Codes of Culture | Issue 63
Dolce Vita’s 3D-printed shoe changes the game
Welcome back to Codes of Culture—a midweek lens on how tech, creativity, and culture intersect.
This week, AI steps further into the foreground—from OpenAI’s ad-free shopping assistant to Google’s immersive language tools. It’s becoming more accessible, more expressive, and more embedded in how we shop, learn, govern, and create.
In fashion and retail, the focus is shifting from product to presence. Ulta builds community through experience, Dolce Vita explores 3D-printed design, and Chanel invests in the next wave of AI-native creatives.
Even governance is evolving—the UAE is trialling AI-drafted legislation—while artists and educators challenge us to rethink how we engage with systems we’ve long taken for granted.
The rules are being rewritten—with intelligence, empathy, and imagination at the centre.
Below are the 10 things on our radar this week!
All Future+ members will continue to receive full access to our newsletter, free of charge. And as a thank-you to our early subscribers, we’re offering a limited 20% discount until Friday — click here to subscribe. Your support means everything.
📖 10 things on our radar:
1- ChatGPT's new shopping feature reimagines e-commerce with AI-driven personalization
OpenAI has introduced a shopping enhancement to ChatGPT, enabling users to receive tailored product recommendations with images, prices, reviews, and direct purchase links aiming to streamline online shopping.
2- How Ulta Beauty's first experiential event in San Antonio aims to win back customers
Ulta Beauty World turned a convention center into an immersive playground of beauty, brand storytelling, and fan culture where it delivered immersive experience. The event brought Ulta’s core values to life: accessibility, joy, and community.
3- Chanel backs CalArts’ new frontier for art and technology
Chanel is partnering with the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) to launch a new Center for Art and Technology, blending artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital imaging with creative practice. The center will offer students and visiting fellows access to the best kind of equipment and mentorship.
4- UAE becomes first nation to use AI to draft laws
The UAE has launched the world’s first Regulatory Intelligence Office, signaling a major shift in how governments might legislate. With AI set to draft, review, and amend federal and local laws, this move promises greater speed, precision, and cost efficiency in governance, following the nation's early commitment to AI leadership.
5- AI drives UK online shopping surge as Adobe reports £8.8bn spend in March
UK online spending hit £8.8 billion in March, with a major boost from AI and generative AI tools. Adobe reported a 790% surge in AI-driven traffic since August, as more shoppers turn to assistants for recommendations and price comparisons.
6- OpenAI launches powerful new models — and a local coding agent for developers
OpenAI’s new O3 and O4-mini models boost performance in coding, math, and visual reasoning, now integrating images directly into their logic. The release is a local, open-source coding assistant that runs in individual’s terminal, keeping code private while turning plain language into commands.
7- I Agree: Dima Yarovinsky’s installation exposes the hidden weight of digital consent
In his latest exhibition, Designer Dima Yarovinsky printed the full terms of service from apps like Facebook and Instagram onto long scrolls of paper, revealing their overwhelming length. The installation highlights how users accept complex legal texts without reading, exposing the gap between digital consent and true understanding.
8- BMW to integrate DeepSeek AI in China-made vehicles by year-end
BMW will integrate AI from Chinese startup DeepSeek into its vehicles by year-end, enhancing voice control, personalization, and system intelligence. The move reflects BMW’s focus on local innovation in China’s competitive, tech-forward auto market.
9- Dolce Vita debuts 3D-printed shoe, reshaping fashion production
Dolce Vita has launched its first large-scale, on-demand 3D-printed shoe, the Holis 3D, in partnership with tech startup Hilos. Made in the U.S. using Hilos’ sketch-to-3D platform, the shoe blends digital precision with heritage craftsmanship.
10- Google launches AI tools to personalize language learning
Google has unveiled three AI-powered tool designed to make language practice more conversational and context-driven. From learning local slang to translating objects in your surroundings, the tools aim to bring vocabulary to life – reflecting a growing trend: learning through lived experience, powered by AI.
📅 Upcoming events on our calendar
June 16-20: During Cannes Lions, Future+ will curate innovative moments, featuring thought leadership sessions and providing access to key VIP events and networking experiences. See opportunities here.
May 14: Digital tools for emotional resilience, featuring Nimrita Dadlani, founder of Pivot, Antonia da Silva Teixeira, founder of The Agile Mind Consultancy, moderated by Ashumi Sanghvi, CEO & Founder of Future+. RSVP here.
📱 Thinking about becoming a Future+ member? For access to exclusive events, experiences, networking, and content, apply here for either our corporate or individual memberships.
💬 For more news, announcements and updates, join our WhatsApp Community here.
Scan to join our Future+ whats app channels.
Disclaimer: Information in this newsletter is only for the purpose of sharing knowledge, news and insights.