“House Par-tay”
Client: Tommy Hilfiger
Agency: Laird+Partners
I won’t lie. Tommy Hilfiger in general confuses the hell out of me. As a brand, their style has changed drastically from what they once used to be, and they just don’t seem to have that edge they used to be known for. I’m not talking Calvin Klein-90s basement porn edge. I’m just speaking in terms of consumer recognition as being a fashion icon.
But with this commercial, they definitely seem to be showing some of that flare we once knew. Maybe a little more coked-out hipster-esque this time around. But you can’t help but jam to this 60 second spot. Which is a pretty big achievement since most people find it hard enough to sit still through even the best produced 15second spots.
Only downside I can comment on? Maybe needs a little more cowbell.
(Source: youtube.com)
“Ralph Lauren: 4D Projection Mapping”
Client: Ralph Lauren
Agency: Drive Productions, U.K.
Ralph Lauren and Drive Productions embraced digital innovation with this amazing 4D show at their New York women’s flagship location. 888 Madison Avenue became an unbelievable display of art, fashion, and culture as customers were treated to this 4D exhibit. And what made it 4D? When their new colognes flew onto the screen, they actually sprayed the crowed with the scent.
As far as advertising goes, the insight just doesn’t seem to be there. But for a brand like Ralph Lauren, something like this is less about generating sales and more about brand awareness.
Client: Victoria’s Secret
Advertising School: Miami Ad School
The debate to whether QR codes work or not is ongoing. But at least someones found a way to make them sexy.
Men Expert
Client: L’Oreal
Agency: VCCP
Not a big fan of this campaign, but worth making a note of. Why does it seem every brand nowadays is trying to create their very own Isaiah Mustafa type character? From Old Spice to Dos Equie and Dairy Queen, it seems like brands are finding any excuse to develop their own version of the Old Spice guy.
“The Facebook Effect”
David Kirkpatrick
If you’re looking for the real story behind the Harvard nerd who connected the world, forget the David Fincher adaptation (which, by the way, I really liked) and pick up this book. While there is way too much to mention in terms of what is true and what was glamourized/exaggerated for the Oscar winning film, there are definitely a few things I think are worth pointing out before you start reading.
First off, is the astounding depth Facebook has when you step back and realize just how profoundly it has impacted the world. Sure, most of the time we go on to creep our friends (or our friend’s friends), but Facebook was also one of the first online tools to help mobilize populations to form revolutions (for examples, READ THE DAMN BOOK!)
From there, it is actually just a flat out amazing story of how Facebook came into existence. It’s hard to believe as someone who created their account in 2005 when there were only 5 million users (only, right), that this network has grown to just under 700 million people and has become a global juggernaut. And despite how it appears in the movie, without Justin Timberlake…or, I mean Shawn Parker - Facebook simply would not exist.
Anyways, my advice is don’t stop and take what was in the movie at face value. Pick up this book and find out the truth behind the worlds obsession.
Next step for me: “The King of Madison Avenue” - Kenneth Roman
Time to brush up on my Ogilvy knowledge (now that was one badass dude).
Cool Never Fades
Client: Target
Agency: W+K
I’m not sure whether it’s Marlena Shaw’s California Soul (Diplo Remix) or the fact that they are playing bocce, but I’m really jammin to this ad.
Target is getting closer and closer to the Canadian market, and consumers north of the border are starting to pay more attention to the brand and their message. As people are getting tired of giant super stores like Wall-Mart Supercentre and The Real Canadian Super Store, there is a huge opening for Target to swoop in and nab the hearts of Canadians (as well as their wallets).
What Target has over stores like Zellers and Winners is their definite sense of style - something that clearly shines through in this spot. Can’t wait to see what this may look like with a Canadian flare.
(Source: youtube.com)
Stunning - Stunned
Client: Associazione Donne Insieme Contro la Violenza (Women Against Violence)
Agency: 1861 United, Milan, Italy
Pretty powerful ad right here. Definitely a more subtle approach to this subject, but I like what 1861 United did here. While some people are complaining this ad glamourizes domestic violence, I feel like that is the point - but to present it ironically. Abuse is just as natural as the her picture on the left - the point being, it is not.
This ad works in part because of campaigns like Dove’s Real Beauty (which I think this ad plays off of nicely). It is clean, nicely shot, and even the copy is subtle but effective. For the complete campaign, click the ad and take a look.
