Whatever Happened to the Walk-In, and Other Reads This Week
By Wim Langedijk for HURS
Whatever Happened to the Walk-In, and Other Reads This Week
HUR Reads is our definitive shortlist of the most prominent articles from around the web.
By HURS Team
1
Why Aren’t Women Allowed to Play Baseball?
Kaitlyn Tiffany explores the historical and ongoing exclusion of women from professional baseball. She speaks about her participation in the New York Yankees' Women's Mini-Fantasy Camp, where 87 women paid approximately $2,500 each to experience life as a Yankee, highlighting their passion for the sport despite limited opportunities. Tiffany delves into past biases that sidelined women, such as misconceptions about physical limitations and societal norms. She also notes the upcoming Women's Pro Baseball League, set to debut in 2026, aiming to address these inequalities by providing a professional platform for female players.
THE ATLANTIC
Ajesh Patalay discusses the challenge of securing a restaurant table without a reservation. Gone are the days when you could simply stroll into your favorite eatery; now, securing a spot often requires booking weeks in advance. The rise of reservation scalping, especially in cities like New York, has made matters worse. Despite these challenges, many restaurants still accommodate walk-ins by holding back tables or managing cancellations. Some establishments, particularly in high-traffic areas, even operate on a walk-in-only basis to ensure quick turnover. However, the best venues strive to fit in walk-ins, improving both revenue and the overall dining experience. So, while it may seem daunting, spontaneity isn't entirely lost in the dining world.
HOW TO SPEND IT
The industry appears to be backsliding into the ultra-thin ideal, with recent runways showing a dramatic decline in body diversity. SS25 shows nearly 95% of looks were presented by straight-size models, with plus-size and mid-size representation dwindling to much smaller fractions. This shift raises concerns about the industry’s impact on public health, as unrealistic body standards have long been linked to eating disorders and self-esteem issues. Despite past efforts toward inclusivity, fashion seems to be leaning back into harmful beauty ideals, prompting renewed calls for diversity and healthier representation.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
In a recent interview, Sarah Snook opens up about her latest theatrical challenge—taking on every single role in a bold new Broadway adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Directed by Kip Williams, this high-tech, multimedia production has Snook juggling 26 different characters, seamlessly interacting with prerecorded versions of herself in a meticulously choreographed performance. She reflects on the play’s themes of identity and vanity, drawing some fun parallels to her Succession character, Shiv Roy. She also shares how her love of acting was shaped by her grandmother, a 1930s actress. It’s clear Snook thrives on pushing creative boundaries—and this latest project is proof of that.
THE NEW YORKER
The luxury fashion industry is experiencing significant shifts in creative leadership, notably with Demna's appointment as Gucci's new artistic director. This transition follows Sabato De Sarno's departure after a brief tenure, highlighting the challenges brands face in maintaining creative continuity. Such vacancies often leave brands in a state of limbo, relying on in-house teams to design collections based on archival pieces, which can impact revenue and creative direction. The arrival of a new creative director doesn't immediately resolve these issues, as it may take several collections for their vision to fully materialize, influencing not just design but also marketing strategies and celebrity partnerships. These leadership changes come amid broader industry challenges, including declining sales and economic pressures, particularly in key markets like China. Brands are now tasked with navigating these complexities while striving to maintain their identity and market position during transitional periods.