Below is a list of some of my favorite brands, along with some of the fun things they’re doing. The list includes a good mix of food and beverage, cannabis brands, footwear, art, and design companies.
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Airbnb has successfully disrupted the traditional hospitality industry with its innovative and user-friendly platform. The company has empowered homeowners to generate additional income streams while sharing authentic experiences. Airbnb has created a strong brand identity focused on community, authenticity, and inclusivity. Personally, I have benefited greatly from Airbnb Experiences, where I have had first-hand access to local experts who share my passion for specific topics such as food, art, and architecture.

One of my favorite concepts is from the book Aesthetic Intelligence by Pauline Brown, a longtime leader in the luxury goods sector and former Chairman of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. In the book (and the talk below) she explains why brands like Airbnb have the highest aesthetic intelligence. It's really interesting subject, and I encourage you to take a look.

Houseplant is a cannabis brand founded by actor Seth Rogen and his creative partner, Evan Goldberg. The brand is known for its high-quality cannabis products and cheeky branding. Houseplant has been able to differentiate itself from other cannabis brands by creating a unique brand identity that is focused on humor and authenticity. Their products are designed to make cannabis consumption beautiful, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone. PS: Seth’s new book, Yearbook, is extremely entertaining. I also loved watching Platonic on Apple TV.

I was excited to see Houseplant and Airbnb recently collaborate on a unique experience that allowed travelers to book a stay in a Houseplant-designed space and spend time chilling and working on ceramics with Seth Rogen. The space was outfitted with Houseplant products and décor, creating an immersive and enjoyable user experience. This collaboration is an example of how brands can push boundaries and create unique partnerships that deeply resonate with consumers.

In particular, I love Patagonia's sweaters for their warmth, quality, and comfort. However, what I appreciate most about the brand is the philosophy that underlies its products. Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard, has long been an advocate for environmental sustainability and social responsibility. In his book "Let My People Go Surfing", Chouinard shares his vision for a more sustainable future and the steps that Patagonia has taken to make that vision a reality. The book is a manifesto for a new way of doing business that is focused on doing good for people and the planet, rather than just making a profit. Chouinard's philosophy has inspired me to be more mindful of the impact that my choices have on the world around me and to seek out brands that share that same commitment to responsible business practices.

Patagonia also makes amazing films. The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez is by far my favorite. Check it out :)

As someone who loves surf, skate, and street culture, Vans has always been one of my favorite brands. I've owned countless pairs of Vans over the years, but my favorites will always be my classic checkered Vans. The brand is known for its iconic designs, which are both stylish and functional. Vans has always engaged with artists to build cool graphics and a community. They're also creating really engaging content on YouTube that I encourage everyone to check out. What I appreciate most about the brand is how they've stayed true to their roots while also evolving to meet the needs of their customers. I particularly admired their recent selection of Drieke Leenknegt as its new Global CMO.

1st Dibs is a brand that has upgraded the way people access art and objects of design. I have used 1st Dibs extensively during my Sotheby's class on The Art of Collecting, and I found it to be an awesome way to discover new art. In addition to their innovative approach to art and design purchasing, I also appreciate the way 1st Dibs values their team. They create really interesting highlights and posts on their LinkedIn, showcasing their team members and the great work they're doing. It seems like a great place to work, and I'm always impressed with the level of creativity and innovation that comes out of the company.

Cann is a cannabis-infused beverage brand that has made waves with its innovative and inclusive marketing campaigns. I love that they look to break down stereotypes and promote inclusivity. I think it's incredibly important for brands to take bold stands on social issues and use their platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance, and I believe that Cann's campaigns are a great example of how brands can do this authentically and effectively.

Chewy is a pet brand that has made a name for itself by delivering pet food and supplies straight to your door. One of the most recognizable aspects of the Chewy brand is so simple: big blue boxes. These boxes are instantly recognizable and serve as a symbol of convenience and reliability. When you see a Chewy box on your doorstep, you know that your pet's food and supplies have arrived and that you can rest easy knowing that your furry friend is taken care of. On top of that, their commercials are extremely cute and hilarious.

Impossible Foods is a brand that has made it impossible to ignore its presence in the food industry. They've taken a sharp, aggressive, and bold stance in raising awareness about meat consumption and doing what we can to help save the planet. Their innovative and delicious recipes are a testament to their commitment to creating a sustainable future. The brand's plant-based meat alternatives have been a game-changer in the industry and have helped shift the conversation around sustainable food production and consumption. Impossible Foods is a brand that truly walks the walk. I'm excited to see what they'll do next.

Yeti has become synonymous with high-quality and durable coolers, drinkware, and other outdoor gear. They have built a reputation for creating products that can withstand even the toughest outdoor conditions, and their customers are some of the most loyal in the industry. One of the things that I appreciate most about Yeti is its commitment to creating unique and engaging experiences. A recent example of this is their Craigslist cooler program. Yeti scoured Craigslist lost and found ads to find people who had lost or had their Yeti coolers stolen. Then, they surprised these individuals by sending them a brand new Yeti cooler, free of charge. This program was a great way for Yeti to connect with their customers and show them that they truly care. It's just one example of how a brand can go above and beyond and it's a big reason why they're one of my favorites.

They have taken the bland water market by storm. Among many other attention-grabbing stunts, they collaborated with Tony Hawk to paint skateboards using his blood. I thought this was a great example of how well their brand identity is aligned with everything else they are doing.