoke a sense of movement, evolution and recursion. The notion of recursion reinforces the artist’s aim to illustrate intelligence as “not yet dried, recursive and pre-symbolic.”

What is most fascinating is that multilayered perception: that what you think you are seeing is partial truth, like ants walking on a Möbius strip constrained by limitation of view. Manlin’s sweeping brushwork gestures toward that complexity of information native to the support – the unseen “topology” of reality that will never be seen through direct observation but can be articulated through all brush strokes.

The Thoughtful Bee series highlighted by proximity to bees relates back to the abstract fluidity of Dreaming Butterfly in that anchors the discourse back into biological reality – the bee as a container of multiple schemas of collective intelligence, instinct and delicate complexity is engaged in here not only as an insect but understood as a site of inquiry into what thought & awareness actually is.

In the macro close without hesitation to bee wings we are presented that wings have a quality of stained glass or biological mosaics that are static to hold water with structure and yet ethereal. This visual element encourages us to think about the complexity of natural form and function, the intelligence that is woven into the living matrix of biological systems and the subtle rhythms of animal reasoning.

We have here the bee, spinning in the black nothing, which for me creates a feeling of thought wandering from its origins; stripped of source and context, not lost – but contributing to something larger. The bee’s color in infinite black reflects a sense of both volition and wonder; how can consciousness emanate as a luminous trace in a vast unknown.

Manlin Zhang creates work that is not simply representing science, it is a philosophical inquiry into big picture thinking about the self and environment. By incorporating elements of Eastern metaphysics to cognitive science understanding, she attaches herself to traditions that explore the gulf between subject-object or observer-observed.

Her paintings, drawings, and photographs explore the frail lines that separate “thought” from “sensation,” “intelligence” from “embodiment,” and is directly in line with the current tensions present in the philosophy of mind and quantum physics where thinking about consciousness has begun to destabilize classical categories.

The butterfly and (the bee) are contemporaneous beings of transformations and workers in motion thus represent motion of intelligence itself; between form and formlessness, pattern and chaos.

From a technical standpoint, Manlin handles her various media very well. The oil on claybord she is working with is a responsive medium that behaves like a living tissue and creates surfaces that seem to have energy lying in- wait. The more subtle blacks and blues of Dreaming Butterfly create a peaceful – but impenetrable palette that draws the viewer into contemplation.

In contrast, in her photographs Manlin uses a stark black backdrop and a tool-like existence to clarify, isolate, and glorify her subjects while utilizing pinpoints of light. While the bees are represented in crystalline perfection, the juxtaposed placement of the bees in near black holes terminates the connection of physicality like a faint spiritual or cognitive essence made visible.

All of these works are conversing with one another, between abstract and realistic, between science and poetry, between microscopic and metaphysical.

Manlin Zhang is working at a cusp of a new kind of artistic territory where scientific accuracy and metaphysical speculation come together in what can be understood as discrete, yet by unique, ways of investigating the realms of intelligence and consciousness. Zhang’s Intelligence in Motion framed with the intimate and contemplative images of A Thoughtful Bee , is a deep visual exploration into what it means to think, feel, and be aware.

Zhang’s work prompts us to rethink the parameters of perception and understanding, to recognize intelligence before it has been crystallized into language and to see intellect as fluid and recursive in process. Zhang performs a formulation in which science becomes sensuous and art becomes investigation, a welcoming invitation to dwell with meaning in the glowing unknown.

This is art that interacts with not just intellect, but emotionally prompts us to be immersed and lost in the cadences of thought and sensation, to dream upon the wings of a butterfly and contemplate the wisdom contained in the stillness of a bee.

Manlin Zhang’s work powerfully serves as a clarion call toward what the future of intertwining art and science work might find itself inherited in; that the truest mystery of intelligence and consciousness ultimately lies not in declarations of possession toward knowing, but questions we deem, fundamental, worthy and worthy of investigation.

How to Style Your Plus-Size Formal Dress to Achieve Your Perfect Look

Being a vision in a formal gown isn’t something you do by putting on the ideal gown – it’s the way you dress it up. It may be one of the newest plus-size formal gowns, or you may choose classic black formal gowns, but the ideal accessories, haircut, and finishing touches can make your look go from bland to beautiful.

Here in this tutorial, we will help you create your dream formal wear by showing you how to style your dress more beautifully with accessories, shoes, and hairstyles.

Pair Your Dress with Complementary Accessories

Accessories are the secret to allowing your personality to show through without overwhelming the beauty of your dress. Whether you’ve opted for lavish velvet or a light-as-air chiffon, making the right additions is the difference.

  1. For a Glamorous Evening, Go for Metallic Heels and a Sparkly Clutch

Metallic accessories add a glitz and shine factor to black formal dresses. Gold or silver stilettos not only lengthen the legs but also create a beautiful contrast to the deep color of black. A metallic-colored clutch or a rhinestone-covered clutch gives poise and is a fashionable yet practical object to carry your things.

For plus-size formal dresses in bright jewel tones or pale pastels, metallic heels and a matching-colored clutch can provide a harmonious and balanced finishing touch. Just be sure your accessories don’t overwhelm the dress—rather, let them enhance your overall radiance.

  1. Add Chandelier Earrings or a Statement Necklace for an Extra Pop

Jewelry truly does make or break an evening dress. If your evening dress has a simple neckline or classic silhouette, this is your moment to shine—literally. Chandelier earrings have the ability to add movement and glamour, creating interest in the direction of your face and adding length to your overall look.

For evening formal plus-size gowns, statement necklaces are well paired with strapless or V-necks. They disrupt solid colors and provide interest in the upper portion of your body. For evening formal black gowns, crystals or colored gemstones in your necklaces will provide a luxurious evening-out look.

Pro tip: Choose either a statement earring or a statement necklace—never both. Balance is the key to sophistication.

  1. Soft Curls or an Elegant Updo Will Complete Your Formal Ensemble Beautifully

Your hair completes your formal look, and therefore, it needs to be in sync with your outfit and accessories. Soft curls are the best choice for the romantic theme. They complement one-shoulder or off-the-shoulder plus-size formal dresses, providing a feminine and bohemian appearance.

If your gown features delicate details on the back or the neckline, you would want to attempt an elegant updo. Not only does it highlight the design, but it also elongates your neck because it makes you stand straight. For black formal dresses, a smooth bun or a full chignon gives an elegant, classic appearance.

Hair clips, like jeweled pins or plain clips, can be added for extra glamour, completing the overall look.

Final Touches: Confidence is Your Best Accessory

Plus size formal gowns or black formal gowns styling is not a matter of style—it’s a matter of feeling confident in what you’re wearing. Once you’ve selected the correct heels, added some sparkles, and had your hair just so, the final element of the equation is feeling confident to put it all together.

Remember, style rules are just a guide—your personal touch makes your style unique.

No matter if it’s a gala, prom, or black-tie affair, these styling ideas will have everyone’s head turning and dying to know your secret.

Best Mac Games for Kids

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In terms of fun and safe gaming experiences, kids today are very lucky. Why? Because they have more choices than ever. Similarly, finding the best Mac games for kids is easier than it used to be. With so many titles available, anyone can find a game that is both entertaining and age-appropriate.

This article shows a few Mac games for children that blend creativity and fun.

Five Best Mac Games for Kids

  • Minecraft

Minecraft is a timeless favorite among kids and parents alike. It allows players to explore various worlds. Likewise, all they need to do is to create anything they can think of and survive the night. What makes it more interesting is that it encourages creativity and exploration.

  • Roblox

Roblox enables children to play in the ultimate virtual universe. Specifically, they can create anything while sharing their experiences with other kids. Similarly, the game allows kids to become anything they can imagine. Also, the game itself is filled with more games like obstacle courses, role-playing worlds, and more.  

  • Pikuniku

Pikuniku is an oddly fantastic puzzle exploration game. At the same time, gamers play as a sketchy red character and solve puzzles. Likewise, they need to help quirky creatures in a colorful world. The main thing they need to accomplish is to assist them in overcoming struggles and revealing a deep-state conspiracy.

  • Slime Rancher

Slime Rancher allows children to become space farmers on an alien planet full of bouncing slimes. Particularly, players will take on the role of Beatrix LeBeau and make a living from slime ranching. With each day having its challenges, users need to collect, grow, and harvest slimes.

  • LEGO Marvel Super Heroes

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is a game that features the entire Marvel Universe Lego-style. Players will control their favorite heroes, including Iron Man, Hulk, Wolverine, Spider-Man, Captain America, and more. Their objective is to stop Loki and other villains from creating a world-destroying weapon. To save the earth, users need to follow cosmic bricks across LEGO Manhattan and go to key locations.

The Wrap-Up

Nowadays, children don’t even need to break a sweat if they want to play. They can sit on the bed and enjoy the best Mac games for kids. From imaginative building to solving puzzles and saving the earth, the games on the list ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. At the same time, they’re a great way for children to learn. So, let the games begin — on your Mac!