Hi friends,

Happy Friday! In today’s ttrreenndd report → I share Duolingo’s collaboration with Crocs, as well as a quick overview on how the Harris administration might impact consumer investing. In the headlines, we have California funding AI and journalism, Shein suing Temu, a whole bunch of consumer fundraises announced, and more.

Hope you enjoy, and see you next Tuesday as usual!

ACTIVATION OF THE WEEK

Duolingo x Crocs Classic Clogs

What it is: The latest collaboration between Crocs and Duolingo introduces a striking design that merges the worlds of fashion and education. Adorned with Duolingo's iconic neon green owl, these Classic Clogs serve not only as footwear but also as a playful reminder of the importance of daily language lessons. Set to launch at a pop-up event in New York City, this limited edition promises to capture attention with its bold aesthetic, continuing Crocs' trend of integrating whimsical features into their product line, as seen in previous partnerships like the Batman-themed clogs.

My take: Duolingo has such a grip on our society in a way that I may never be able to fully comprehend (as a consumer). That being said, their brand and marketing initiatives have been nothing short of innovative since the beginning, and the highest standard for consumer tech, and I can admire from that perspective how they’re able to continuously find themselves at the center of cultural relevance and conversation. This feels like yet another on-brand activation for Duolingo and I can definitely see the overlap with the Crocs brand and the Crocs consumer.

Read more about this here.