A Wicked good time is in store at a New York hotel, what cost cuts may mean for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and Pantone reveals Mocha Mousse as its latest Color of the Year. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Will Saudi Arabia deliver on its mega-project promises?
Saudi Arabia’s proposed Line development, depicted in a 3D rendering; photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
To position itself as a global hub for luxury and innovation (and diversify the Middle Eastern country’s economy away from oil revenues), Saudi Arabia first announced the ambitious mega-project investments comprising Vision 2030 in 2016. But now, nearly nine years later, with costs being cut and directions shifting, much of the world is wondering if it will all come to fruition, reports CNBC. Linear smart city the Line, for instance, has been slashed from 106 miles to 1.5 miles and the population target down of 1.5 million by 2030 is now less than 300,000. Plus, it was reported by last month that Nadhmi al-Nasr, the longtime CEO of NEOM—a 10,000-square-mile development of sustainable tourism initiatives—resigned without explanation. Though Tarik Solomon, chairman emeritus at the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, considers it “promising to see transparency and some project cutbacks. The road to resilience for Saudi Arabia isn’t in figuring out ski slopes in the desert but in building with innovation, complexity, and the courage to pursue what’s truly impactful.”
Grab your broomstick, we’re going to the New York Hilton Midtown
Photo courtesy of Hilton
The pop culture world has been abuzz since Wicked was released two weeks ago. So much so that brands like Hilton have even joined in on the fun. The hotel giant and Universal Pictures teamed up to create an immersive experience at the New York Hilton Midtown. Now through January 26th, fans can book a 625-square-foot Wicked-themed suite, which can accommodate up to four guests, that conjures the magic of the book-turned-Broadway musical-turned-movie. The accommodation is kitted out with a sophisticated living area that recalls the Wizard’s Throne Room and the Art Deco aesthetics of the Land of Oz—from a cozy beverage bar to green accents throughout. Glinda and Elphaba would be thrilled.
Highlights from Miami Design Week
The Nudo End Table from Kelly Wearstler’s NUDO 2.0 collection for ARCA; photo by Nick Hudson
Art Basel Miami Beach and Design Miami kicked off earlier this week and, as always, it has produced much to see and be inspired by. Notable installations and debuts include A Childhood Dream, a collaboration between Pininfarina and VISO (in celebration of the launch of the lighting company’s Miami headquarters), where lighting sculptures transform childhood wonder into tangible, illuminated forms to redefine the intersection of design, technology, and storytelling. Luxury goods company Cartier is wrapping up its yearlong traveling Trinity 100 experience, which commemorates the collection’s centennial, with a pop-up in the Florida city’s Design District. Designer Kelly Wearstler and natural stone, tile, and engineered wood purveyor ARCA have also debuted NUDO 2.0, a collection of marble and onyx sculptural furniture that evolves the duo’s original 2022 line. Plus, The Sleep of Reason exhibition, comprising more than 300 works from the Craig Robins Collection, was revealed. Both shows will come to a close on Sunday.
Marriott is laying off more than 800 employees
Photo courtesy of JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock
A companywide restructuring is underway at Marriott International. The state of Maryland, where the company is headquartered, made a Work Adjustment and Retraining Notice public that states 833 corporate employees were impacted by a mass layoff, reports Hotel Dive. Earlier this year, according to a company spokesperson, Marriott “began a strategic review of all aspects of Marriott International’s business across geographies to enhance our enterprise-wide effectiveness.” Skift adds: There are approximately 5,000 people associated with its Bethesda headquarters, which implies a 16 percent workforce reduction, with additional cuts happening worldwide.
Pantone gives quiet luxury a go with its 2025 Color of the Year
Photo courtesy of Pantone
Yesterday, Pantone announced Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230) as its 2025 Color of the Year. The soft yet rich brown hue recalls the delectable quality of cacao, chocolate, and coffee, while also evoking a subtle, elegant quality. “Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone Color Institute. And The Washington Post agrees, noting that the hue sits at the intersection of comfort and glamour as a true representation of the quiet luxury trend, which has been seen across fashion, interiors, and more.
