Pet food retailers now offer freshly prepared meals for pets. VCG

Pawsitively fresh

The pet food sector in China is evolving beyond traditional choices like dry kibble and processed canned meats, embracing a more innovative approach with freshly prepared meals for pets, bringing new energy to the market.

Leading this shift is Pet&Fresh, a pet food retailer that opened its doors in Shanghai on Feb 22. Customers can handpick fresh ingredients like broccoli and chicken breasts, which are then cooked by store staff into a nutritious meal for their pets.

Some online users have compared this experience to hotpot dining, where diners select ingredients to cook in a shared broth, dubbing it "hotpot for dogs".At 24.90 yuan ($3.43) per 500 grams, pets can enjoy a nutritionally balanced meal that feels as fresh as it is healthy.

In addition to fresh meals, customers can explore a variety of frozen food options, including meal packs, meat sausages, meatballs, bakery cakes, and pasta and rice balls, all neatly arranged in the frozen and refrigerated section.

The rise of fresh meal options marks a promising future for China's pet industry. According to Xinmin Evening News, the younger generation now views pets as integral family members, willing to invest time, money, and effort to ensure their pets live high-quality lives.

Y3K fashion typically features shimmering fabrics and metallic accents, blending cutting-edge style with a futuristic vision. VCG

Future fashion

Y3K, short for the year 3000, is a trendy aesthetic that combines shimmering fabrics, metallic elements, and sleek silhouettes.

Evolving from Y2K, a nostalgic style that blends futuristic and 20th-century elements, Y3K draws inspiration from diverse sources such as virtual reality, cyberpunk, and future bionics. This avant-garde look imagines a world 1,000 years ahead, offering a bold expression of what the future could be.

Emerging as a response to the evolving digital age, Y3K reflects society's growing fascination with technological progress. For example, the layered patterns in Y3K designs are influenced by advancements in 3D printing.

The style first gained significant traction within the K-pop industry, where idols incorporated its elements into their performance outfits. From there, Y3K quickly spread across global social media platforms, including China's Xiaohongshu (RedNote), sparking widespread discussions.

But Y3K isn't just about clothing — accessories and cosmetics are crucial to showcasing the style's futuristic, sci-fi vibe. People experiment with different colored contacts for each eye, layer on silver rings, and wear bold, cutting-edge sunglasses, all of which reflect individuality and a passion for the future.

Y3K envisions a world where fashion blends effortlessly with technology. Virtual clothing — existing only in the digital realm — offers an eco-friendly way for young people to express themselves, helping to reduce the environmental impact of physical fashion.

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