A global financial crisis. The election of the first black president. 2008 was a year of triumph and turmoil in the U.S. and around the world—just as The Standard, High Line was taking shape in The Meatpacking District. International audiences tuned in for the Summer Olympics in Beijing, where Usain Bolt sprinted into the record books (breaking a world record for the 100 meter dash and becoming the fastest man on Earth).
“Single Ladies” was on the radio. Twilight fever was in the air. Gossip Girl was on TV. Britney Spears got her groove back with her Circus album and Heath Ledger made an indelible mark on audiences with his take on The Joker. Suddenly, everyone on the planet knew who Lady Gaga was. Moviegoers around the world raced to catch Slumdog Millionaire in theaters and Apple’s App Store was launched. Spotify and Google Chrome were also introduced in 2008—apps we're still using all day every day.
The art world saw Francis Bacon’s “Triptych” sell for a staggering $86.3 million, while Banksy continued his street art takeover with his guerrilla-style pieces making waves in cities around the world.
