Lights, Camera… Hair Extensions: Celebrating the Gray Market in Hollywood It's only a matter of time before Oscar goes from Gold to gray. Titanium Gray, that is. Thanks to Gemini for helping create this illustration. It’s awards season once again! The annual parade of red carpets, borrowed diamonds, and the unspoken rule that “Who are you wearing?” matters more than “Did anyone actually see the movie?” For a few glossy weeks, $5,000 hairstyles are considered sensible invest

By Simon Derungs (aged 61) Here’s a question - whom do you consider aspirational? Who do you respect, admire, look up to, and aspire to be like? Of course, your answer will be unique to you. But did age play a part in your selection process? Did you avoid people older than yourself? I struggle to comprehend why so many marketers and advertisers assume that age relates directly to aspiration. And for the record, my list includes David Attenborough (aged 99). It’s a commonly he

I’m a 60-year-old with a 16-year-old. An older mom, as I’m clinically known. That means I was 46 during the terrible twos (although the threes were far more tortuous). 53 when my son entered puberty. And 55 — the age when you’re eligible for senior discounts at IHOP — when my son hit middle school. I was usually the oldest mom at school pickups, on the playground and at the pediatrician. But I did well keeping up with my younger peers. I admit I often felt isolated or lonely,

We believed the internet would free our minds and bring the world together. Instead, it’s begun to shape our minds, leading us to defer to power over principle. In an age where most beliefs are typed, not spoken, our words don’t just communicate — they calcify. Each post, comment, like, or tweet becomes a digital reflection of self, locked into permanence, inviting confirmation but resisting contradiction. As written expression increasingly replaces conversation, our thought

NBC’s Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special wasn’t just a nostalgia trip—it was a masterclass in cultural longevity, audience engagement, and intergenerational marketing. For 50 years, SNL has remained relevant by evolving without abandoning its roots, a lesson every brand should take to heart. What worked in the ‘70s still works today—because talent, humor, and sharp storytelling never age out. From beloved Gray Market icons like Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy to today

In recent years, there's been a noticeable shift in fashion trends, with Millennials and Gen Z embracing vintage clothing. This resurgence isn't just a fleeting fad; it's a movement rooted in nostalgia, sustainability, and a desire for unique, high-quality pieces. As GQ notes, vintage clothing has become "the hottest thing in fashion," influencing everything from designer collections to everyday streetwear. Photography by Huy Luong Rogue vintage shop (clockwise from top lef

Adults over 50 may not be the first group that comes to mind when you think of technology and innovation. Often, discussions around technology focus on the needs of digital natives — those who grew up in a tech-savvy environment. However, innovations have profoundly impacted the lives of older adults, enhancing their quality of life in remarkable ways. With over 10,000 Americans turning 50 daily, the demographic landscape is shifting. As of December 1, approximately 125 adult

Ah, Cyber Monday. The day we all try to buy the future while avoiding a crash of the past (our credit cards, that is). But let’s get real: while most brands are busy wooing TikTok teens and Gen Z’ers who want deals on LED lights and audio subscriptions, they’re missing out on the true holiday shopping MVPs—the 50+ gray market. Here’s why this powerful group is your golden ticket to smashing Cyber Monday sales… and beyond: The 50+ Crowd Isn’t Just Clicking—They’re Spending You

Can you guess the average age of a new car buyer in the UK? Here’s a clue - spending by the over 50s is so high vs. younger age groups that

I'm a Baby Boomer, and I'm not at all offended by the sudden rise of the phrase "OK, Boomer."

About a half dozen years ago the internet began embracing the idea that there’s a generational cohort born from 1977 through 1983

So why are companies and brands so afraid or turned off to the Gray Market? Why do they choose to direct all their marketing investment, or

Analyses of media and channel consumption typically lack actionable insights. At Openly Gray, we dig down deeper to help brand owners