Exploring identity and privilege at the 2025 Met Gala
This week, fashion’s biggest night consumed our screens – from perfectly tailored suits to cascading capes, millions of eyeballs ogled at the opulent dress of the rich and famous. This year’s Met Gala was themed “Tailored for You,” inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” which explores the cultural significance of black fashion and identity formation. The night was a celebration of fashion within historical context, and an opportunity for attendees and viewers alike to reflect on what the theme means to them both on the red carpet and in the fabrics they adorn.
This Met Gala comes at a particularly interesting time in the United States, where economic and political uncertainty is heightened. While most Americans are worried about grocery prices, the wealthiest among us gallivant across the red carpet and into an event where tickets cost a staggering $75,000. This contrast raises important questions about cultural awareness – when should it be acknowledged, considered, or set aside? In many ways, the event’s theme addresses this very topic, reminding us that nothing is created in isolation, but built on the foundations of what came before. While the Met Gala itself may be considered ‘tone deaf’ in our current climate, the theme is of the utmost relevance – underscoring the importance of looking to the past and understanding the roots and evolution of the trends shaping our present.
Brynna Barton, Senior Campaign Executive
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Why YouTube feels more like TV than TV does right now
The 2025 TV Upfronts are just around the corner. AKA the annual show-and-tell where TV networks pitch their advertising options and content lineups to ad buyers. This year, YouTube is entering the arena, coined as an “800-pound gorilla crashing TV’s traditional sales extravaganza”, going head-to-head with the likes of Disney and Paramount. And while everyone’s trying to lock in advertiser dollars, uncertainty and government disruptions like tariffs are everyone’s contender.
Ad buyers are coming in with flexibility top of mind. With economic turbulence and shifting budgets, they’re looking for partners who can pivot quickly. YouTube offers all of that, delivering traditional TV-like consumption with the added benefit of digital performance metrics. Analysts are even predicting that YouTube will surpass Disney in revenue this year, making it the biggest media company in the world.
Meanwhile, creator-led content has become more than just a trend. It’s a core part of media strategy. YouTube is tapping Mr. Beast, the platform’s most-subscribed creator, a Guinness World Record-breaker, and the star of the upcoming Amazon Prime show Beast Games, to spark conversations around major cultural moments like the Masters and the Met Gala. Of course, YouTube still has its weak spots. It doesn’t yet rival the reach and dominance of live sports broadcasting that TV networks still own. But is that enough? Or will TV throw out another bundle bonanza with new offerings from broadcast, cable, and streaming holdings as one package?
Is advertising on YouTube a recession indicator? Or a smart move to meet people where their attention really is? If you or someone you know has a TV that can stream YouTube, chances are it’s already been used in all kinds of ways. YouTube has beaten Netflix and Prime Video in users in the past two years. Whether it’s ambient music, your favorite comedy sketches, educational deep dives, or just catching up with creators you’d normally watch on your phone, except it’s all happening on the big screen now. And technically, you’re not even scrolling. Beyond the usual cat-and-mouse game between advertisers and their audiences, there’s a bigger story about how we watch content. YouTube is incredibly versatile. You can engage with it the same way you’d watch a movie with your family, listen to music in your car, or even share a lesson with a group. While traditional TV has become more accessible across devices, it’s pretty remarkable to see YouTube break away from its roots and become one of TV’s biggest contenders. So, here’s a question for brands rethinking their media strategies: How flexible can you be? Can you pivot beyond the phone? In how many ways is your story being seen, heard, and experienced?
Marina Orlando, Campaign Coordinator
The Shedeur Sanders draft slide and the power of perception
One of the most talked-about stories from this year’s NFL draft was the slide of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Once projected as a first-round pick, Sanders ended up being selected in the 5th round by the Cleveland Browns – a team that had already drafted another quarterback earlier in the draft. However, there was indications ahead of the draft that things may not go as planned, as Sanders chose not to attend the NFL combine, which is seen as an opportunity to showcase skills and connect with teams. There were also reports from NFL insiders that Sanders interviews with teams didn’t exactly leave positive impressions on team decision-makers.
Sanders was a high-profile player with a family legacy (his father is Hall of Famer Deion Sanders), high-worth NIL deals, and a large social media presence – with potential to make a large impact on an NFL team. However, it became clear that other qualities such as professionalism and leadership outweigh a well-known personal brand. The is a case study in how PR is always on – where every decision around media engagement, event participation, or signaling can carry major career implications for athletes, creators, and professionals across every industry.
Despite the surprise draft slide, Sanders still has a future in the NFL at the Browns. The lesson? Consistency of brand and awareness of audience are key not to just stay in the spotlight, but to sustain a strong brand over time.
Pixie Bitner, Campaign Manager
White House Correspondents Dinner was the death knell for traditional D.C. media
Once regarded as an exclusive event reserved for legacy journalism and mainstream media, this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner welcomed a much broader array of voices. From content creators, to influencers, podcasters and independent media personalities, this year’s event marked a symbolic and practical acknowledgement that the boundaries of journalism are expanding. As influencers and podcasters form closer and more authentic connections with their audiences, making news feel more accessible and relatable, public trust in these creators is rising, surpassing trust in legacy institutions.
According to a 2024 Pew Research Study, the majority of U.S. adults (86%) at least occasionally get their news from a smartphone, computer, or tablet. As news consumption habits continue to evolve, we can expect a greater emphasis on short-form video and sound bites. Ultimately, the future of news will be shaped by a diverse mix of voices, platforms, and storytelling formats.
Cassie Gonzalez, Campaign Director
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