Neiman Marcus x TARGET x Holidays 2012

Attention Target shoppers and lovers of all things lux! Target corp, and Neiman Marcus is set to launch a collection of gifts for the Holidays. Labels: Dian Von Fersten Burg, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch, Oscar De La Renta and much more  under the luxury retailer are designing gifts any shopper can afford, with items starting as low as $7.99, and the most expensive at $499. Most items for the collection are designated to be under $60 dollars. These products will be a diverse range of clothes, home goods, men's accessories, and even electronic accessories. All of which can be accessed at one of many Target stores, or one of the 42 Neiman Marcus retailers across the country.
Now when I first caught word about this collaboration from a friend, I had some concerns about the sensitive everyday consumer, and the proud everyday NM shopper who may feel cheated in their efforts to accumulate their many luxury items. Is this a stunt by Target that will bridging the gap between the haves and have nots or one that is making the line more prominent?
Just by lessening the prices of some specific designer duds, gives the general public and idea of what it means to be able to shop at a luxury store like Neimans, after the holidays does their access to luxury come to a stop or do they step up to the plate to fuel their taste for genuine leather and hand blown glass items.

List of designers set to launch in both Target & Neiman stores.

Although there are two very distinct types of shoppers this collaboration is focused on, Targets and Neiman Marcus' efforts to make a Happy Holiday for every buyer is admirable. Even the aloof luxury buyer is being spend conscious these days, along with any other consumer. This is a moment in retail that will bring every American shopper closer together. We value our brands, sense of belonging, community and Target many collaborations with high end designers, has done a great job to bring that need and value to us.
SO! Moms, take out your running shoes and shopping fists, cause the battle has been declared. December 1st the label games begin! Here is an inspiring David La Chappelle Holiday commercial to get you into gear.

Subject Marketing x American Apparel model : Jackey

A lot of hype has followed since American Apparel added a new album to their Facebook page of; Jacky, their newest and oldest model to date. At 60 she oozes a lively sex appeal any woman would aspire to. The controversy concerning her age has caused a comment Caucasus all over internet blogs and on the company's actual Facebook page. Some separating the discouraging from the good few that applaud AA's attempt at reaching out to a new audience. Jacky's platform onto the American Apparel front line has got people of all ages paying attention now, compared to former ads of young down townies, sultry spread in lycra metallics.
The topic of interest is no longer just American Apparel but who their actual customer is and what they hope to achieve when shopping at an AA retailer. Jacky is a bold subject to lay over the foundation of an American Apparel ad. One stunt that has been effective in the past and with several ads; we all know what American Apparel sells and where to go if we need a basic polo, some skinny chords or a hip costume for the party. So when a go to company has the desire to diversify and create a new appeal, including Jacky's story draws us in and solidifies the fact that their new, Advance Basics, line are something totally fresh to the AA consumer. Story appeal is an effective tactic at drawing the customer in to inquire about the unconventional image that has been presented. An appropriate and fresh approach to this marketing tool can shoot sales up in just a few days with the right press and publication.

A method that has been succesfuly reestablished by mid century, advertising pioneer; David Ogilvy of Ogilvy and Mather. His most notable ads were ones that feature a story and information that make the customer feel that the product they want is organic to their surroundings. In his 1951 ad: The Man In the Hathaway shirt, which features a mustachian elderly man, steezing an eye patch, makes a viewer wonder; who is this person? why is he important? and how can I mirror such a confident character? The week after this ad was published in The New York Times, Hathaway retailers were sold out of the classic Hathaway shirt, when former Ogvily advertised, had an obscure awareness compared to larger shirt brands in New York. The eye patch, (which was an added detail to pick up more buzz) also became a wanted accessory and were spotted at the trendies night clubs in NY. Needless to say, subject matter is an important and awesome detail when creating a story for a brand. Theory proves, we all want to know about Jacky the 60 year old American Apparel model!

Louis Vuitton Express x The Shelby

A fully sponsored, Louis Vuitton train excursion; echos Marc Jacobs recent Fall Winter 2012 collection for LV and is a bombastic attempt at reclaiming the Chinese Luxury buyer as loyal customers while social trends have been out of the Vuitton favor in the central Asian hemisphere. *breath* The brand has been perceived as a look your domestic house keeper can afford!

With that said, blog-osphere supernova; Todd Shelby of The Shelby, who's blog has been up an running for 4 years to this day,(1) is documenting the two week trip from PARIS to SHANGHAI each day in the inspiring and humors way we have come to get use to in past documents on theselby.com. You can follow the trains location day by day on: http://louisvuittonexpress.com/, an exclusive website made for this champagne. This steam punk stunt is a perfect reflection of the mid-century feel that Vuitton serves this Fall and an over all trend of buyers and fashion viewers alike. On a personal note the idea is on track for anticipated viewers of the new Baz Luhrmann film, The Great Gatsby. Fashion and style never fails to bring you to your favorite destination weather it be on the other end of the world or in a movie.

Following the two week trip the train will make stops in Moscow and Bejing and finally Shanghai where the Paris Fall Winter 2012/2013 show will be reenacted for the second time, later to follow a Galla event stressing Vuitton's pioneer through luxury travel goods. This attempt to reach out to the High end demographic of China is an honest effort, and hopefully reminds the customer what quality and community is all about when holding a genuine Vuitton leather good. This has to be one of the most furnished marketing champagne for any fashion house, and no doubt Louie Vuitton has con-quested this journey,(2) like most of their media outreach to customers, they are consistently on the pulse of contemporary art, film layouts, and the over all evolving world of visual experiences.

NIKE x The Amazing Spiderman

The re-branding of new movie, The Amazing Spider-man, took a youthful and extreme scientific approach to this rebooted version of Peter Parker's story. Having just spent time watching with the fam, I tried keeping a casual look out for any product integration that caught my attention. Surprisingly it was the first science fiction movie I've seen recently that didn't hint at the use of Macintosh devices, rather the computers used were all Windows.(1) In the movie Peter wears a worn out pair of Nike Air Force 1s through out the intro of this newly established Peter Parker. The most familiar swoosh logo is prominent, and brought a real life effect to the various submerged digital action scenes. There is a moment in the film where Peter with his new found powers takes out his skate deck and for a good one minute has a skate montage in an abandon factory, displaying an exclusive value of the Nike brand sneakers to young viewers out there. In the sneaks final cameo- before Peter ditches the sneakers for spandex, Parker seeks revenge on the School Basket Ball court with the class bully who is also sporting a pair of dunks, ending in a victorious slam dunk and shattering of the back board.The stress of the shoes in specific scenes is what initially caught my attention, and I'm satisfied with the perfect allusive message communicated to Nike's consumers. This is the first 3D movie I have experienced featuring Nike's Shoes, making it a note worthy moment in the company's commercial/ customer outreach. It couldn't have been done any better, in my opinion! 

I would love to have put up clips of these scenes, but since the movie was just released today, that would be morally impossible. You'll have to catch it for yourself, which I suggest you do, despite the simplicity of the movie compared to the true grit nature of the previous versions, the film is a great piece of tailored 3D material targeting the younger generation. BUT just as easily view-able by the entire family!(2) The villain in this one is a giant lizard and I've stumbled upon this awesome Nike commercial from the eighties of Godzilla vs Charles Barkley.  Created by advertising agency Weiden + Kennedy, their work with Nike has been constant to this day. So for the sake of making any and all references possible.. while also making an effort to staying on subject, Ill leave you with this short commercial. Take a look!

J4

AND I WONT TALK ABOUT

PETER PARKER'S USE OF BING!

IN

THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN

NIGHT x DAY

STEVE BALLMER is HILARIOUS! Tell me if you ever want a PC after watching these clips. 

Macintosh and Microsoft have been two very successful Pioneers in technology and the companies have well established their general consumer in the early stages of their development. Steve Ballmer; who I've researched to discover is- to say the least an extremely enthusiastic personality... I'm not a kid of the 80s by any means so I can't speak for a generation, who may have enjoyed being yelled at about a product, even if it is affordable. Now I will acknowledge that I have used a Microsoft PC all my life, due to a means of funds which I think is the primary value of a PC computer. On the other hand when shopping for a MAC you visit their user friendly website and sift through their few, simple and literal products. There is a refreshing feeling and sense of quality that one seeks in a customer experience, especially this young generation that only knows service and instant gratification. There is so much that I can say that its easier to keep it short and unbiased. 
Its my conspiracy that MAC AND MIC exist for each other for good reason. They serve two different markets and demos- that being said there are more than enough users to go around. 

Product Placement via Kill Bill Vol. 1

(1)PUMA and (2) NIKE
Combining a violent scene and at the end of a murder placing a shoe logo? A Perfect product placement in my opinion. My Freshman year in High School I would watch Kill Bill to sleep, and had been a loyal Puma consumer through out my schooling years. Id love to see a come back in the near future, of Nikia coming back to avenge moma Vivica Fox's death! Puma Promotional ad 2020? Copy Rights Deviiled Egg! (3)Just for fun watch this hilarious ABSOLUT VODKA promotional film from 2010, inspired by Uma Thermans character in Kill Bill. The Film was directed by A group of Filmmakers by the name of TRACKTOR, who have created a lot of memorable promotional ads in the past .

GOOGLE PLAY x HTML5

If you haven't already discovered Google's: Play! With Chrome, I would suggest keeping an eye out for this newly developing way of experiencing the internet. (1) Ok Go's collaboration with dance professionals from the company, Pilobolus, is just a taste, or experiment rather of the multiple undiscovered ways to use HTML5. Google Chrome is working hard to intensify the online experience and they have been generous enough to share their small projects with the public. Its drawn me in and I'm interested to learn and see more of what is to come. (2) Click on one of the pictures bellow to visit Play with Chrome, and to view my favorite PWC experiences. 

(3) Rome is an awesome look at what a virtual, interactive web experience can be like. When you proceed to the interactive video you are taken on a journey through what could be the worlds first mainstream "matrix".  At the end you are free to build on that world and explore other territories, with your followers. (4)Arcade Fire has also caught on to the HTML5 feature in "The Wilderness Downtown" video, making your life apart of the experience. It was surreal to see my childhood home in their video and definitely sucked me right into the music. Their excellent execution won them the Creativity Award @ Grand Prix x Cannes 2011.

Product Integration via 30 Rock

JUST AWESOME.

VICE presents: AIR x Sebastian Tellier

Knowing your target market is a vital part of creating a home run product. AIR; a new alcoholic beverage mixed with sparkling water, introduces a health conscious approach to consuming alcohol in each 95 Cal serving, threatening no pounding headaches or dehydration.(1) French vocalist, Sebastien Tellier teamed up with Vice, a notable Media Incorporation to bring you a promotional campaign designated to reach AIR's intended buyer. The track, "Russian Attractions" comes from his latest album My God is Blue. In the video Air has a quick intro placement, then proceeds the reference of refreshment in a very 1930s mirrored portrait of synchronized swimmers, WHO might I include are all submerged in American Apparel.

(2)The campaign continues with The Air Launch Parties held in only the most prominent hip/trendy areas: Starting today the 28th in Los Angles @ 333 LIVE. Followed by Portland, Las Vegas!, Seattle, and San Francisco. Such a smart and effective move in specifying who should be holding their product. Im overwhelmed with their perfect execution and want to sport a can of AIR in my hand today and have lots of pictures to follow. AIR you have made contact!

YSL x SLP

I have read a lot of recent post, tweets, and blogs that have reported Hedi Slimains newest plans to change the name of fashion house's Yves Saint Lauren ready to wear line to simply Saint Lauren Paris. Hedi Slimain has been installed as the new Creative Director of the historic fashion house and his bold statement after one season of  getting hired is picking up a lot of buzz. By accident? Id think not.

In my opinion this move is a strategic marketing plan, and its only the beginning. The label has already received so much hype. In a regular fashion season there is a Ready to Wear line and usually Couture if the house decides to put in the work, YSL usually being a staple in Couture shows. With a new name ("SLP") the old name, established in 1966, gains quality in its rarity and shoots up in its value.  There will be some negative feelings towards Hedi, but customers will still be flocking to every product they release that has the "original" YSL logo. A statement was released mentioning that products like perfume, lipsticks and other accessories with the original logo will stay consistent. The brand will stay true to its DNA and vision, though the label itching at your back will read Paris at the end and Yves will be in our memories. Personally I think its a smart and simple move, the company is keeping customers on our toes and looking to the past for anything that may be 12x more valuable, after the re branding.

Effective Marketing via Touch Screen Technology

Having worked in technology sales, I'm always interested and fascinated by the different ways that virtual reality is able to reaching out to their consumer and work seamlessly in every persons everyday life. Most companies, at this point have realized that the majority of people are living their lives through screens; by the way they receive information, news, new products, media, and entertainment. So for companies to be able to create awareness to their customer successfully they need to present themselves in their everyday lives, using devices that we interact with everyday and have slowly integrated into our lives comfortably.

Marketing professionals are observing this paradigm shift and have taken the necessary steps to satisfy their companies image and success parallel to technology hysteria. (1) Advertising firm Odopod has teamed up with Tesla Motors as of last year to take advantage of this digital trend. By installing three touch screens in their show room, a potential customer walks into the store and feels apart of the engineering experience. They are able to view photos and videos of a working Tesla car, and learn what its like to be apart of the Tesla Motor "Community" which is an experience the company stresses in the beginning of the featured video. I think a products sense of community is an effective way to present value to potential buyers. 

Tesla Motors is company that has taken the electric vehicles to the next level, by introducing a sleek Ferrari essence to the build. These 100% electric cars refuse to put a limit on innovation. The Palo Alto, CA based company hopes to share their technology with the world by collaborating with other car manufacturers, their aspirations is to eliminating dependency on petroleum based transportation world wide. 

(2) Scion, as a leading post modern car company has also used touch screen technology as a means to relate and captivate their customer. Most recently working with advertising agency JUXT in their 2011/2012 auto show "Scion Surface Experience" where the attendees are able to sift through 8 unique trading cards, that have inspired the Scion aesthetic. Upon placement of the card on the touch screen surface, (Powered by Microsoft x Samsung) the card creates an interactive experience where the viewer is then able to manipulate the media, view different features, and qualities that each unique model presents. Scion's creative team came close in achieving a FITC (Future. Innovation. Technology. Creativity.) award in the making of this unique customer outreach experience.

The use of touch screens in our lives and by marketers has become so versatile and effective, companies who are able to afford to franchising these digital sales machines can only expect an increase in their future success. Coca-Cola has exploited this hype to the every day public with their newest version of vending machines. Microsoft has collaborated with companies like Jeep, Scion, and Red Bull to introduce their leading Microsoft Surface technologies. 

Commercials via Wes Anderson x 2012

For starters I could write a full essay about Wes Anderson, his production technique, how effectively he is able to captivate his audience with an uncanny attention to detail, story telling and narration. As of recently his newest movie Moon Rise Kingdom was released in June, following a few TV spot collaborations with companies Sony, and Hyundai.
Since his recent commercial releases with said companies Anderson has received some unnecessary negative feed back. His indie super fans are stressed that he has become a "Sell Out". Its news to me that he is doing anything out of the ordinary, while referring to his resume. Anderson has done promotional campaigns in the past, and has even placed Adidas products in his films;(1) Life Aquatic, and(2) Royal Tennanbaums. If anyone is meant to be a "sell out" its the companys who ask Wes for his time and talent.
In these most recent commercials directed by Wes Anderson, his reference and experience in his movie making career is very apparent.(3) In the first Hyundai commercial we see a glimpse of Life with Zissou, then another shot of a super hero family... Hm can we expect a Anderson Super Hero film?? I'm totally there for it. (4)The next Azera promo is set in a hectic household with a father struggling to prepare dinner, while 5+ children refuse to let him succeed. I'm just lobotomized by the authenticity in the scene and minimum use of dialogue, all while effectively reaching out to family consumers and more specifically mothers, about the value of the Hyundai Azera.
Anderson has established himself as a perfectionist and one of the great film makers of our time, his consistent team of actors and well polished film settings have become characters themselves. Its apparent that his current work is being altered to target a younger demographic, that of an elementary age. In Moon Rise Kingdom half of the cast were child actors, prepared to be omitted to this elite class of Hollywood actors.(5) Staying true to his new found demo,  narration is used of an eight-year-old boy, explaining the inside working of the Sony Xperia phone. Anderson and his team worked hard at producing another awesome "claymay" production, giving subtle hints to sewer living as seen in Fantastic Mister Fox.

Where There is Smoke Presents CHANNEL [V] - 'For the Love of Music'

CHANNEL [V] - Rebrand TVC 2012 from Where There's Smoke on Vimeo(1)Production Company; Where There is Smoke has released their newest production of "For the Love of Music" promo for Australian music Channel [V], also a popular channel in South East Asia.

In the year 2012 there is no reason why anyone in a visual art field should be releasing any mediocre work, people are serious! and everything needs to have an attached meaning. The production company's goal was to create a promo video that can live through history. With this newly re branded compilation of clips from music videos in the past of artist who have shaped the direction of music in general, Id say they have made an immaculate piece of pop culture. (2)Very reminiscent of David La Chapelles past works. In all of La Chapelles work you see his very definitive version of a pop culture universe, and that universe has been used as a blue print consistently in contemporary media.

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Absolut Vodka x Swedish House Mafia; Greyhound

By now I'm sure all my well integrated Internet viewer friends have caught this amazing Absolut Vodka commercial and music video. Its a subtle yet effective presentation of Absolut Vodka in a neo-romantic, turn of the century universe, in which DJs control mechanical greyhound races. The video was produced by a team from the advertising agency of; TBWA/Chiat/Day .Its just awesome to the tee everything is Absolut, in a sense. The drink featured in the video is Vodka and Pomegranate and is also named after the video, Greyhound. Cant wait to try it! Matching SHM with a vodka company that mainly targeted "upper east side yuppies" has targeted a whole new, YOUNGER demographic. By sharing this video I do not by any means condone the racing of Greyhound dogs, but mechanical dogs controlled by Swedish House Mafia- ABSOLUT VODKA!
Advertising Agency: TBWA/Chiat/Day

Happy Belated Fathers Day: Andy Warhol

SONG;

I can't stop listening to Stereo Total- I Love You, Ono- from the previous Dior Addict fragrance campaigns. While searching for the song I stumbled upon a Dell Commercial that used the same track in their 2009 Super Bowl commercial.

Christian Dior: Reclaim their name.

Since Christian Dior fashion house has received some back lash from their former Head Designer, John Galliano's and his fairce remarks, they have been consistent in reaching out to their everyday customer to sooth any and all assumptions about the moral of the company. (1) I'm already hooked with these recent promotional mix TEASERS for Dior Addict Fragrance! which have been released in four different parts. All directed by Jonas Akerlund, who has done some awesome work for Dior in the past & the likes of other fashion companies, french car manufacturers and pop music videos. In 8 short seconds, my past doubts about the company have been expunged and I am anticipating the newest instalment of Jonas' Addict campaign.
(2) While they are still staying true to their pastel persona the brand slowly transitions away from aesthetic of previous perfume campaign director, in their newest Summer mix beauty promo. (3)Mimicking Sophia Coppola past work in Marie Antoinette (2006)  (4) Sophia Coppola's ability to render perfection in a single shot can't be missed in any of her work, who's to say Dior won't do work with her again and take advantage of another foolproof advertisement.

EST.