Trend: Metallic Marketing

Remember when Bang debuted? Marc Jacobs and tin foil goodness covered the back cover of every fashion mag. As ostentatious, metallic and inviting as the campaign’s been, it couldn’t be more literal in terms of messaging. Metals are the best heat conductors and the the Marc Jacobs team knows that. Interestingly, Schneider Electric, the top energy management company in France has taken a similar approach to their recent print campaign. Regardless of who’s been inspired by whom, metallics are making their mark. They’re cheap and eye catching, a winning combination for today’s market.

October 18, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Follow-up: The Homemade Montage

In late July, photo montages were subtly making their mark in art magazines and facebook news feeds. Mixed images graphically displayed in film-like narratives are continuing to make the advertising rounds, as most recently displayed by this Intermix ad. Photobooth-like images convey moods in narrative succession, splicing stories together to paint a broad picture. Reminding us that every style comes full circle, this clipping from Alain Bergala‘s Brune/Blonde Paris exhibit reveals our collective love of blondes and advertising.

October 11, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Harmonious Movement

Color simulating movement can be a beautiful thing. Michael Alan and IBM, from separate planes of the universe, have done precisely that in their abstract depictions of the world. Using loose strokes of color, figure drawings, fiber optic moods and strong contrasts, both layouts relay thoughtful connectivity in the most delicate of ways.

September 28, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Model Turned Monsters

Over a year ago, we found Nick Cave’s wearable art completely intriguing. Evidently the fashion world’s got the same sentiment, as Vogue’s September 2010 issue features several of his latest creations. The styling, artistry and movement in each shot is an exquisite example of pushed boundaries. Mirroring this playful transformation of model-turned-monster, the fashion trio, Sofie, Pernilla and Jennifer Elvestedt of the Swedish label, Mini Market, recently styled their AW10 shoot with similar creative zeal. The results are equally compelling.

September 9, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Type: Fluid with Photoshop

When’s the last time you had the guts to play with iconic imagery? Brands do it all the time, hoping to strike the perfect balance of clever, familiar and innovative. Very rarely do we pause when flipping through print and online campaigns, as commercial often wins over creative. In the case of Rue La La’s rollercoaster type and Chase Bank‘s blue ribbon Eiffel Tower, my gut reaction was positive! Both brands utilize photoshop to bend the rules and retrofit their brand with familiar imagery. Which brings me to the question, which campaigns pull at your typographic strings?

August 24, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Marketing: Lightscape Patterns

Last October, we found global lightscapes were beginning to make their mark. Artist communities from around the globe were experimenting with energetic lines in the form of video, art installations and still photography. Nearly a year later, the marketing and branding worlds have picked up on this trend, assimilating their clients with this fresh medium. Both Lacoste and Amstel Live have incorporated this lively style into layouts with disaffected 20 somethings. Interestingly, and rather surprisingly, the bottom photos from the Mirrorball produced, Amstel Live party are more interesting than the carefully curated Lacoste campaign. It doesn’t take much to engage at a party, and adding DIY design, alcohol and a creative new profile pic are three easy ways to get consumers excited.

August 23, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik