Photos of Bygone Movie Theaters Capture “Decay In Its Divinity”

Between tattered wallpapers and crumbling seat cushions, French photographers Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre find beauty in the abandoned American movie theaters of old. Their new photobook, Movie Theaters, celebrates the vast architectural opulence of forgotten early 20th-century auditoriums, journeying through the history of American entertainment from neo-Renaissance to neo-Byzantine to Art Nouveau and other eras. Find out how the pair locate “decay in its …

COOL HUNTING’s End of Summer Playlist

Sad bangers and beautiful bummers for the season's transition

Understanding that it’s hard to say goodby to summer, we’ve made a mixtape of bittersweet songs that provide an apt soundtrack to the seasonal transition. From ethereal new wave to dramatic dream-pop and mellow neo-disco, the playlist includes tracks from various countries and decades. With music by Cocteau Twins, Robyn, Frankie Knuckles, yaeji and Arlo Parks, the vibe is one of beautiful bummers, melancholy bops …

New Platform Creates Better Futures For Hospitality Workers

The restaurant industry is notoriously fraught with low wages and few (or zero) healthcare benefits. When these conditions worsened due to the global pandemic, restaurant owner-turned-organizer Jennifer Kim decided to close the doors to her celebrated Chicago eatery, Passerotto, and create pathways to better support the industry instead. She began working on Alt Economy, a platform for creatives and hospitality workers to contribute to mutual …