shoes as art
Designer Marloes ten Bhömer has realized shoes in a whole new way. Part art, part experiment, soon her shoes will be open to the public, for sale. Your wife is going to love those blocky clunky clunks, for her anniversary.
posted by darryl ohrt @ 6:54 AM
0 comments
uniqlo t-shirt promo rocks. again.
Uniqlo, the greatest store in all of the land, has produced yet another awesome interactive piece to promote their new line of t-shirts. Users can sample "beats" made from clips of Uniqlo models, and put them together in a way that it creates an original loop.
The result is a never-ending loop, created by users. While listening/watching, you can vote on favorite loops - which then pushes more popular loops further forward in the "song".
This is amazing work on so many levels. Time to go t-shirt shopping.
Labels: fashion, Flash, japan, newyork, retail
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:29 AM
0 comments
what people look like in denver
Someone once told me that one of the most read pages in Time Out is the person on the street interview. Where they choose a person off the street, ask them about their lives, and delve into their fashion.
The DenverEgotist points to TWO blogs that showcase street fashion, from Denver. Yeah, I know - I would have thought Denver to be more backwards than New England. But it turns out there are loads of cool people there. Check out The Streets of Denver and The Intersection, for proof.
Labels: fashion, newyork, trends
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:04 AM
1 comments
campaign brands by swag style
Animal New York has an interesting view of the democratic candidates - judging them by their campaign swag style. Obama has cool stuff, Hillary has stuff that only older white women would wear.
I wonder if the campaigns are designing to the audiences that they already have, or are they missing opportunities? Is their swag a reflection of the audience they're targeting, or a reflection of the design teams that are creating them?
If Hillary had cool t-shirts, would hipster white guys identify with her? If Obama had gold embroidered sweatshirts in bad fonts, would the old women taking the bus to the casino like him? Just wondering.
Labels: branding, fashion, politics
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:17 AM
1 comments
embrace your inner dorkness
Dorks just became really cool. Geeks have had their day, and remain awesome, but dorks are the new hot. And it all happened thanks to the release of Dork Magazine, an online publication dedicated to art, habitat, and people.
The current issue is really good. If you enjoy BrandFlakes, you're going to love Dork. Issue #5 includes articles about Nike, Uniqlo, SmartCar, the Murakami show in Brooklyn, and sooo much more dorkaliciousness.
Labels: art, fashion, pop culture, publishing, trends
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:29 AM
0 comments
unexpected licensing that makes sense
Two licensing deals this week caught our attention, and are great examples of brands coming together to produce greatness.
Levis is partnering with snowboard apparel company 686. Snowboard culture and 686 brand awareness bring much needed cool factor to Levis. 686 gets a unique product line, and credit for helping to reinvent Levis in a new category. Win-win.
Burton is partnering with Playboy. They've done this before, just not at this level. Their new fall line has some pretty sexy boards that are sure to get attention. And melt snow. Burton makes Playboy relevant, in a world where magazines no longer matter. Playboy bunnies look super hot on boards. Win-win, again.
What brand could you partner with, to create unexpected success?
Labels: branding, fashion, pop culture, sports marketing, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:28 AM
0 comments
those are some mighty sweet slacks
This is either a great idea or licensing gone too far. Apparel with over the top Kellogg's cereal brand licensing.
I never would have thought that kids would trick their cars out in tribute to brands either, but they do. So maybe somewhere, there are people who will really, really dig Froot Loop pants. Or a Honey Smacks hoodie. I might like them if they came in the skinny fit, instead of the sooper baggy style. (Toucan Sam and I go way back, so that's me.)
Thanks David's sister!
Labels: branding, fashion, trends, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:13 AM
0 comments
giant shoes bring together east coast and west coast. all is well.
Part art project, part street-team, part promotional stunt. This Adidas promo rocks. (Stupid Flash site won't let you link directly. Click on "superstar.")
Two giant (no really - GIANT) adidas shoes get painted by street artists. One on the west coast (the left shoe), one on the east coast (the right shoe). They meet in Venice Beach, and live happily ever after.
Only one thing leaves me uncomfortable. Why does the east coast shoe have to travel to California? Was the left shoe too lazy to meet halfway? Couldn't the giant shoe meet-up take place in Chicago? Over deep-dish pizza?
From mmcgreevy, via Twitter.
Labels: fashion, outdoor, sports marketing, streetart, streetteams, stunts, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:38 AM
0 comments
what to do with that useless watch
The Naughty Secretary Club has a fun DIY project for those old, broken watches. Paint them in florescent colors, and make them the hottest fashion accessories. Such a cool idea. You should even do it to that brand new watch. Everyone knows that watches are so old-school, and nobody needs them for time anymore.
This might also be great for sneakers. I've seen a famous Plaid employee paint some sneakers silver once, and they rocked.
Found on BoingBoing. (They don't need the link, and I'm too lazy to go find it right now. You know where to find them.)
Labels: art, creativeinspiration, fashion
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:40 AM
1 comments
sneakers as a conversational tool
I'm not much of a conversationalist. Especially when it comes to introducing myself to strangers. But I love sneakers. Really, really love sneakers. And sneaker culture has become its own phenomena - turning shoes into an unexpectedly cool tool, for me.
While sporting some sweet Adidas Gazelles yesterday (above), I met Henning Von Vogelsang, at SWSW. Our paths would likely have never passed, if he didn't stop to comment on my shoes, and on his love for Adidas.
That's when I realized that odd sneakers are my conversation agent. It's a starting point in situations where I might not otherwise introduce myself to people. And it works like magic in a room full of strangers.
Later that night, attempting to meet someone that I only know through the internet, I twitter him to "look for teal and yellow adidas sneakers" at the Google party. Because other than that, internet geeks pretty much all look the same. At the Google party, my internet friend successfully found me, and as he announced that it was the sneakers that gave me away, another complete stranger shouts out - "I just read about those sneakers on Twitter." And another introduction was made.
Today, I'll be sporting my flourescent yellow, pink and green Nike's. Watch out. Lots of new people to meet.
Labels: fashion, sxsw, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:03 AM
0 comments
avatars for your hands
Internet avatars are so yesterday. The coolest people are wearing physical avatars.
While at SXSW, we met John Unger, who among other things, has created Emoodicons - the the first ever mood ring/emoticon mashup. One of those "wish I thought of it" ideas.
(Be sure to watch our continued coverage of our SXSW experience on the BrandFlakes SXSW edition.)
Labels: fashion, illustration, sxsw
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:44 AM
1 comments
danskin: sweaty smelly and stinky.
Danskin just sent out their newsletter to potential customers...and describes them as "perspired." Uh huh. Someone needs a copywriter. And some brand help.
I agree with Maura. I'd never describe myself as "perspired." Time for Danskin to call their agency "retired." Thanks Maura!!
Labels: branding, copywriting, fashion
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:55 AM
0 comments
victoria secret: for young girls only?
Some will say this is just a cheap excuse to post a picture of a Victoria Secret model. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But - really - Retail Design Diva has a very interesting post about Victoria Secret's brand issues. Turns out that only young girls like to visit the stores.
I attribute it to what I call the retail style curve. Every major mall retailer, and many apparel brands can plot their popularity on a chart, and you'll see cycles of cool ebb and flow. I'm sure that David Armano could craft a nifty info chart documenting the curve. (But that's not as interesting as a Victoria Secret model, is it?)
We've seen Abercrombie rise and fall. American Eagle. Tommy Hilfiger. Polo. Soon, Hollister. Welcome to the style curve, Victoria. Once the younger girls tire of the brand and move on, the older girls can enjoy the brand again.
In the meantime, maybe Victoria's Secret should embrace the youth following, rather than try and appeal to everyone. A bunch of old people will only scare the young people away. And vice versa. Right?
Labels: branding, fashion, retail
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:06 AM
0 comments
people who only wear one color
I saw this lifestyle piece breaking on Twitter, as the reporter was looking for subjects to profile. So it's pretty cool to see the piece live now. While I admit that the colors charcoal and black pretty much totally rock, I just can't commit to 100%.
Labels: creativeinspiration, fashion
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:47 AM
0 comments
finally: a fashion guide on how to wear your surgical mask
I guess that if you live in Japan, you wear a surgical mask all the time. It's the thing to do. But how's a girl supposed to make it all cute? Thankfully, there's now a fashion guide for making your surgical mask stylish. Finally.
I think I'll start wearing a surgical mask when I video chat with friends on ooVoo, or Seesmic. That'll be my new video chat image.
Labels: fashion, japan, pop culture, trends
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:23 AM
0 comments
where women go when they're bored.
Powderhouse Productions just officially launched ShoeTube. It's the ultimate destination for chicks who love shoes. (Are there girls who don't??)
Awesome concept, and great content. Videos, blogs, and shoes. Lots of shoes. We're probably biased, because we designed the super shoelicious logo - which rocks in high pink like no other logo can. (Go, Leigh!)
I'm still begging them to make ShoeTube for men. All about sneakers. I'd never leave the site. I swear. It's been weeks since my last new pair. Please???
Labels: fashion, social media, video
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:09 AM
1 comments
the gap: desperately trying to be cool again.
The Gap has just launched a new campaign titled The Sound of Color. The campaign showcases artists performing songs about color. And videos, too! Woop-de-doo.
Of course, they've also launched a campaign site. A campaign site about sound, WITHOUT SOUND. They're attempting to build anticipation, with a launch date of February 15. Yep. I'm soooo excited by the blandness of this site, that I'm actually going to mark my calendar to check back and hear the fashionlicious sounds that will grace my ears on the 15th. Uh-huh.
What's especially hilarious to me is the comparison of expenditure versus effect. I can only imagine the fat budget with a big agency, that's being used to launch this mega color soundless sound campaign.
And then look at what Urban Outfiiters is doing. Probably produced in-house, or with a small agency. For a dime on the Gap dollar. And immediately socially engaging.
Hello? Gap? Can you hear that? It's the sound of more stores closing.
Labels: branding, fashion, retail, social media, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:05 AM
2 comments
urban outfitters launches flickr pool
Urban Outfitters is rocking pretty well with this social media thing. They launched a killer blog some time ago. And now, they've launched a Flickr photo pool. This is a photo sharing pool, open to the public, where users can upload and view photos relating to Urban Outfitters. Like people wearing cool gear.
What a fantabulous idea. Let your customers show how they use the products they buy from you. Let potential customers look at other users, for fashion ideas and trends. Photos like the sweet shot from GrannieShawna (above), sporting the most awesome plaid hoodie.
I want that hoodie. They've created desire, without having to send direct mail, without an e-newsletter, or any advertising at all. Their fans did it for them. Sweet.
Labels: fashion, photography, retail, social media, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:22 AM
0 comments
new diesel campaign is ultra safe
Diesel has launched some new, fresh gear. Yes, that means there are some sweet new jeans available that you really can't afford. More importantly, it means the start of a new Diesel ad campaign. It's like spring is here already.
I really liked the Diesel safety video. Simple, old idea, but made fresh, entertaining and fun with great copy and just enough design goodness. Found on Computerlove™
Labels: ads, branding, fashion, video
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:27 AM
0 comments
four eyes are cooler than two
Check out this series of ads for a Belgian optician. So much more fun and interesting than the horribly shot fake fashion style photos you see in US eyeglass ads.
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:30 AM
0 comments
the most awesome setting for a photo shoot
This is begging to be the location for a fashion photo shoot. Once a boom town thanks to the hunt for diamonds, Kolmanskop is now a ghost town. Once the humans left, the desert took back the landscape. Beautious. From BoingBoing.
Labels: architecture, fashion, photography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:28 AM
0 comments
can design make water in cans taste good?
Will people drink water from cans? What if they were really pretty? What if they were called canettes?
Fashion house Paul and Joe have apparently teamed with Perrier to make cans of pretty water. Same water, just packaged in designer, collector cans. Sometimes working in the brand industry is just plain embarrassing. Or is it just genius??
Labels: beverage, branding, design, fashion
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:46 AM
1 comments
barbershops: the next cool retail
Rudy's is reinventing the barber shop. And they've really done it well. Cool website, space to die for, and people you want to hang with.
Unlike other cool-oriented retail brands that put up the same space from city to city, Rudy's attempts to "become the social hub" of the neighborhood they're in. (Ummm...isn't that what barbershops used to be? Back in the Andy Griffith days?)
If it's Hip has a nice overview of the whole Rudy's experience, and even points to a great feature they had in Metropolis, too. Check them both out.
When we were on tour this summer, we got to visit the coolest barber in Dallas, Texas. (More pics here). Locals referred to him as the rockabilly barber. He was awesome - and we had a blast drinking beer, looking at vintage Playboy mags, and watching Rob get his haircut.
I'm convinced this is a concept that could work on a local, even suburban basis too. Just like coffee shops. You can find a cool, local coffee shop in just about every market in the US. So why not barbershops? Can't wait for the Rudy's near me.
Labels: fashion, pop culture, retail, trends, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:41 AM
1 comments
we love good sneakers
I'm as sick of 2007 best of lists as you are. Now that I think of it, I'm even sicker of them than you are...but I couldn't resist a link to Sneaker Freaker's best sneakers of 2007. A wonderous collection of beautious foot covers. Nike is clearly still hotter than ever - and what's up Puma?? From Cool Hunting.
Labels: fashion, pop culture, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:20 AM
0 comments
people need a tribe
This is AWESOME. Exactitudes is a 13-year collaboration between photographer Ari Versluis and stylist Ellie Uyttenbroek. It's a stunning reflection of how groups of people around the world express their individuality...by dressing alike. I've always referred to this phenomenon as tribes. People tend to dress like other people in their tribe - even if their goal is to be different.
Our industry is famous for this - how many creative people do you know who frequently dress in black (me, today) and/or who wear the black-rimmed glasses that have become our uniform? Put that person at Walmart, and he stands out. But at the Art Director's Club awards, he blends right in.
I've observed this on so many levels, within all age groups and interests. From punk rockers to the cycling community. From teens to grandpas. And it has everything to do with early adoption, branding and pop culture trends. And it's especially fun to see trends cross from one tribe to another. For me, this is the joy I get in watching people at a mall, an airport or city street.
Hooray to Ari and Ellie for so beautifuly documenting this cultural phenomenon!
Found on Josh Spear.
Labels: fashion, marketing, photography, pop culture, trends, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:49 AM
0 comments
nike plus just totally gets it
Hopefully you've heard about NikePlus. An awesome use of technology coupled with a social site, to inspire runners, and build brand loyalty. Quite a few of us at Plaid are users. (Any other agencies interested in a virtual challenge??)
Make the Logo Bigger Bill just discovered a really fun spot promoting the system. It's funny. And effective. And it's showing the benefit of the product. Not product as in shoes or apparel, but as in the NikePlus system.
The spot speaks to and inspires an audience that aren't hardcore runners. Encouraging them to give it a shot, and use NikePlus to make it more enjoyable. That's smart - they're attempting to grow and inspire a new audience, rather than just focus on converting New Balance users.
What could you do to help potential users of your brand?
Labels: fashion, social media, sports marketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:49 AM
1 comments
mannequins have copyrights
They are original creations, after all. And it turns out they're protected by copyright. You can't copy a mannequin's design, pose, paint, facial expression or other details.
I think it's also time that we have a Bill of Rights for mannequins. And hazard pay, for those poor plastic souls that have to work the Old Navy window.
Labels: design, fashion, productdesign, retail
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:11 AM
0 comments
the puma robot cares about you
Puma has brought a non-stop working robot out of the factory to deliver holiday greetings and stuff. He'll even needlepoint you a custom message to send to your friends. So special. From Make the Logo Bigger.
Labels: fashion, holiday, sports marketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:46 AM
0 comments
karate cop could kick your ass.
The Night Agency has just unleashed the Karate Cop. He's here to fight injustice. Or he's pissed that he doesn't know about the sale at Lucky Brand Jeans. Or something like that. Just don't you mess with the Karate Cop. Cuz he rocks.
Labels: fashion, newyork, video, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:33 AM
0 comments
threadless turns merchandising into art
Threadless is having another one of their fab $10 t-shirt sales, and in the email announcement, I noticed something even cooler.
Every week, their in-house artist/musician/snowboarder Joe Suta creates an original painting that's a mashup of the week's winning t-shirts. The painting is used for display in their Chicago store window. At the end of the week, when the display comes down, they sell the artwork. Which has created a wonderous collection of one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Every week.
What an excellent example of doing something local and growing it into something more biggerer. The Chicago storefront is by its nature only viewable by a limited audience. People in Chicago. But by adding the paintings to their retail internet site, they've shared them with the world - all while helping to offset the cost of the process.
An awesome example of creativity, art and commerce working together. Other retailers should take note.
Labels: art, fashion, mashup, retail, streetart
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:24 AM
0 comments
the latest in social media fashion
Can't keep up with your social media networks? Get this shirt, and show the world what networks you're a member of. Excellent holiday gift. (If it's not already outdated, because the internet gods added more social network juice to the land of socialness.)
Labels: facebook, fashion, myspace, social media, twitter
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:47 AM
0 comments
the customer experience ends at retail
So, I want to buy a new suit. I'm really lovin' those new mod/skinny style suits, since they remind me of the early punk/mod days. My budget is in the hundreds of dollars, not thousands of dollars. And there aren't a lot of mod suits in that price range.
I was stoked to see a killer new H&M website , touting their new 'mod style' suits. So I head to their 42nd street store, where the site says they carry the line. "Oh no, you need to go to the 51st street store. They have the new modern men's line." Ok, I can walk a few blocks. Get to the 51st street store, and can't find the suits that are so heavily featured online merchandised anywhere in the store. So I find a dude that works there, who looks way cooler than me, and clearly has some fashion sense.
"I'm looking for those new mod/skinny style suits that are on your website."
"Mod?"
"Yeah. You know, like mod. The skinny fit style."
"Uhhh...These are the only suits we have. I don't know about anything called mod."
Breakdown! I don't normally shop at H&M. But I was sold by the online experience. They nearly gained a new customer. And instead, they totally let me down at the retail store. Think I'll ever go back?
Next stop, Ben Sherman. Wish me luck.
Labels: branding, fashion, retail
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:24 AM
6 comments
nike launches something else for me to love
I still wear Asics or Mizunos, but I'm a much bigger fan of Nike than I used to be. Their virtual half marathon was fun on Oct 21 - can't wait to get my tee and Tiffany keychain. 2296 runners (of 3410 registractions) ran 13.1 all over the country - many for the very first time. And my finisher icon is much more fun than seeing my name in the paper in tiny print.
And now Nike has launched Gone Running. Where I can quickly see the temp and weather in my area, get a suggestion of some cool new Nike gear that I need, be inspired, and hear that "Someone who is busier than you is running right now." Dang.
And they have a new blog. Love it.
Labels: fashion, social media, sports marketing
posted by Giuli @ 9:17 AM
1 comments
gorbachev killed paul mccartney
I'd file this under hoax, urban legend, or 'other.' There's an ad that's been running in New York and other publications featuring an Annie Leibovitz photo of Mikhail Gorbachev.
When you enlarge the photo and translate the document poking out of his Louis Vuitton bag, it reads “Litvinenko's Murder — They Wanted to Give Up a Suspect for $7,000.” (Litvinenko is the Russian ex-spy dude that was killed with radioactive sushi.)
Whatever. But Paul is still dead.
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:21 AM
0 comments
virtual models to walk virtual runway
Target is staging a virtual fashion show next week in Grand Central Station. No models. Just walking holograms. Sweet.
(The clip above has nothing to do with Target or virtual models. But it's always fun to watch people fall into holes, isn't it?)
Labels: fashion, newyork, outdoor, retail
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:58 AM
0 comments
shop topless at ambercrombie
Oh, how I so love this. Improv Everywhere's latest stunt put hundreds of guys in Abercrombie & Fitch, and had them take off their shirts.
The Abercrombie greeter has no shirt, their 16 foot high point of purchase graphics have no shirts, so why not the customers? Hilarious.
Labels: art, fashion, newyork, parody, retail
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:35 AM
0 comments
mcdenim. mcd's mcriffic uniforms
What uniform designer decided that every uniform had to be constructed from baggy ugly color polyester? Why can't uniforms be made of denim? If the retail experience is an extension of your brand (and it is), then are ugly polyester pants really appropriate at all, for anyone?
I say bring on the Mcdenim jeans. Why should China have all the fun? While you're at it, get some McPuma's too.
Labels: branding, fashion, retail, yummyfood
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:14 AM
1 comments
david bowie can shop at target now.
I love that skinny jeans and skinny ties are back. Although, I still can't bring myself to wear a tie. Maybe the next time someone dies, I'll get a new skinny tie for the funeral. Anyway, in case you need one - Target just announced their David Bowie inspired fashion line by Keanan Duffty. Sweet. From Make the Logo Bigger, via Twitter.
Labels: fashion, pop culture, retail, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:50 AM
0 comments
old navy sweater song climbing the charts
Adfreak points out that Ingrid Michaelson's song has made the iTunes top 10. After it was featured in an Old Navy spot.
Wow. People DO still watch tv. And people still PURCHASE music. Amazing.
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:04 AM
0 comments
a party that sucks
I love everything Diesel. Even when I can't comprehend what's going on in their ads.
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:47 AM
0 comments
finally a tie you could be proud to wear
I can't remember the last time I wore a tie. I'm pretty sure it was a funeral. But these ties Rock. With a capital R.
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:07 AM
0 comments
talk to your daughter
Just in case you're not one of the 46,000 people who have already seen this spot. Another great piece from Dove.
Labels: adindustry, ads, fashion, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:08 AM
1 comments
jc penney magic
JC Penney has a cool new spot. There's an interview with Saatchi CD Kerry Keenan, where he tells a little about how they produced the spot, in Creativity Online. Thanks Rob!
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:56 AM
0 comments
uniqlo has some more internet awesomeness
Just in case you were wondering, my favorite store in the entire world has yet another wonderously beautiful microsite. To promote polo shirts. Bask in its Flash goodness. From The BFF, via Twitter.
Labels: creativeinspiration, fashion, Flash, japan, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:36 AM
0 comments
old navy: todd oldham please save us.
Old Navy has hired Todd Oldham in an attempt to turn things around for the chain. They're hoping that Todd will sprinkle his design magic on the chain, and make them cool to the 20-something crowd.
I don't know that Old Navy can ever be the cool place for people in their 20's. Not unless they rid themselves of their product pricing policy. Cool and cheap are two things that usually don't go together for youth audiences. One or the other - but not both.
Oh - and, how about you start with the website? Could that be any uglier or less engaging? I think the Sears site is actually cooler.
Labels: fashion, retail, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:43 AM
0 comments
dummies make great models
Alternative agency Tribeca created a fun promotion for Wrangler in France. They outfitted a bunch of dummies in Wrangler apparel, and put them everywhere.
In the US, we'd just steal the clothes off of the dummies. Because we're like that. It would be cool to see a city over-run by dummies. Then again...
Labels: fashion, outdoor, streetteams
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:19 AM
0 comments
brylcreem becomes relevant again
Or at least they've produced a cool spot that you'll want to watch a few times. But their website is still stuck in 2004, looking all of 2002. Oh well. Nice try. From The Denver Egotist.
Labels: ads, fashion, pop culture
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:33 AM