We're pretty excited about our TV, radio and billboard Addy wins on Saturday. We're also thrilled to kick off 2010 with another great campaign for VMS, including some attractive, custom-designed awards of our own. Still working on that national anthem, though.
When a McCafe replaced the designer waters and champagne at this week's New York Fashion Week, it became apparent that the fashion world is also tightening its belt. While extravagant fashion may be taking a hit, this industry obsessed with the new and the next can be reassured that creative style is still alive and well.
Enter Lookbook.nu. Describing itself as a “collective fashion consciousness,” Lookbook is an online social network of stylish youth eager to share their wardrobe successes with the world. It’s like Facebook for international fashionistas in training -- some more successful than others of course, but all putting it out there nonetheless, which is what it’s all about. more >>>
Determining exactly how much country and how much rock ‘n roll makes up your interior decor psyche is a daunting task. Thank goodness IKEA is here to help.
Simply complete this Stylemeter to find your exact percentage breakdown. In clairvoyant card-reader fashion, it provides hard data, putting you back on a clear path for the rest of your decorating days.
Since there isn’t a “none of the above” selection, don’t be surprised to find that your style is….IKEA. more
As a marketing tool, diagnostic devices such as this can be an effective way for companies to confirm that their products are the perfect fit for your unique style and preferences. They can lend a perceived third party recommendation that resonates with consumers-- particularly the stylistically insecure. Consumers often need guidance, justification and a sense that they are making the right choice. And even if the quiz results seem a little one-dimensional, who can argue with a percentage?
How to apply this highly scientific information when decorating the guest room may be a little less clear. Of course IKEA hopes you won’t take these newfound insights to Crate & Barrel.
Incidentally, my results were 40% modern, 40% Scandinavian and 20% country……Isn’t that basically IKEA in a nutshell?
But real style is knowing when and where to express your 20% country. For that, you’re on your own.
Is this a glimpse into the future of fashion marketing? Perhaps. Contrary to the name, you can only “LOOK” and not “BOOK.” No apparel is available for purchase directly from the site, and no “models” are available for bookings. Yet. The photos are, however, brilliantly sorted and tagged by brands, items of apparel and location. So it likely will just be a matter of time.
No doubt the major fashion brands are onto it. Members show love for favorites by awarding lookbook points or “hype” as they call it. And isn’t hype what every brand wants after all? But unlike the rest of the highly-critical fashion world, what you’ll find at Lookbook is largely encouragement and compliments for each other’s creative expression through apparel.
If nothing else, Lookbook is a goldmine for designers, photographers and stylists seeking inspiration. Not to mention casual people watchers. Since fashion isn’t fashion until someone embraces it, these kids have taken back the reins and are showing each other what fashion is to them, creating a runway from their living rooms.
But rest assured, fashion world. As most stylish scenes go, you can belong to Lookbook by invitation only. Some things will never change.