Tech / Technology

Netflix’s ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ teaser brings the beloved book to TV

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Watch the trailer for Netflix’s adaptation of Trent Dalton’s novel “Boy Swallows Universe”.
A family of four stand in a doorway looking happy.

As soon as the harmonica of Paul Kelly’s 1987 classic “Dumb Things” blares through the teaser for Netflix’s adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe, you know you’re in for a treat.

Australian author and journalist Trent Dalton’s beloved novel has been turned into a much-awaited TV series for the streaming service, introducing readers and newcomers alike to the city of Brisbane in the ’80s, and the storm of family turmoil and organised crime that swirls around young protagonist Eli Bell, played by Felix Cameron.

A poignant, brutal, and heaving feat of magical realism, this coming-of-age story is one that’s stayed with book lovers since its release in 2018. The cast is stacked full of Australian icons: Bryan Brown as Eli’s best mate Slim Halliday, Anthony LaPaglia as villainous drug lord Titus Broz, Deborah Mailman as high school counsellor Poppy Birkbeck, Talk to Me‘s Sophie Wilde playing reporter Caitlyn Spies, Phoebe Tonkin as Eli’s mother Frances, Simon Baker as his father Robert, and newcomers like Lee Halley playing Eli’s brother Gus, Zachary Wan as mate and neighbour Darren Dang, and Eloise Rothfield as classmate Shelly Huffman.

How to watch: Boy Swallows Universe is coming to Netflix “soon.”

Tech / Technology

White House announces new AI initiatives at Global Summit on AI Safety

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Vice President Kamala Harris will reveal the US government’s new AI initiatives to advance the safe and responsible use of AI.
Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks about the Biden Administration's work to regulate artificial intelligence during an event in the East Room of the White House on October 30, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Vice President Kamala Harris will outline several new AI initiatives today, laying out the US government’s plans to advance the safe and responsible use of machine learning technology. We already know what many of them will be.

The White House previously announced an executive order on AI regulation earlier this week, with the intention to protect US citizens from the potential harm the technology can cause. It is now building further on this order, aiming to position itself as a global leader in ensuring AI is developed and used in the public interest internationally.

Currently in London to attend the Global Summit on AI Safety, Harris is scheduled to deliver her live-streamed speech on the US’ approach to AI at approximately 1:35 p.m. GMT / 9:35 a.m. ET.

SEE ALSO:

White House drops an AI regulation bombshell: 10 new mandates that’ll shake up the industry

“Just as AI has the potential to do profound good, it also has the potential to cause profound harm, from AI-enabled cyber-attacks at a scale beyond anything we have seen before to AI-formulated bioweapons that could endanger the lives of millions,” Harris said in an excerpt from her prepared speech. “These threats are often referred to as the ‘existential threats of AI,’ because they could endanger the very existence of humanity.”

“So, the urgency of this moment must compel us to create a collective vision of what this future must be. A future where AI is used to advance human rights and human dignity; where privacy is protected and people have equal access to opportunity; where we make our democracies stronger and our world safer. A future where AI is used to advance the public interest.”

Here are the new announcements and government initiatives Harris will reveal.

1. The US is establishing a United States AI Safety Institute

The US government is establishing a United States AI Safety Institute (US AISI), which will be part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Created through the Department of Commerce, the US AISI will be responsible for applying the NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework, developing benchmarks, best practices, and technical guidance to mitigate the risks of AI. These will then be used by regulators when developing or enforcing rules. The US AISI will also collaborate with similar institutions internationally.

2. The first draft of policy guidance for the US government’s use of AI is being made available for public comment

The US government is publishing the first draft of its policy guidance on its use of AI, with the public invited to comment. Released through the Office of Management and Budget, this policy is intended to outline tangible steps for the responsible use of AI by the US, and builds on previous guidance such as the NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework. The policy is intended for application across a wide range of departments, including health, law enforcement, and immigration, and requires that federal departments monitor the risks of AI, consult the public regarding its use, and provide an avenue of appeal to those harmed by it. 

You can read the draft policy and submit your comments here.

3. 30 nations have joined the Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy

The US made its Political Declaration on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy in February, establishing standards for the lawful, responsible use and development of military AI. This included the requirement that it comply with international humanitarian law. Interestingly, a specific goal of the Political Declaration is to preserve nations’ “right to self-defense,” as well as their ability to develop and use AI for the military.

Thirty other nations have now endorsed this Declaration as well, specifically Albania, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liberia, Malawi, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.

4. 10 foundations have pledged over $200 million for public interest AI initiatives

Ten foundations are collectively committing over $200 million to fund AI initiatives intended to further the best interests of the global public — specifically workers, consumers, communities, and historically marginalised people. The foundations are also creating a funders’ network, which will coordinate such giving with the specific aim of supporting AI work that protects democracy and rights, drives innovation in the public interest, empowers workers amidst the changes being brought about by AI, improves accountability, or supports international rules regarding AI.

The 10 foundations involved are the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Democracy Fund, the Ford Foundation, Heising-Simons Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Kapor Foundation, Mozilla Foundation, Omidyar Network, Open Society Foundations, and the Wallace Global Fund.

5. The US government will hold a hackathon to find a solution to scam AI robocalls 

The US government will host a virtual hackathon with the goal to build AI models which can detect and block robocalls and robotexts that can be used to scam people. The hackathon will have a particular focus on calls that use AI-generated voices.

6. The US is calling for international authentication standards for digital government messaging

The US is calling on the global community to support the development of international standards for digital and AI content produced by governments. Such standards would be aimed at helping the public identify whether or not an apparent government message is authentic, and may include labelling such as digital signatures or watermarks.

7. The US will develop a pledge committing to the responsible use of AI

Finally, the US government will work with the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) to develop a pledge that its development and implementation of AI will incorporate responsible practices. The FOC is a group of 38 countries whose stated aim is to advance internet freedom and protect human rights online worldwide.

Tech / Technology

TikTok’s latest viral manicure? ‘Boston University Red’ nails.

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TikTok’s trend-cycle marches forward, with DND’s “Boston University Red” shade going viral in time for Halloween.
TikTok screenshots of red nails.

TikTok loves a good manicure. The new seasonal favorite? Boston University red.

The nail color, created by brand DND, is described by the company as “a perfect scarlet red, not too dark, not too bright.” DND proposed the shade as the ideal tool to create a Halloween-inspired look, taking to its own TikTok account to show viewers just how to use it.

A screenshot of a person doing their nails.


Credit: TikTok / @dndgel

The specific colour is inspired by BU Red — #CC0000 or Pantone’s 186 — which is one of Boston University’s official hues alongside black.

A Pantone swatch of red colour 186.

Hold up that nail, is it surefire Boston University red?
Credit: Pantone

As with most TikTok beauty trends, news spreads fast and creators are quick adopters. Across the app, the shade is going viral. The hashtag #bostonuniversityred currently has over 226,000 views on the app. TikTokkers like @kybeal_ shared videos of the manicure, writing “Boston Univeristy Red is my new fav”; nail creator @heluviee shared the color as the Halloween-adjacent tool it was likely made for: “vampy reds of my dreamsss,” she wrote.

TikTok’s beauty-centric trend cycle moves at lightning speed, and its nail obsessions are plenty. Over the summer, the “blueberry milk” manicure was declared by TikTok as the season’s best. But this trend turned out to be controversial for both its name and what it represented. With the onset of “blueberry milk”, many took objection to the micro-trend for rebranding what is essentially a light baby-blue hue, one that has been popular for years before TikTok came around. Others objected to the never-ending trend trap, a loss of individuality, and the fact that being on TikTok means your wallet must always be prepared to buy the next big thing — too often.

SEE ALSO:

TikTok’s ‘blueberry milk nails’ have the internet questioning trend culture

Red nails, too, have been revered for centuries (yes, really) and popular nail brands like OPI and Essie have catalogues packed with various colors along the spectrum. Demi, lead technician at London-based salon Browfique, tells Mashable that red nails have in-fact, seen “a resurgence recently”, thanks to TikTok discussions like “red nail theory”.

The latter is a debate that has made rounds on the app for months now, with red nails being touted as a confidence-booster and a way to attract potential suiters. Essentially, TikTokkers suggested that heterosexual men are more attracted to women with red nails. Take @melissevmartineau who told her followers that that she “had never been asked on so many dates” as when she donned the trend. Creator @ashleymescia tried the theory, captioning her post, “Suing if i don’t have 10 dates lined up next week.”

A screenshot of a creator wearing red nails.


Credit: TikTok / @ashleymescia.

“Boston University Red” may be an extension of this obsession. But, as many TikTokkers pointed out, red manicures have long been an aesthetic choice, way before any debates about the trend and cuffing season sprouted up. On the flip side of all these micro-trends and their associated discourse, lies the simple philosophy that people should pick and wear what they like. Easy, right?

Tech / Technology

How to watch the October Apple event — expect new MacBooks

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Wondering how to watch the October Apple event? We’ve got the scoop on when and where you can watch the “Scary Fast” live stream.
Apple October event 2023 invite with Finder icon

Wondering how to watch the October 2023 Apple event? Rumor has it that the Cupertino-based tech giant has plans to release new MacBook Pro models as well as the next-generation iMac.

Apple is hosting a livestream billed “Scary Fast,” but what’s interesting is that it’s during a non-traditional hour. However, if you’re a tech enthusiast like myself, or you simply want to watch the livestream everyone’s been gushing about on social media, check out the information below to find out how to watch it.

How to watch the October Apple event

You can watch Apple’s “Scary Fast” livestream three ways:

In my experience, Apple’s official website is typically a second or two ahead of the YouTube livestream.

What time is the October Apple event?

Apple’s “Scary Fast” livestream is on Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. PDT. And no, that is not a typo. For the first time ever, Apple is hosting a nighttime event, feeding into the Halloween vibes.

For your convenience, here are the start times for the Apple October 2023 event for other parts of the world:

  • Mountain Time: 6 p.m.

  • Central Time: 7 p.m.

  • Eastern Time: 8 p.m.

  • Rio de Janeiro: 9 p.m.

  • London: 1 a.m.

  • Berlin: 2 a.m.

  • UTC: 12 a.m.

As you can see, this is a late start for almost everyone. Some will be getting ready for bed – and others will already be in bed.

What to expect from the October Apple event

According to Bloomberg’s Gurman, the Apple October 2023 event is expected to reveal three MacBook Pro models: the 13-inch MacBook Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro. We also may see a new iMac.

colorful iMacs with M1 chip

iMac
Credit: Apple

For more in-depth details about what to expect, click here.

Tech / Technology

12 of the best romantic comedies streaming on Hulu in 2023

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“Fire Island,” “Palm Springs,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Sleepless in Seattle” are among the best romantic comedies now streaming on Hulu.

There’s nothing like a feature-length chance to fall in love. And there’s no better time to see it than right now.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy evening for two, having a long-distance hang with friends, or embarking on a private, solo cry over love lost/love won/the state of the planet/etc., romantic comedies are one of our greatest resources for emotional catharsis. Roll into the romance and humor of it all with abandon (and our help). Mashable has combed through every rom-com on Hulu to assess the best of the best for your streaming buck.

Here are the 10 best romantic comedies now on Hulu.

1. Palm Springs

A man and woman float in a pool.


Credit: Hulu

In one of the best movies of 2020, Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti play nihilistic wedding guests who become stuck in a time loop à la Groundhog Day. Stupidly funny and surprisingly sweet, this sci-fi nightmare-meets-rom-com explores a been-there-done-that premise with a fresh approach and two leads you’ll fall for instantly. (Fair warning: If you’re in the middle of an existential crisis, maybe hold off on this one. Palm Springs isn’t your average meet-cute.) — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Palm Springs is streaming on Hulu.

2. Brown Sugar

Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs in "Brown Sugar."


Credit: K C Bailey / Fox Searchlight / Kobal / Shutterstock

Forget enemies to lovers, can you handle traveling the rocky road from friends to lovers? Rick Famuyiwa’s 2002 rom-com follows a pair of childhood friends on their journey to grown-up lust and commitment. Their story begins on a street corner, where listening to hip hop spurred big career dreams for a boy and girl. Years later, Dre (Taye Diggs) is a successful record exec, while Syd (Sanaa Lathan) is a powerful magazine editor. But despite their natural chemistry, other could-be loves keep getting in the way. Can they get “the best of both worlds…the buddy and the booty?” Interweaving a passion for music with desire for each other, Brown Sugar lays down a sweet and smooth story you can’t help but fall for. Nicole Ari Parker, Boris Kodjoe, and Queen Latifah co-star. — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

How to watch: Brown Sugar is streaming on Hulu through Starz.

3. Fire Island

A group of friends hang out in the sun on "Fire Island."


Credit: Hulu

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice gets a modern makeover with Fire Island. Joel Kim Booster reimagines the rom-com of manners as a gay love story set in the eponymous vacation spot. There, a chosen family of gay men and their lesbian den mother (Margaret Cho) revel with sunshine, champagne, and karaoke. But an unexpected buzzkill arrives in the form of a pretentious and posh lawyer (Conrad Ricamora), who seems to sneer at the group’s idea of a good time. Despite an awkward introduction, the lawyer and the group’s main character (Booster) kick off a promising romance. But can it be more than a summer fling? — K.P.

How to watch: Fire Island is streaming on Hulu.

4. Sleepless in Seattle 

It might get frequently confused with You’ve Got Mail, but Sleepless in Seattle is in solid company in the niche but excellent Tom-Hanks-and-Meg-Ryan-fall-in-love-without-meeting genre. Hanks plays widower Sam, whose son (Ross Malinger) convinces him to talk about his late wife on the radio. This story captivates listeners around the country, including Annie (Ryan), who writes to Sam and asks him to meet her at the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. As the day ticks closer, life mostly goes on, but chance encounters and missed connections pile up until the fateful meeting.

We know what you’re thinking: Do they go to the Empire State Building? Do they live happily ever after?? Who knows!!* — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Sleepless in Seattle is now streaming on Hulu.

5. Crush

Three teens stand gawking in a high school hallway.


Credit: Hulu

The most refreshing thing about Hulu’s latest queer rom-com is that all the characters are super queer. This isn’t a coming-out story about the one queer girl at her high school or the shy lesbian who’s secretly crushing on the cool, unattainable straight girl — relatable, yes, but we’ve done it. Crush follows a playful (if predictable) love triangle in which very-out Paige (Rowan Blanchard) desperately tries to lock down her longtime crush Gabriella (Isabella Ferreira), the popular girl (guess what, she’s queer!), while drumming up a sweet connection with Gabi’s twin sister (Auli’i Cravalho), an introverted bi skater-girl type. The flirting is a little elementary at times, but the short-and-sweet Crush excels at showing young queer people being themselves and getting a sappy love story to call their own.* — Oliver Whitney, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Crush is streaming on Hulu.

SEE ALSO:

The best short-ass movies on Hulu for when you need a short and epic watch

6. 50 First Dates

50 First Dates is one of those rom-coms you never remember loving quite as much as you do. (See what I did there?) Adam Sandler stars as a laid-back womanizer who falls head over heels for a woman with short-term memory loss, played by Drew Barrymore. This classically funny premise offers a framework for some killer comedic acting by the movie’s entire cast, as well as a surprisingly sensitive reflection on what it means to love unconditionally. Plus, it’s got penguins! And a walrus! —A.F.

How to watch: 50 First Dates is streaming on Hulu.

7. I’m Your Man

Maren Eggert and Dan Stevens in "I'm Your Man."


Credit: Bleecker Street

Want an edge of sci-fi to your romance? Then you’ve got to watch this 2021 gem, which was German’s entry for the Best International Feature Oscar. Maren Eggert stars as a scientist tasked with testing out a robot companion to see how convincingly human it might be. Tom (Dan Stevens) is handsome, attentive, and loves to dance. He’s designed to say the right thing and anticipate every need. The idea is seductive, but this deeply rational (and a bit cynical) woman isn’t so eager to fall for a robo-boy toy whose beating heart is an aim-to-please algorithm. Can real love bloom between (wo)man and machine? And what would that even mean!? Find out with I’m Your Man. — K.P.

How to watch: I’m Your Man is streaming on Hulu.

8. Rye Lane

David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah play on a seesaw in "Rye Lane."


Credit: Searchlight Pictures

Among the most winsome movies of Sundance 2023 is this South London-set romantic comedy. Directed by Raine Allen Miller, Rye Lane stars David Jonsson (Industry) and Vivian Oparah (Class) as heartbroken twenty-somethings who fatefully cross paths and might just tumble into new love. A humbling beginning with a bathroom meet-not-so-cute swiftly spins into a happenstance first date full of fun, banter, surprises, and a wee bit of breaking and entering. (Hey, breakups get messy.)

SEE ALSO:

‘Rye Lane’ takes cues from an unlikely source: ‘Peep Show’

Painted in saturated colors, paced like a dance party, and brought to life by a kinetic ensemble cast, Rye Lane is a pure pleasure to watch. But it’s Jonsson and Oparah, with their killer comedic timing and off-the-charts chemistry, that make this movie soar.* — K.P.

How to watch: Rye Lane is now streaming on Hulu.

9. Notting Hill

English screenwriter Richard Curtis is the luminary of rom-coms, having contributed to such delights as Love Actually, Bridget Jones’s Diary, About Time, and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Among his most beguiling romances is this tale of boy meets movie star. Hugh Grant headlines as a humble bookshop owner whose simple life is thrown into spin — and the spotlight — when he falls for an ultra-famous American actress (Julia Roberts). Their flirtations are an alluring collision of British charm and American candor. The supporting cast boasts a scene-stealing Rhys Ifans, and the finale will make you cheer and swoon. — K.P

How to watch: Notting Hill is streaming on Hulu.

10. Sliding Doors

If you can handle a dash of drama in your rom-com, you’ll love writer/director Peter Howitt’s 1998 head-spinner. Offering two tales of love for one subway ticket, Sliding Doors follows Londoner Helen Quilley (Gwyneth Paltrow) on a splintered story of what happens to her if she catches her train or misses it. In one scenario, she catches her philandering boyfriend (John Lynch) in bed with another woman (a deliciously devilish Jeanne Tripplehorn). In the other, she arrives too late to expose his infidelity, so their relationship rumbles along while her other persona pursues passion with a charming stranger (John Hannah). Peppered with whimsy, warmth, and some shocking turns, this one will have you gasping, but leave you grinning.* — K.P

How to watch: Sliding Doors is now streaming on Hulu.

11. Happiest Season

Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis star in this sapphic rom-com co-written and directed by Clea DuVall. But rather than it being a charming tale of falling in love, this is a rocking Christmas-set comedy about the drama of meeting the parents. When metropolitan Abby (Stewart) accompanies her girlfriend Harper (Davis) home for the holidays, she not only meets kooky family members, and a smoking hot ex (Aubrey Plaza), but also discovers her lover is closeted. Can this couple have a happy holiday under these conditions? Hijinks, drag queens, and Dan Levy will ensue. —K.P.

How to watch: Happiest Season is now streaming on Hulu.

12. Easy A

Want a raunchy teen comedy that’s surprisingly smart? Then revisit 2010’s winsome rom-com Easy A. Emma Stone stars as Olive, a modern-day Hester Prynne, which in this context means a high school girl who’s trading fictional sexcapades for gift cards. The boys get high fives for their sexual prowess, while — double standards being what they are — Olive get slut-shamed as a pariah. But don’t worry, she’s got a plan.

Will Gluck directs a star-studded cast that includes You‘s Penn Badgley as a lovable crush, Amanda Bynes as a judgmental mean girl, Thomas Haden Church as a confounded mentor, and Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci as Olive’s parents, who are funny, outrageous, and the definition of couple goals. They’ve got a pocketful (pocketful, pocketful) of sunshine, and all you have to do to enjoy is hit play.* — K.P.

How to watch: Easy A is now streaming on Hulu.

UPDATE: Oct. 27, 2023, 11:28 a.m. EDT This post has been updated to reflect the current selection available on Hulu.


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Credit: Hulu


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Tech / Technology

Emma Rogue, Gen Z thrifting queen, on ‘childhood nostalgia-core’ and the future of fashion

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Emma Rogue, Instagram creator and thrift queen, on Gen Z ‘nostalgia-core’ and how technology is making fashion ‘accessible to the masses.’
Three photos of Emma (one of her in the glasses, one smiling, one of her throwing up two gya-ru peace signs.

We’re hanging out at Emma Rogue’s thrifting dreamland in downtown Manhattan, the physical embodiment of her adoration of the last 30 years of style. A handful of young women in exquisitely curated outfits sift through clothing racks as the Pussycat Dolls and Backstreet Boys play in the background. Tees and trinkets from the early 2000s adorn the walls, making the shop feel more like Emma’s childhood bedroom than a booming thrift business.

Emma knows a thing or two about looking good. Her Instagram and TikTok videos celebrate New York street style, spotlighting the looks of strangers, celebs, and fellow creators alike. But today, she’s trying something completely new: wading into the waters of wearable tech.

Emma is one of a handful of creators tapped to bring Meta’s “It’s Your World” campaign to life by showing people how the nebulous (and sometimes confusing) world of AI and the metaverse can be put to use IRL. The company’s new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are her first piece of wearable tech. The shades can livestream, shoot photos and videos, play music, and offer assistance via Meta AI, and she’s already filmed a few clips on them for her Instagram.

SEE ALSO:

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses reviews are in

In between shots, Mashable asks Emma about her vision for the future and digital fashion.

Mashable: Thrifting can be an accessible form of fashion. How do you see tech making fashion more accessible?

Emma Rogue: Everything, in every way. With Rogue, we utilize Instagram Reels’ short-form videos a lot. It’s become integral to our business model. We do short-form interviews with customers who come to us organically through word of mouth or if they’ve seen us online. A lot of the time, they’re wearing thrifted outfits, [so] just being able to showcase that online and show our viewers that, yes, you can dress in an amazing fit and it all be from the thrift. That’s a great form of making it accessible to the masses.


A photo of a woman using her Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

Credit: Meta


Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

$329

A lot of times people are afraid of style, right? You might be scared to tap into that world. So when they see someone that looks similar to them or their age looking amazing, and they realize it’s all thrifted, it might spark a light in their head like, “Oh, maybe I could try doing that.” They’re gonna screenshot that outfit, then they’re gonna go to their local thrift and be like, “OK, I love her look, let me try to recreate it.”

So that’s one way we do it. Every day we post a video. Volume and consistency are key in the content game. It’s the Victoria Paris method, shout out [to] Victoria. I love her. She sold with me on my opening day.

SEE ALSO:

The business of being Victoria Paris

I think the first time I saw you online was in Caleb Simpson’s apartment tour series. You showed him your Pop-Tarts collab. 

Oh yeah, right there! [points to a Pop-Tarts box in display case.] And our Guinness World Record is right over there, too. We built the world’s biggest Pop-Tarts throne, 8 feet!

Where is the throne now?

In my parent’s garage in New Jersey. A lot of my stuff has been removed from it, but the throne remains.

Are you into digital fashion at all? How do you dress in the digital world?

I don’t have a gaming avatar, but I would dress it in something I would not wear every day because it’s maybe a little uncomfortable. I would put myself in a peak Emma fit: big platforms — I just got my first ever Rick [Owens] shoes so I might do some crazy Rick heels — thigh highs, a cute mini skirt, maybe a cargo mini? That would be cute. A mesh long sleeve and a tank top on top of that, a strappy cami. Accessories everywhere. A lot of metal rings, pigtails, with two strands of hair in front. And arm warmers and leg warmers.

I’m so excited for the day Rogue exists in the metaverse and customers all over the world can shop our stuff there.

Have you been talking about opening a Rogue in the metaverse?

I have a friend who’s really into the metaverse. He’s like “Emma, you gotta get on, buy some land, and build Rogue!” I’m not that deep into it. I haven’t bought land yet because I’m kind of nervous. But I’m excited for when it comes.

The thing is, we have such a big audience. It pains me when they say like, “Build a Rogue in London!” or “Come make a Rogue in Italy!” or I’ll get a DM from some kid in Germany, and they’ll say, “Can you come to this little town in the middle of nowhere?” So if Rogue was in the metaverse and existed there, it’d be so cool for these kids to just like tap in and visit. It would be cool if we could update it with all our new drops and then they could dress their avatars in them.

What does Rogue in the metaverse look like?

Childhood nostalgia-core bonanza. Foam pits, trampolines everywhere, giant slides into fluffy mattresses. Remember in Princess Diaries 2 when they slid down the slide? Stuff like that. Everything you wanted to do as a kid in one place. Everywhere your parents wouldn’t take you in one place. Disney World. All the best parts of your childhood.

I get so happy thinking about my childhood, thinking back to the times when I had no worries. I think everyone can relate to that in some sort of way. As you get older, it’s amazing, right? We’re growing, and learning more every day. But you’ve got bills to pay and it’s like, “I don’t want to do taxes!” Like, come on! There will be no taxes in Rogue World.

SEE ALSO:

The internet is divided over a Gen Z woman’s complaint about working 9 to 5

I would love to have a zoo in there. You know, ride the elephants or something. Literally your wildest imagination. The NeverEnding Story is one of my favorite movies of all time, so there’s going to be Falkor in there. Maybe different themed rooms, or zones. There’d be a room [that] anyone could walk into and it’d become their favorite dream. I think cooler than a room would be like a dome. Many different domes, so it doesn’t look like a ceiling.

Like in “Club Penguin.”

I’m more of a Webkinz girl.

I love the way that Gen Z has repurposed and revived Y2K tech. Why is your generation so drawn to those items and aesthetics?

They never experienced it. It’s exciting to them because it was never part of their day-to-day, but maybe they heard their mom talk about it or their brother talk about it. Maybe they saw it in their favorite movie. Those pieces of technology have become ephemeral. [Gen Z] never got to experience that but [they’ll see it on] old online mood boards or certain aesthetic pages on Instagram. In music videos on YouTube [from the 2000s] they held Sidekick phones. [Gen Z] never had that experience. They’re experiencing something they never got to, they’re transporting back in time.

SEE ALSO:

Is Gen Z bringing flip phones back?

You mentioned mood boards and Instagram accounts dedicated to a particular aesthetic. Where do you find inspiration online?

I like Instagram’s Explore page and Reels a lot to find inspiration and to find new talent — maybe to find emerging brands that we want to have a drop with here [at Rogue]. Or someone we want to collaborate with or a designer I want to commission to design a piece for me in my new collection. Instagram is part of my daily life and also for connecting with people. Sending a DM is the best thing that we could have access to. I posted Diplo on my story yesterday because I was at his concert, and he reposted me and DM’d me back! And I was like, “Perfect, pull up to the shop and we’ll get a fit check.” There’s no limit to what we have access to.