As you all know, in fashion one day you’re in, and the next day you’re out. Now, from the beginning of the economic meltdown, BBC and CNN have predicted that India and China will shoulder the responsibility to ‘save’ the world…so given this rising profile, and the fact that it’s the Chinese traditional spring festival right now, I’d like to take a look this week at Chinese style in the fashion world. Continue reading ‘Yuan’s In – Yuan’s Out’
Monthly Archive for January, 2009
So last week I submitted my first ever iReport. If you haven’t heard this term before, you’re not alone –iReport is a CNN project/offshoot that effectively puts news in the hands of the audience and provides a platform for everyday people to report on what’s happening from their own point of view. Continue reading ‘How to make the news’
Inspired by the yellow paper crane that resides on my desk, I wanted to delve into the origins of origami. What I discovered (by ways of a happy accident) is not so much a history lesson…but a touching tale of opening minds. Continue reading ‘Sadako and the 1000 cranes’
I went to see the Art of the Poster exhibition at the London Transport Museum over the weekend and thought it was definitely worthy of a visit, particularly if, like me, you have never before been to the museum itself. The poster exhibition is really interesting as it spans most of the last century and contains a broad range of styles. Continue reading ‘The Art of the Poster’
I have to be honest, it took a close friend to point it out…but I have finally become my Blackberry.
Though it’s been a seamless transition over the past few years, the result is all too evident(ly). This small device might as well be hard-wired into my grey matter…but you know something? I am not ashamed. Now of course email remains its primary function and like many, I email at a frenzied pace for both work and private life.
It’s hard not to feel like the only person being driven mad by incorrect use of grammar – especially in advertising. I’m certainly not claiming to be the doyen of all things grammatical but there are a few basic rules of the English language that are fundamental to effective communications. One of these is the use of the word amount, clearly something not being addressed in school…or anywhere else it seems. Continue reading ‘Grammar matters, people…’
When I was a small boy my favorite creative toy was the Etch-A-Sketch. It had the amazing capability to draw anything your imagination could dream up – really badly. Having said that, I did master the curved line and even drew things that looked 3D. Alas, with an Etch-A-Sketch there is no save feature, which sucked, but I manage to take some pictures of my best etches. Continue reading ‘No matter what the kids say, Etch-A-Sketch is still cool’
Apple are different. It’s stating the obvious, but they stand out. And they encourage their consumers to do the same, to challenge conventional practice through their products. Think back to their award-winning 1984 ad, when they introduced the Mac to the world as the force that would liberate us from the oppressive clasp of their computing competition. And then in the mid-90s, when they urged us to ‘Think Different,’ to let loose creatively … Continue reading ‘Apple’s (slightly) rotten core?’
Unless you live under a rock or have been sequestered in a small cave somewhere, sheltered from global news, Barack Obama’s upcoming inauguration (on the 20th of January) hasn’t escaped your attention. Continue reading ‘Will anyone miss George Bush?’
I really liked the simplicity of this idea for reducing the environmental impact of printing.
Whilst the idea of saving trees has been around for a long time, a Dutch design agency has just developed a new font they have named the Ecofont, which they claim uses 20% less ink.
How do they manage it?
They discovered that punching holes in the letters was the best way of maintaining readability, whilst limiting coverage.
When a big part of the green movement is communication (to make people aware of the environmental impact of all their activities), this feels particularly apt…
Contagious magazine’s top ideas, trends and innovations from last year: a bloody good read for anyone who fancies a summing up of all that was gorgeous in 2008. Continue reading ‘Most Contagious 2008′
The concept of electronic social networking was suggested back in the 1990’s. Innovations to earlier networking services helped along early birds like MySpace, which rapidly became a global phenomenon. The of course 2004 saw the launch of the all-time favourite Facebook from the dorm room of Harvard Graduate, Mark Zuckerberg. It was instantly catapulted to popularity thanks to the incorporation of “externally-developed add-on applications” which in turn “enabled the graphing of a user’s own social network – thus linking social networks and social networking.” Largest and fastest growing site in the world, like *that*… Continue reading ‘The Future of Social Networking’
As you all know, in fashion one day you’re in, and the next day you’re out. Though the cold is going to last for another couple of months, don’t be fooled: it’s already time to think spring and re-organise your wardrobe for a fresh 2009 look. So, what will be in and out in 2009? To be honest, it’s hard for me to give you an exact answer. Looking at all the 09 spring/summer catwalks, I know there are going to be lots of fabulous elements to choose from. My best advice: be yourself. Go with what fits your personal style.
But don’t forget: you’re going to have to think differently this year. We all are. These are tough times; the economy is on everybody’s mind and everyone is conscious of what they’re paying out. That’s why we’re going to take a special look this week at how you can spend your money wisely on the fashion you love. Continue reading ‘Yuan’s In – Yuan’s Out’
Driving along in Vauxhall the other day and I am confronted by a flashy billboard that says ‘WANT LONGER LASTING SEX?” Continue reading ‘Sign of the times?’
Green Earth was a design competition that ended last october. The objective was simple: to create a graphic that illustrates the 2 words, “green” and “earth.” Visually, it needed to answer questions like… Continue reading ‘Green Earth 2008 = greener earth 2009?’[youtube=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?feature=channel_page&v=dyeWaMChKxw]
Whilst on holiday in Brazil I felt compelled to shoot my first ‘art house’ film since University. Observing some kids whilst holidaying with my friend Simon, at play on the boat, listening to my iPod. The moment was so beautiful but also poignant (at least for me). Watch for the surprise at the end.
