NEW M/M Work

Having had an extremely long and stressful work week I was thrilled to take a 5 minute break and indulge in my new Print Magazine that recently arrived. I was instantly re-inspired after seeing new work from my ultimate favorite pair of designers: M/M! Poster design for Théatre de Lorient

McFancy

In order to give other high fashion labels credit I thought I would share this hysterical new branding strategy that merges together the highest and the low; the result is McFancy. The temporary chain is created by the cool hunters who say, "First is McFancy, an upmarket temporary McDonald’s store that launches at Fashion Weeks around the globe. McFancy is part art installation, gathering spot and, of course, a restaurant that offers a traditional McDonald’s menu but packaged in a way that makes a playful yet stylish nod to the lifestyle of the highly desirable, influential consumers that attend Fashion Weeks."




VIA Love, Obsess, Inspire

Chanel Branding : Part II

Not that I'm obsessed with Chanel or anything but after writing my last post I found this even more bazaar branding strategy! While this is not an actual Chanel product (yet) the idea was formualted by art student, Ryan McSorley for his senior project. The concept is to lightly brand the skin with an impression made over night from sleeping with this headband that leaves a mark. Usually we do everything possible to avoid these types of marks but Ryan has definitely turned the tables and used it to his advantage. Maybe a bit too 'out there' for the average consumer but these are definitely the kind of ideas that get a brand noticed!

Chanel Branding

I have to say, these Chanel temp. tattoos are probably the only acceptable exception for a tattoo in my book. While normally I would never be attracted to the look (even if it was temporary), something about these clever Chanel tats really intrigue me. It's branding to the most literal degree which in turn requires the highest level of brand loyalty. Chanel can pull it off but can others do the same?

via Elle UK

Royalty-Free Vintage Prints

I'm so excited about finding this amazing website crammed with royalty free vintage prints! All the prints on the website have outlived their copyright laws which means they were created before 1922; it also means they are now free to print, use and enjoy... and with thousands of options, there is a lot to enjoy! Check out the site for yourself here



via one of my favorite blogs: The Donut Project

vintage Russian LOMO Camera

I was happy to see that I just received my belated Christmas present in the mail yesterday; a vintage Russian LOMO Camera(made in USSR). After browsing through Leicas and Roleis I settled on a lomo because of the strange visual effects the film is known to expose. I have a lot to learn about this camera even before I start to use it but my objective was to re-learn the ropes of a manual film camera from taking the pictures to actually developing them myself in the end.
Can't wait to share the outcome!

Design Influence #2 : Unique

While bazaar might be the overall theme of the year, I believe it will be highly supported by influences such as vintage, collectibles and unique items. While the digital era still steams forward, we are appreciating more than ever the value of craft and quality (most likely because we lack so much of it in our day to day lives). Thrifting, Rummage sales and buying vintage are all ways to find and express uniqueness in a world being engulfed by the ordinary.

Judge a wine by the label

Yesterday I was very happy to attend Los Angeles' first annual California Pinot Noir tasting. Family owned growers from all over the coast of Cali came together yesterday to showcase their best Pinot's. My favorite part of the event (besides the unlimited Pinot Noir) was browsing through the creative and fun wine labels that represented the product so well. Many of the labels were un-cared for and basically an after thought while some really stodd out from the pack. Not surprisingly, the well designed and creative labels definitely drew a larger crowd! Here were some of my favorites at the event:

Designers Word of the Year: Bazaar

If there was one word to describe the shift I believe design is going to take this year it would have to be bazaar. We are just plain and simply fed up with reality so we are turning to fantasy and stretching the boundaries of the real to its extreme. I forcast that we will start to see a lot of influence (especially in the design sense) from bazaar sources such as the already popular Cirque du Soleil and the re-invention of fantasy driven Alice in Wonderland.

Social Networking

This great poster pretty much sums up 2009 for me.. while I never fully emerged myself in Twitter, I have to admit that I tried it out for a month or two. While social networking is useful in so many ways.. where does it end? Or better yet.. where do we go from here??

design via Danny Jones Design

Pantone : Color of the Year

I was excited to see that Pantone's color of the year pick for 2010 is Turquoise! Leatrice Eiseman, of pantone, states, "Through years of color word-association studies," she said, "we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many -- taking them to a tropical paradise." ..exactly what we need now a days, an escape from reality. While rough economic times usually spur pale, calming colors, this bold approach is exactly the kick we need to start off the new year in the right direction. Look out for the color, you will probably start seeing it pop up around you this year.

London Olympic Icons

As much as I disliked the logo design for the 2012 London Olympics, I was happily surprised and almost shocked to see the cleverly designed icons created to go along with it.

These are by far my favorite Olympic Icons yet. They really portray movement while maintaining simplicity which, I would assume, is a very hard task to do. Unlike the 80's inspired logo, I think the colors actually work together in the icons creating more of a contemporary feel rather than a past cliché. Well done!

Innovative Pakcaging: Tea Line

What a simple, funny, cute ingenious idea for tea packaging! No need for complex graphics to make your product pop.. all that's needed is just a great idea! Designed by: Soon Mo Kang



posted by: swiss-miss

Trends of the Years

This cool little chart lays out the trends of the past decade. Pretty humorous and sadly pretty accurate! A great way to learn from our past going into the new year (and the new decade!)


originally posted in New York Times

Goodbye to I.D. Magazine

Original Article:
I.D. Magazine, 1954 - 2009
By Ralph Caplan

I.D. (industrial design) Magazine is solely responsible for turning industrial design into a profession. Their magazine, which began publication in 1954 is now sadly closing it's doors. I.D. featured designs from artists such as Paul Rand all the way to dresses made from flour sacks. Thanks I.D. magazine for your accurate and intriguing documentation of design over the years and all the inspiration you have spread.

First ever issue of I.D. Magazine

Original illustrations designed by Andy Warhol

recent issues of I.D. Magazine

Back to the roots of Design

During my relaxing New Years celebration in the small island of St. Croix, I was transported back to the roots of design.. the true purpose of it all. Design is purely communication and spending time on the island helped me remember how basic it really can be.


Everything is simplified not because it's the new trend but because there is no reason to complicate it. A simple tag on the wall denotes a parking space and a hand drawn sign keeps people from littering on the beach. Personal, simple and to the point.. only what is needed to communicate the message and nothing more.

100th celebration

I was happy to find that my first post back from the holiday vacation also happens to be my 100th post! So what better way to start off the new year than a celebration. It also got me thinking about what this past year meant to me. In a nutshell, my year was filled with design, celebration and freedom (what more could I ask for!) So happy new year to everyone and I hope your spirits are high for this new year to come.