Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
In Case You Were Wondering...
In case you were wondering what the Chinese, and Japanese characters represent in the Superdry logo.
http://phonetic-blog.blogspot.com/2010/02/superdry.html
http://phonetic-blog.blogspot.com/2010/02/superdry.html
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
LogoRama Movie Short
Oscar nominated short film worth watching. Only 10 mins.
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/02/watch_logorama_the_ten-minute.html
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/02/watch_logorama_the_ten-minute.html
Social Media is _____________?
Social media is a forum of "tools" which provide an extension of yourself and your interests both personally and professionally. It allows you to get into the minds and hearts of others through your laptop or phone.
But as everything does in "social" whether personally or professionally, it starts with a person and ends with a person. Therefore, social media is a tool that depending on how skilled you are, or want to be at using that tool, determines how useful it can be for you.
No Cowboy Boots...Ever.
Scott Schuman's Rules To Live By.
http://www.pinse2.com/articles/no-cowboy-boots-ever-scott-schumans-rules-to-live-by-2844
http://www.pinse2.com/articles/no-cowboy-boots-ever-scott-schumans-rules-to-live-by-2844
Seven Best Fashion Apps for iPhone
This is a list of the best or top 7 fashion applications for iPhone on iTunes as listed by the Huffington Post. Ive seen each of them, and although most are "ok" to good, they really don't present a lot to the user as far as an attraction to keep coming back and using the app.
This, among an ocean of over 150,000 applications available on iTunes, is the greatest challenges facing apps. How do you make an app relevant enough that people want to keep using it.
I can safely say that come April 2010, there will finally be an application on the market which will achieve all this and more. And it will provide an incredible amount of entertainment to boot! Look for STYLMii to launch in about 8 to 10 weeks; ( I have a vested interest in this app as I am a principal in the company launching it ).
Having said that, each of these are worth the download. Like good websites, you can never really have too many.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/margaret-ryan/the-seven-best-fashion-ap_b_453504.html
This, among an ocean of over 150,000 applications available on iTunes, is the greatest challenges facing apps. How do you make an app relevant enough that people want to keep using it.
I can safely say that come April 2010, there will finally be an application on the market which will achieve all this and more. And it will provide an incredible amount of entertainment to boot! Look for STYLMii to launch in about 8 to 10 weeks; ( I have a vested interest in this app as I am a principal in the company launching it ).
Having said that, each of these are worth the download. Like good websites, you can never really have too many.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/margaret-ryan/the-seven-best-fashion-ap_b_453504.html
Monday, February 8, 2010
This Is An Amazing Site...
For any marketers or nostalgists...
http://www.moamuseum.com/guides-overview
http://www.moamuseum.com/guides-overview
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Fashion Social Media Awards
Wonder if STYLMii will be nominated in 2010-2011???
http://fashionista.com/2010/02/fashion_20s_social_media_award.php
http://fashionista.com/2010/02/fashion_20s_social_media_award.php
iPad - The Real Opportunity for Apple
Imagine yourself back in high school or University. Imagine yourself not needing to go back and forth to and from your locker, carrying around a bulky, heavy knapsack with all your text books crammed inside. Imagine if your homework assignments could automatically post to a very small and light weight device? Imagine if you could research through the web on that very same device your assignments were posted too, that your textbooks were viewed on and the same device you could actually write your report or assignment on? Imagine handing that sucker in via web to your teacher or professor?
If every school board doesn't order one of these for each student, I will be surprised.
iPad's biggest opportunity is in education.
If every school board doesn't order one of these for each student, I will be surprised.
iPad's biggest opportunity is in education.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Good News Canadian Street Fashion Fans!!!
Street fashion website Karmaloop.com, a leading on line retailer for all the latest looks has hooked up with UPS to make delivery in Canada easy peasy lemon squeazy! Check out all the very cool gear at their site...
http://www.karmaloop.com/
http://www.karmaloop.com/
Diesel Be Stupid Ad Campaign Spring/Summer 2010 - HOT
Here is a look at some of the additional ads from the Diesel "Be Stupid" campaign.
My Deepak of the Day
My every thought has the power either to wound or heal. I will use my thoughts wisely and respect their power.
Great Images of Barcelona
A great mixture of city shots, fashion and lifestyle images from Barcelona.
http://www.leblogdebetty.com/2010/01/27/barcelona-fashion-week/
http://www.leblogdebetty.com/2010/01/27/barcelona-fashion-week/
Fashionista's Best Dressed
What do you think of Fashionista's Best Dressed List?
http://fashionista.com/2010/01/best_dressed_of_the_week.php
http://fashionista.com/2010/01/best_dressed_of_the_week.php
QUICK OTTAWA - Sneaker Releases - Sneaker Freaker Magazine
Great historic dutch footwear brand Quick. They had a great presence at Bread & Butter in Berlin.
Lady Gaga's Fantastic Fashions
There is no argument that she was the most popular music icon of 2009, but was she also the most popular fashion icon of the past year? And how will she top herself this year?
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
B&B Fashion Shows for Diesel & G-Star
Please enjoy the upcoming designs from two of the leading denim brands in the market today; Diesel and G-Star. As well as some pictures from the show.
http://www.breadandbutter.com/winter2010/en/home/
http://www.breadandbutter.com/winter2010/en/home/
Friday, January 22, 2010
Bread & Butter Day 3
Today we spent time with brands; Havaianas, the Brazilian sandal company who are launching a very unique footwear line incorporating their famous rubber sandal as an in sock. Scotch & Soda the Dutch mens and womens fashion line who seems to have a perfect mix of styles, fabrication and price points. (As well had a great tea bar upstairs of their showroom). Look for this brand to really grow. Ben Sherman who are moving along quite nicely with a very strong collection for Fall 2010. Miss Sixty & Energie who have put a great emphasis on product development while opening up a direct retail strategy for their youngest brand; Killah. Liu-Jo, the Italian jean maker who was made famous in Europe for their "Bottom Up" jean, that emphasizes and lifts the buttocks of women, had a very nice collection of womens denim on display. Very different and a very deep collection ( apparel and denim ). Puma who had one of the best at show marketing strategies which created quite a buzz where attendees can pose with giant sneakers and have their pictures taken in multiple creative poses while uploaded all photos to their facebook page with comments. I posted pics of this yesterday. Meltin' Pot the Italian denim maker for men and women who have made good in roads in North America over the past few years. And lastly Munich, the Spanish high end sneaker line that has the most unique silhouette with the most creative upper fabrics we have ever seen.
As we reflect on what we saw over the past few days, although there were many great success stories, and many of the brands that I have mentioned over the past few days who are doing great things, one thing that was missing, was something completely new and different. Essentially there still seems to be a lack of "the completely new unique style and trend" within the industry.
Sneakers were mostly canvas or high top. Jeans were distressed, skinny and in some cases low crotched like for G-Star and Meltin' Pot. T shirts were all the same. Superdry was very cool, and I love their product, but at the end of the day, its just a mature A&F, with much more flair and substance. All really good stuff but no one was "stupid".
What I mean by "stupid" is exactly what Diesel portrayed in their new stupid marketing campaign.
"Smart has the brains, but stupid has the balls."
"Smart critiques, but stupid creates."
"Only the stupid can be truly brilliant."
"Stupid ain't dumb."
"Smart had one good idea. And that idea was stupid."
"Smart plans, stupid improvises."
Some designer, some brand, some day; ( hopefully soon ) will create something that is completely off the current path in streetwear fashion. Someone has to be stupid. I think the real award for innovation here might have to be Diesel for this ad campaign.
Everyone, please, "Be stupid."
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Bread & Butter Day 2
Traffic was just as busy, if not even busier than day 1. Again, the dominant section was Denim Base which is the center hall completely focused on relevant denim brands in the market; except for the german sport brand Adidas which has the very center booth in this hall.
Some of the hi-lites for me today was speaking with marketing directors for brands like Replay, Superga, Fornarina, Onitsuka Tiger, Rockstar Original and Yumi. The general sense among these brands is that the market is beginning to recover, in fact some even have shown growth over the past year. All brands we spoke with were very happy with buyer turnout and sentiment.
The busiest booths again for today were Diesel, G-Star, Superdry, Replay and Yumi; the British brand with the best kept celebrity secret following. These guys have pictures of all major hollywood stars in their product. Very exciting up and coming brand with very reasonable price points; average of $ 150 retail.
For denim looks, its clear that distressed is back and staying, skinny and boot cuts are prevalent with some really interested washes on fabrics. As well most brands like Rockstar Original and G-Star continue to show the cut and sew patterning and finishing on denim which adds dimension and depth to the jean style. These cut and sew patterns gave denim a futuristic look and were usually placed above the knee and in the thigh area.
For footwear, the cowboy boot story, mostly short for women is strong for all the brands we saw today. Some were distressed and others were studded or had some type of hardware application.
The British brand George, Gina & Lucy which is a great bag and accessory line for women had some very different takes on stylings for bags and the presentation also drew a lot of attention as they had bags hanging from a carousel.
As far as who to look out for from today; Yumi; which means beautiful in Japanese, has great potential a beautiful and trendy collection for women and I think will explode globally within the next year or two. As well, I think Replay is on it's way back up. They had some amazing denim looks and were very busy in their booth. Fornarina was also very strong and should continue to grow in the market.
In case you were wondering, it only took me 5 minutes to get in a cab, by simply walking down the street!
Anyway, as we've probably seen all there is to see at the show, and as attendance trails off, we are going to try and ask some of the leading brands some questions about their strategies, the market in general and their take on what the latest trends should be this upcoming year.
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Bread & Butter Day 1
I thought zee Germans were supposed to be organized! I waited outside in -5C for 2 1/2 hours for a taxi after the show! Were the Italians running this section???
Now for the show...
There is such a difference between Bread & Butter and Project Las Vegas that we kept hearing about but now finally experiencing it, made it perfectly clear. This is by far a more professional show. The attendees were much more diverse, as opposed to their Las Vegas/LA counterparts.
The brands showing range from Diesel, G-Star, Superdry, Custo Barcelona to Quick ( Q ).
First of all the booths were enormous and top notch. A very serious effort made by all to create a brand image towards buyers. The staff were far more personable and professional. More open minded.
Some brands certainly stood out; G Star, Diesel, which both had half hour line ups just to see the receptionists. Superdry who had a completely full house every minute of the show. Fornarina which had a carousel outside their booth with a live model riding the merry-go-round of fashion while on lookers melted in hot pink bean bag chairs. Custo Barcelona had a very unique display, by laying out some of the most colourful product I've ever seen, in rows on the floor along a completely black room with spotlights hi-lighting the product.
The people walking the show were quite diverse in their style. Much more difficult to point out any single trend for both men and women. skinny jeans, with pashmina scarves and weathered/distressed work boots was a stand out look for men. For women it was skinny jeans or short skirts with patterned tights, riding boots or distressed short cowboy boots. Womens boots seemed to have a "fold over" look for tucking the skinny jean into the boot.
Considering it was -5C, a lot of people were covered up with outerwear for the first part of the show. Both men and women wearing a ton of Moncler padded winter jackets. Essentially Europe's version of Canada Goose, with a lot more style and finishing. Kaporal 5, a French denim brand had a very busy booth, so did Quick which is an exclusive Dutch sneaker brand. Look out for them to explode in the near future. As mentioned, for mid tier brands, I would say the momentum certainly is with Superdry. Their apparel collection is superb with high quality t's and fleece as well as raised embroidered wool sweaters and rugby sweaters; and they are launching an amazing footwear collection for Fall 2010. Honourable mention to Bench, Lacoste, Firetrap, Ben Sherman and Adidas Originals. The denim section clearly had the mass appeal and was the focal point of the show for buyers. Although not much pen and paper at this show. Almost entirely for promo only.
There were some very scary moments as well. Someone seemed to think that mixing Walt Disney and Ed Hardy would make an excellent t shirt line. Well there is nothing scary about Mickey with tattoo style prints. Not sure who exactly thought of "Extreme Disney" and who might want to wear this. Maybe the kid that gets expelled from senior kindergarten.
Ed Hardy is still there although you can definitely see that the interested parties in their brand have moved considerably down the food chain.
The absolute best part of my day 1 was the launch of the new Diesel ad campaign; "BE STUPID". With sayings such as "Smart has the brains, but stupid has the balls" and "Smart Critiques, Stupid Creates". A clear message of follow your dreams and do what makes you happy no matter what the man says!
All and all a great first day. Check out my pics and stay tuned for tomorrows update and interviews with some of the leading brand marketing leaders for Friday.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Ever Stood In Front of A Restaurant & Wondered If You Should Go In?
No more wondering if you are taking a chance eating at a new restaurant. This new Google service will allow you to know what to expect prior to walking in. Also will allow you to save your favourites, etc. I presume this may be an easy way for applications like FourSquare to add value to their existing users.
http://www.internetretailing.net/2010/01/google-adds-new-mobile-marketing-services-for-retailers/
http://www.internetretailing.net/2010/01/google-adds-new-mobile-marketing-services-for-retailers/
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Are Todays Leading Fashion Designers Selling Out?
Jean Paul Gaultier designing for Target department stores. I guess the times are changing as designers collaborate with discount fashion retailers on mass to push sales and revenues while risking doing damage to their brand and personal image.
Jimmy Choo, Viktor & Rolf and Karl Lagerfeld designed for H&M, , is the draw of the quick buck too strong? What ever happened to preservation of image? or fear of?
Although there must be differences in standard quality for these types of special collections, how can we make a differentiation of the style concept and design? Are these styles picked from collections that didn't make the cut with designers regular lines or is it just designing for that specific target customer?
Do these brands still hold their original value after such collaborations?
http://www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2010/01/15/jean-paul-gaultier-for-target-designer-collaborations-lookbook/
Jimmy Choo, Viktor & Rolf and Karl Lagerfeld designed for H&M, , is the draw of the quick buck too strong? What ever happened to preservation of image? or fear of?
Although there must be differences in standard quality for these types of special collections, how can we make a differentiation of the style concept and design? Are these styles picked from collections that didn't make the cut with designers regular lines or is it just designing for that specific target customer?
Do these brands still hold their original value after such collaborations?
http://www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2010/01/15/jean-paul-gaultier-for-target-designer-collaborations-lookbook/
In New York This Week? Here are where you will find the best deals in fashion.
Use this list as a great way to find the best bargains in fashion in New York City.
http://ny.racked.com/archives/2010/01/16/weekend_shopping_report_18.php
http://ny.racked.com/archives/2010/01/16/weekend_shopping_report_18.php
The Best Fashion Site
This is my favourite fashion blog and site. Its really a simple look at beautiful subjects.
Hope you enjoy.
http://www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
Hope you enjoy.
http://www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Souza & Associates Joins STYLMii App Team
January 15, 2010
Fresh Concepts Labs teams up with New York luxury marketing firm Souza & Associates in building a strong launch for STYLMii.
STYLMii is the first social, fashion application of its kind in the world available for iPhone & Facebook.
In order to maximize the branding and promotion of STYLMii, Fresh Concepts Labs is bringing seasoned fashion industry and branding expert; Robert Souza and his company; Souza & Associates on board in preparation for the launch scheduled for early March 2010.
In order to develop STYLMii into a true global lifestyle brand itself, Robert and his team will bring their invaluable relationships, experience and expertise, ultimately pushing STYLMii to the forefront of being the best mobile fashion experience for a fashionista today. Entertaining and educating anyone with a true passion for fashion and the industry.
He and his group have worked with, and developed strategies for such iconic brands as M Missoni, Oscar de la Renta, Fashion TV, Hugo Boss, Gilt.com, Valentino, Conde Nast, Alexander McQueen, Audemars Piguet and many more.
STYLMii's brand members are the most important, relevant fashion brands in the world today. We will ensure the delivery of their brand message and products to the serious fashion and lifestyle consumer by providing the ultimate entertainment and educational experience through leading edge technology.
If you are a leading fashion brand, or are a fashion savvy consumer, you are going to want to be on the STYLMii app for iPhone, iPod touch, Facebook and web coming this March 2010.
Fresh Concepts Labs looks forward to working very closely with our brand members and Souza & Associates in building a mutual success for STYLMii; the mobile social network, and promoting the application globally among fashion and lifestyle consumers.
For brand membership inquiries please contact:
Patrizia Favero
phone: +1-416-716-0211
Bread & Butter Berlin; STYLMii app, Fashion, Sausage & Beer!
Will be posting daily blog reviews of what the "buzz" is at the show. We have some great brand meetings set up; Lacoste, Superga, Replay, Nolita, Rare, Quick, and more.
Fresh Concepts Labs New Offices
"Deepak Chopra of The Day"
Detachment is not indifference. Detachment is love without expecting anything in return and without self importance
Friday, January 15, 2010
The Real Reason Google Is Leaving China
http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/the-real-reason-google-wants-out-of-china-663880
Thursday, January 14, 2010
"Deepak Chopra of The Day"
I'm going to post a daily Deepak Choprah comment every day in order to provide inspiration to whoever wants it. You can do it in the Love Guru voice if you prefer!
Equanimity is being friendly toward the happy, compassionate to the unhappy, taking delight in the virtuous, being indifferent to the wicked
Equanimity is being friendly toward the happy, compassionate to the unhappy, taking delight in the virtuous, being indifferent to the wicked
Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund
Please text to donate $ 10 to the Red Cross.
http://bit.ly/textRedCrossHaiti
http://bit.ly/textRedCrossHaiti
The 10 Best Free iPhone Apps
Saw this on Twitter this morning some pretty amazing things available at no cost on iTunes. If you own an iPhone or iPod touch, these apps come very recommended.:
http://bit.ly/7W3nGh
http://bit.ly/7W3nGh
Does social media such as facebook & twitter help or hinder the true meaning of the "social experience?"
Social Media and Networking allows us to communicate easily and more frequently with more and more people, but how much of each of these experiences do we actually absorb and/or value?
There is no question to the personal and professional value associated in being a part of social sites such as Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn, so how do three of my closest friends, who are among the coolest, connected and most intriguing people I've ever met get by without being members of any social websites?
Their answers are simple; "having too much fun enjoying people to partake in artificial interaction."
This made me wonder; although social networking allows us to be “involved” in so many aspects of so many people’s lives and experiences, how much of these experiences do we actually absorb and truly appreciate? Is it quality vs. quantity?
Their answers are simple; "having too much fun enjoying people to partake in artificial interaction."
This made me wonder; although social networking allows us to be “involved” in so many aspects of so many people’s lives and experiences, how much of these experiences do we actually absorb and truly appreciate? Is it quality vs. quantity?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Freaky Fug Friday: And the Winner IS:
What the ???? Is Madonna trying to match Lady GaGa in the crazy look department?
Fug the Cover: Amanda Bynes
This is Amanda Bynes??? Wonder what Carlo; the baby from the Hangover is going to look like in 18 years????
Libraries - What are they good for?
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/01/the-future-of-the-library.html
How To Use Social Media In Business
http://gigaom.com/2010/01/10/10-tips-for-becoming-a-smarter-social-business-person/
Trashgate-Sad that brands are taking their image above helping those in need.
It's a sad situation when it is more important for a brand to preserve their image by not allowing unsold or illegal product seized to be distributed to those in need. But what would actually be better for the brand's image? Destroying goods that could clothe and keep the poor and homeless warm during the cold winter months in the name of preserving "the name"? or would it go a lot further for them to just say there are some things more important than brand image and helping those in need is one of them. Wouldn't that go a long way towards building their brand image?
I certainly understand both sides of the argument. The last thing a brand needs are potential or existing customers seeing a homeless guy begging on the corner of Times Square with their well positioned, big brand logo shining through a long dirty beard from the chest of their jacket while a over used coffee cup shakes jingling coins in your proximity. I mean does that really make you want to run out and buy something from that particular brand?
Isn't that really what clothes are supposed to do? Keep you covered and warm. At some point, long, long ago, people wore clothes without logos, without trying to figure out what matched, without reading on the internet what celeb was wearing the latest style of shoes. They wore shoes to keep their feet from blistering while walking. These things don't necessarily matter anymore. When was the last time you saw a woman wearing an incredibly uncomfortable pair of heels that just looked fantastic!
In some instances I think there needs to be a middle ground where people can just accept that someone or some brand did a very good thing.
And for that as consumers and more importantly as human beings, we should reward those brands by going out and buying their product.
What do you think?
http://nymag.com/tags/Trashgate
I certainly understand both sides of the argument. The last thing a brand needs are potential or existing customers seeing a homeless guy begging on the corner of Times Square with their well positioned, big brand logo shining through a long dirty beard from the chest of their jacket while a over used coffee cup shakes jingling coins in your proximity. I mean does that really make you want to run out and buy something from that particular brand?
Isn't that really what clothes are supposed to do? Keep you covered and warm. At some point, long, long ago, people wore clothes without logos, without trying to figure out what matched, without reading on the internet what celeb was wearing the latest style of shoes. They wore shoes to keep their feet from blistering while walking. These things don't necessarily matter anymore. When was the last time you saw a woman wearing an incredibly uncomfortable pair of heels that just looked fantastic!
In some instances I think there needs to be a middle ground where people can just accept that someone or some brand did a very good thing.
And for that as consumers and more importantly as human beings, we should reward those brands by going out and buying their product.
What do you think?
http://nymag.com/tags/Trashgate
STAR WARS x ADIDAS - Sneaker Releases - Sneaker Freaker Magazine
Great way to combine cool with geek and fashion. STAR WARS x ADIDAS - Sneaker Releases - Sneaker Freaker Magazine
Does this 1971 advertisement for the Italian denim brand "Jesus Jeans" sum up what social marketing is about?
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