Denim Rivalry

It is no secret that companies compete against each other but Norwegian Jeans brand Anti-Sweden has taken rivalry to new level - hence the brand name! The aim is to challenge Swedish jeans brand such as Acne and Cheap Monday. Anti-Sweden are asking customers to trade in their old Swedish jeans which will be redesigned but illustrator Justin Bartlett. Co-founder Kjetil Wold says:

"We set out to put rebellion back into jeans by using Norway's strong heritage of true black metal"

The illustrations will play on this by including metal thread and pins.

This is certainly one way of getting rid of competition and something a little different too...it will be interesting to see how Acne et al respond!

Kathryn x

Topsy Turvey Gap

Along with Gap's new in-store reward scheme has come a strong marketing campaign. The Gap store in Vancouver has completely turned itself upside down! This includes everything from window displays to mannequins...even to the cars parked outside! The reward scheme means that customers will be refunded the difference if a garment they purchase goes on sale within 45 days of purchase. The campaign is called 'Sprize Money' and customers are refunded with store credit...clever.

This is certainly something different and has already resulted in a lot of press coverage. It will transform the 'plain' image of Gap and offer a truly interesting retail experience.

Kathryn x

SEX Sells?!

Ok...so after a loooong break of blogging I'm back! Tackling uni work seems to have taken over my life but I'm determined to get back into blogging. After the rush of Spring/Summer 2010 campaigns being released I will continue to explore interesting and innovative advertising and will look forward to the Fall 2010/2011 campaigns!

We all know that sex sells and this has been used for years by Abercrombie and Fitch and Tom Ford but this Valentines Day Armani Exchange took this to a while new level! Their 'Share The Love' campaign features three couples...a gay couple, a heterosexual couple and a lesbian couple...and of course ALOT of oil and a lack of clothing! Armani are obviously keen to express their open attitude but the campaign caused an uproar amongst mothers. A mothers support group accused that the images "poison children with 10-foot posters that are nothing but soft porn".

Personally I don't think they are that bad...not particularly classy but they get the point across and at the end of the day...Sex Sells!

Kathryn x

Premier Vision

I have already talked about Premier Vision on my Quand a Paris blog but I thought I'd mention it on here too. It highlighted trends and fabrics for Spring/Summer 2010 and it was really interesting to see future trends.

Some of the key inspirations were determination and sensibility, rich hues, natural, simple and relaxed elegance. Also chic silhouettes, floaty fabrics and freed up tailoring. I was very happy and impressed by this...especially the neutral tones...as my friends say that's all I wear! It made me excited for the summer and consequently I have started to plan my summer wardrobe, even though its still freezing outside!

Fabrics and materials were light and floaty and blue appeared to be a key summer theme. Although fabrics were quite subtle there were injections of neon and bright pattern mixed in. There was quite a traditional feel with checked and striped pieces.

Checked seemed to be the main trend and appeared with many different exhibitors. Again I have always liked checked shirts and can't wait to dig mine out for the summer. As you probably know from my previous posts I love the traditional British themes and am excited to see these ideas transformed into the catwalk and high street.

Kathryn x

Back to blogging...

Hey, I've been in Paris for the last week so haven't been able to post anything but I'm looking forward to checking out some more campaigns! Whilst in Paris I kept a journal and have uploaded it onto my other blog so please take a look...quandaparis.blogspot.com...

Whilst I was in Paris I found out about Alexander McQueen and it is devastating news. He was a great designer and was such a big asset to the British Fashion Industry. He will be missed greatly and I'm sure there will be many great tributes to the designer.

Kathryn x

There is no stopping Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung is the girl of the moment and there seems to be no stopping her! Not only is she a successful television presenter but she has stormed into the world of fashion. She is regularly seen front row at top fashion shows and currently features on the cover of Vogue's March issue, but now she has been signed up as the face of Pepe Jeans. Alexa doubles up denim and appears alongside a collection of male models for the Spring 2010 campaign shot by Tom Munro. I really like this campaign as it shows a relaxing Spring feel and the layering give the demin a more edgy look. She started off her career as a model and at 26 still has the perfect long legs and preppy tomboy style which I love.

Kathryn x

Miu Miu opts for young model

The new Miu Miu Spring Summer 2010 campaign featured model Lindsey Wixson, who at just 15 year old has already appearing in Italian Vogue and walked for Miu Miu and Prada! The campaign features Lindsey sprawled out on a navy background which creates a nice contrast. But what gets me most is the length of her legs, they seem to go on for miles and are lengthened by the chunky Miu Miu footwear. Her long hair and interesting features give perfect model characteristics but I'm not too sure about this campaign. It is shot by Steven Meisel and although I like the composition I think Miuccia Prada could have chosen a better face. Plus the fact that she's only 15 is slightly scary!

Kathryn x