Liu Bolin

This contemporary artist has been on my radar for a while but I'm still loving his work. So much of 'art' nowadays is conceptual and in this Ted Talk 'The Invisible Man' explains the political and social issues that he aims to explore.

Images from The Guardian

What political parties can learn from brands

You might be surprised to read the word politics on this blog, I;m not even going to pretend it's my area of interest, but don't worry I haven't completely lost it amidst the dissertation drag. This post is a bit of a cop out because maybe it wouldn't be my content of choice but one of WCRS' Big Break application questions is 'What can political parties learn from brands you admire ahead of the 2015 General Election?' So I thought I'd share my suggestions with you... 

As May approaches the likes of David Cameron need to show they stand for something authentic. Their ideas should make an immediate impact and be so compelling that they must be shared. The House of Peroni may seem too fashion-forward for Politicians but they should follow the lead of a brand that demonstrates testament to their heritage, simultaneously drawing upon their founding principles whilst evolving to ensure they remain contemporary. Peroni’s commitment towards Italian culture has promoted a lifestyle, creating a sense of community for ‘people like me’. However, they should be wary that even the combination of big players and purpose-driven marketing cannot dictate culture and instead they should aspire to position themselves in a space where culture surrounding their manifestos can flourish (that’s a note to McDonald’s and Coke…).

Parties need to play by O2’s rules and ‘Be More Dog’ by showing a willingness to take a risk; permitting leeway for serendipitous discovery. In today’s society surprise is underrated so by presenting their key issues as relevant there is potential to generate ‘sticky’ ideas people want to spend time with, KitKat’s ‘#Bendgate’ tweet highlights the power of marketing the moment. Nevertheless, similarly to brands, parties must demonstrate a genuine belief in the issues that matter to their audience, let’s keep this real and look to American Express’ ‘Small Business Saturday’; a brand that have successfully generated affinity amongst the retail community and wider society, exemplifying the capacity to become integrated into everyday life.

Political Parties need to 'catch life by the frisbee'

Image from O2 'Be More Dog' campaign

The components of Marketing

2015: New year, new me and all that.
I won't be too ambitious with my resolutions but one I'm determined to keep is to get back onboard with this blogging business. I use it as a platform to share anything that takes my fancy and today I've stumbled across this visually simplified Periodic Table of Content Marketing Effectively by Econsultancy - they've nailed this idea by condensing the process and highlighting the importance of strategy as crucial to success.

Original Source: Econsultancy

Spooky Ads

Halloween is almost upon us and confectionary brands would be fools to miss this golden advertising opportunity. Snickers latest spot takes their usual play on 'hangry' to a whole different level but the concept and visual effects are very fitting for season.

Snickers "Twisted"

Snickers "Halloween Grocery Store Lady" (2010)

Good Luck Gift

When possible I try to avoid buying cards from shops because they aren't too friendly with a student budget and also I believe handmade gifts show far more thought and love has gone into them.

One of my friends is currently revising for her first final towards her medicine degree and so I thought I'd make her a simple good luck gift which I could send in the post. Recently when I bought a pair of jeans in Jack Wills they slipped in a paper windmill kit to make at home. I thought this was really effective marketing because it was in keeping with their in-store theme and they also featured them as part of the window display because they  typify British summer - the lifestyle they are promoting with their summer collection. I assembled this kit and now have it in my uni room but realised it was a really simple idea to recreate. I found some inspiration on Pinterest then just used bits and pieces I had in my craft box to make my own windmill. It's not exactly your traditional good luck mascot but I tied a label onto it and at least it can be a constant reminder of the summer that lies in store once she gets these exams out the way.

Jack Wills window display
(image from google)

Pinterest inspiration

My good luck creation

Summer adventures

Firstly, a big apology and secondly, where has this year gone?! I realised the other day I hadn't blogged in forever and now I'm in the midst of my uni summer it's time to get back into it.

Going into my final year of Edinburgh in September I wanted to ensure that I made the most of these extended summers. So in my eyes that consists of a balance between: work, work experience and play. Well, so far I've prioritised the play and celebrated the end of exams with Radio 1's big weekend, followed by a trip to Barcelona, then Parklife and I've just returned from a family holiday to Croatia. And now back to reality. But here are a selection of photos from my gallivanting to leave you with until my next post (which won't be as long - I promise)!

Coldplay @ Big Weekend

Casa Battlo, Barcelona

Font Bar,  Manchester

Parklife

Hvar

Sunset in Lumbarda

                                       

New York Fashion Week: Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang is fully aware that if people want something enough, they'll go out of their way to get it. I really respect his 'controversial' decision to show the A/W 2014 Ready to Wear collection in a Naval Yard, in Brooklyn. He forced the fashion pack out of their comfort zone, admittedly they might not have loved it, but for fear of missing out they were determined to get to the warehouse (even when it was so remote that it doesn't even show up on Sat Nav). During fashion week there's a constant stream of catwalks and collections so designers are under pressure to make theirs the one to remember and Wang ensured his was, whether for the right or wrong reasons.

 "He dragged us all out to Brooklyn on a wintry Saturday night—it had damn well better be good" 

I don't massively love the collection, which I'd describe as practical and utilitarian - a refreshing change from a lot of fashion but the theme of extreme conditions and survival reminded me too much of Hunger Games. To me it seemed cold and lifeless; consisting of an excessive number of holster-style bags covered in zips and pouches, prepared for every gadget you could ever need. 

However the finale was enough to change my opinion. The final 12 looks entered the rotating catwalk in monolithic black but changed before viewers eyes as heat activated pigments revealed technicolour paisley patterns. The general consensus seems to be that this was the redeeming factor but I think Wang's innovation and risk-taking can be all too easily overlooked and he deserves credit for the successful fusion of technology with fashion and the setting played a pivotal role in consolidating the overall theme.

All images from style.com and video from Fashion Channel