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Streetshots: Uniqlo beats the cold

2008-11-18T13:10:00.001-05:00

...and keeps you warm. New York office of Japanese agency Dentsu on behalf of client Uniqlo has a cool experiential event going on at 44th st and broadway in (Times Square) NYC (as of 1pm 12/18). The event involves giving away men and women's thermal tops and bottoms from a pop up delivery system (check the pics for what I mean).
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Tastemakers: Darren Heitner Interview

2008-11-17T10:24:00.002-05:00

Name: Darren Heitner
Passion(s): Happiness, excitement, new things
Age: 23

Top 3 trend setters across all industries: Jay-Z, Warren Buffett, Barack Obama

Sport trend to look for in late 2009: MMA officially becoming legitimized, with multiple viable leagues on strong business platforms.

Technology trend to look for in 2009: Telephones will no longer be used. Videophones will become the craze.

New media trend to look for in 2009: Advertisement-backed music. No more paying for it. Currently writing a paper on how the music industry should embrace piracy and learn from the TV/movie industry with their advancement of Hulu, Fancast, etc.

What will become of the traditional (athlete) talent representation industry?: Those that do not adapt to embrace new technologies to market their clients effectively, will be pushed to the back. Continued buying by the big boys. More and more conglomeration.

2 books and 2 magazines every tastemaker should read: Books: Re-Imagine! and The 4-Hour Workweek. Magazines: Playboy and Maxim (magazines should be for pleasure...and everyone needs a good dose of pop-culture news).

What projects are up next for you?: Finish law school, continue to grow my businesses (www.dynastyreps.com and www.sportsagentblog.com), and become the first Jewish President of the U.S. Okay, maybe I'll drop the last project.

What should we have asked you?: Why is your middle name on Facebook, D'Lish?

Want to know more about Darren?
www.sportsagentblog.com

Tastemakers: yfyf Interview

2008-11-14T14:17:00.006-05:00

Name: yfyf
Passion(s): clothes, photography, learning how things work, nerdiness
Age: irrelevant

Top 3 trend setters across all industries: I've never seen a trend setter before and I'm not in tune enough to know who sets the trends, I can only tell you what some of the trends are.

Fashion trend to look for in late 2009: Men, please stay away from the short trenchcoat, it looks very girly and not even in an interesting androgynous/gender reversal way. Men's cheap MTM (made to measure) will pick up steam.

Technology trend to look for in 2009: The low-cost netbook (Asus EEE, MSI Wind, HP Mini etc) becoming the everyman's computer. Possibly an adjustment in how much people will be willing to pay for their computers as a result.

What will become of the men's fashion industry?: I'm hoping men will realize that comfort is overrated but I doubt it will happen. We're moving back towards tailored clothing and MTM is lot more accessible now. There is more opportunity to get customized clothing but this may not mean people will look better, just fancier (sometimes too much so). 100% free choice is not always ideal and more than ever, menswear brands should emphasize their house style and identity to counter MTM. If I know X brand fits my personal style, and makes me look good, why should I go for MTM where I might make a dumb choice? Brands should emphasize that.

2 books and 2 magazines every tastemaker should read: "The Suit" by Michael Antongiovanni if you're interested in learning about suits. The prose is a bit stylized and sometimes the opinions are too conservative, but the advice is solid and has a consistent logic behind it. "Modern Menswear" is a pretty interesting cross section of what's going on today in menswear and will make for interesting reference later on. "Men's Non No" from Japan has some good street style photos. Although not necessarily a fashion magazine, I guess I read "The Economist" pretty consistently. It's good to know what's going on.

What projects are up next for you?: Nothing too exciting, probably try and catch up on yfyf.org since it's been languishing in disrepair for a while. Economy is tanking bad, probably just hide in a hole till everything is over. Draw some pictures while I'm at it.

What should we have asked you?: "Are you a tastemaker?" - Probably not but I like to think I do my own thing and do things for the sake of doing them. It would be nice if everyone tried to look good all the time instead of not trying or the even worse "trying to look good while pretending like I'm not trying". Looking good means thinking about your clothes. It's not a crime to put thought into your clothes and it's preferable to being sloppy.

Want to know more about yfyf?
www.yfyf.org

Introducing Streetshots

2008-11-09T15:44:00.006-05:00

Streetshots is a category of the site that will feature pictures of trends live from the street. Traveling gives the opportunity to spot trends domestically and abroad, thus giving readers a voyeuristic perspective. Look out for the first Streetshots post coming soon.

If you are known to spot trends and would like to get involved send pics to TrendsandTastemakers@gmail.com

Personal Brandbooks

2008-11-06T03:25:00.007-05:00

Before I start this post visit Kim Karalekas 1+1=11 personal-brandbook. This young woman is responsible for introducing me to the concept of a brandbook for an individual. This is the future of presenting yourself without using a traditional application. If you have been struggling in the current mediocre job market maybe this will be the next step in re-creating your professional brand. Give it a try you may enjoy the process. I an predicting that the personal brandbook will go on to replace the cover letter.

Check my brandbook:

My Personal Brandbook

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: planning account)

PSA Our New President

2008-11-05T07:29:00.009-05:00

Congratulations to our new President of the United States of America. Sam Cooke spoke the words, men and women gave their lives, and communities paid the price, but today America has spoken about its true nature. Once again congrats Barack Obama (People are smiling down on you).

*Cues 'Common - Forever Begins (Instrumental)' then 'Sam Cooke - Change is Gonna Come'

There's been times that I thought
I wouldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Oh, yes it will

Tastemakers: Sean Famous Interview

2008-11-04T10:00:00.003-05:00

The Famous Firm rep, Fresh Cafeteria blog founder, college drop out, contemporary art connoisseur, and overall 'cool' guy

Name: Sean Beauford
Passion(s): Music, Art
Age: 21

Top 3 trend setters across all industries: Jay-Z, Oprah, KAWS.

Fashion trend to look for in late 2008 - 2009: The nerd look and "grown & sexy"... revisted.

Technology trend to look for in late 2008 - 2009: Everything being touch screen

What will become of the traditional record industry model?: It's dying off along w/ the people (not literally dying) who created it. Can't do new things with old people. Holla at The Famous Firm!

2 books and 2 magazines every tastemaker should read: Esquire, Blackbook ect. Books: whatever your field is, you should read up on the person that changed the game or set the standard of how things are done. You really have to be up on your blogs. Things move super fast nowadays.

What projects are up next for you?:

Working with a few Ohio artists, trying to make them famous. Don't really want to speak on them specifically yet. But it's going to be a big year for The Famous Firm.

What should we have asked you?:

Ummm, I don't know what question this would be, but here's the answer: Don't follow any trend just for the sake of following the trend. That's wack. And also, there's nothing wrong with discovering a new way of doing things (via a trendsetter) and implementing that in your life. Be original but don't let your "originality" stand in the way of doing something you genuinely like just because everyone else does it. And always do you no matter what anybody says.

Want to know more about Sean?
www.seanfamous.com

Debit Cards to Overthrow Credit Cards?

2008-10-30T03:12:00.012-04:00

Consumers are cautious about collecting debt and the "other" plastic card has been steadily taking advantage of the trend. There are many reasons debit cards are on the rise but two are most prevalent: 1) it is part of a larger consumer budget strategy to limit spending 2) a consumer response to banks cutting back on credit.

All told, debit purchases are expected to climb 13% in 2008, to $1.2 trillion, according to The Nilson Report, an industry newsletter�??compared with a 3% rise, to $1.9 trillion, for credit-card transactions. At Visa (V), the No. 1 card company, debit spending could surpass credit this year. (via Business Week)

Banks are not happy

The move towards debit is not all sunny for the banks that are issuing out the hard plastic, profits are not as plentiful with debit since overdraft fees (which have been a response to the lack of traditional bank-debit card profits) have been included when customers spend over the amount in their checking or savings accounts. In the past banks would deny purchases that caused a negative balance in the customers accounts.

Now 14 of the 15 largest banks approve transactions but hit customers with a fee if they exceed the funds. It's not unlike getting charged for bouncing a check. A recent study by Web site Bankrate.com (RATE) found that overdraft fees now approach $29, up 3% in the past year. (via Business Week)

The Future of Debit Cards

In the past banks have offered perks such as trips and frequent flyer miles to credit-card users, but now debit card users are on the receiving end. Groups such as individuals that bring in excess of $75K per year have become a target for banks looking to increased revenues.

To attract that crowd, financial firms are ramping up their loyalty programs. MasterCard's Savings program, launched in October, offers debit users discounts on luxury brands like Armani and 7 For All Mankind as well as at retailers such as Home Depot (HD) and Target (TGT). San Antonio's Frost Bank (CFR) recently released its Momentum card, which is connected to customers' checking or savings accounts. The bank pays customers a higher interest rate on the accounts�??up to 3.5%�??when they make more debit purchases.

So the next time you look to make a purchase amidst this "confusing" economic climate, remember debit cards might be your best bet in beating the bank system while padding your pockets with something nice.

Tastemakers: Kim Karalekas Interview

2008-10-23T10:00:00.001-04:00

Story teller, advertising consultant, University of Oregon student, photographer, and blogger.

Name: Kim Karalekas
Passion(s): people watching, random knowledge, traveling, music, cultures, taking pictures, storytelling, youtube and stumbleupon, reading, sarcasm, blogging, new experiences, airports, thinking, asking why
Age: 21

Top 3 trend setters across all industries: TED, Russell Davies, Seth Godin, DO Lectures (that's four, I know...)

Visual art trend to look for in late 2008 - 2009: Any form of art that tells a story, keep an eye out for the digital arts

Technology trend to look for in late 2008 - 2009: Today, people have so many online identities - facebook, flickr, youtube, twitter, del.icio.us, digg, blogs, etc. Time managing each identity accumulates quickly and cuts into the time once spent maintaining "real life" identities. Because of this, the convergence of media and Web 2.0 platforms will be key. Additionally, untraditional means of showing rather than telling will begin to surface - watch out for MEANINGFUL viral-based storytelling trends, (think, the TAP project, not banner ads that tell you to punch the monkey for a free iPod).

What will become of the traditional advertising agency model? The traditional model won't be just account managers, planners, strategists, art directors and copywriters. It will be all of these, PLUS architects, digital strategists, philosophers, sociologists, poets and anthropologists. All of these "creative strategists" will be collaborating, mind mapping, and brainstorming to tackle the increasing challenge of understanding lifestyles and reaching consumers on a deeper and more personal level. Ethnography, participant observation, thinking both creatively and analytically and problem solving are key in creating brands of value, rather than idiosyncratic, shallow brands. Agencies will build brands to let consumers tell their own stories - think of it like baking - brands will provide consumers with ingredients and consumers can take the ingredients and form their own creation.

2 books and 2 magazines every tastemaker should read: Reading anything and everything - if it features societies, cultures, trends, people, video games, politics, sports, religion, science, music, boating, cooking, gardening or children's toys and if it sparks inspiration and curiosity, or just has great design - any and all of these are gold. A handful of industry-specific book include: Blink, The Tipping Point and How to Think Like Leonardo DaVinci. Magazines include: good, how, and domino.

What projects are up next for you?: Being a full time student is a project in itself! However, I am currently managing the awareness/communications campaign for the NVC (New Venture Championship) international business plan competition. I am also working with Portland Advertising Federation, helping plan the Rosey Awards (good stuff in the works, keep your eyes up!). I have a handful of freelance blog/social media consulting/strategy projects as well as working on a campaign for the One Show college competition...like everyone else, the list goes on and on...

What should we have asked you?: How does one "get" an idea? Does advertising promote culture or create it? Where to do I go for inspiration? How can someone be an interesting person? What is my favorite people watching experience? What was the last picture I took? Best storyteller I've met?

Want to know more about Kim?
http://kimkaralekas.wordpress.com

Google Audio Indexing

2008-10-14T18:35:00.003-04:00

Recently brands have been utilizing Twitter and other online communities to monitor the conversation that takes places about their brands. Quotably.com has been a resource to see what people are saying about your brand and at what frequency. So you may be asking, "What about Youtube and online videos?" The future may be audio indexing, of which Google has for searching what words are mentioned during political speeches. For now you can search what Barack and McCain are saying about the issues, but soon you can see how many times rappers and rockers mention you brand. Doesn't Cristal wish they had this opportunity during the 'bling bling' era?

Tastemakers: Julius Dunn Interview

2008-10-13T14:02:00.009-04:00

Apple Evangelist, diverse music connoisseur, creative talent developer, co-founder of Adversi+y, and my newest angel investor (just playing on the angel part).

Name: Julius L. Dunn, II (successor of Julius Dunn, the great)
Passion(s): Living life, loving music and changing the status quo
Age: 316 months old

Top 3 trend setters across all industries: My top three trendsetters are interchangeable because they�??re all influenced by trendsetters that have come before them, so I�??ll focus on who�??s hand the torch is currently in. Since I love music my three top choices are music related, and in heavy rotation on my music playlist.

I really like what Kid CuDi is doing with the opportunity he has made for himself at Kanye�??s record label, GOOD Music. His music is honest, I appreciate how he puts his life in his music and doesn�??t hold back or shy away from exposing certain insecurities and thoughts we�??ve all had at some point.

Adversity was founded in Atlanta, so I would be wrong not to talk about Atlanta based group Hollyweerd. I like their musical direction and respect their fearless approach to making eclectic hip hop that evokes creative thought.

I like Chicago based group The Cool Kids, and how they have managed to create a major buzz with very little exposure. I also like their swagger and confidence about what they do, because they are in no rush to sell out just to be seen.

I know you said three but I have four. Hey you never get any where just following the rules, so my last choice is a group entry of producers. As a whole the following artist have changed my view on music completely by making the sound track for those that think different. I have been a long time fan of producers Madlib, Danger Mouse, 9th Wonder and the late James Yancey (J-Dilla) because the music they produce has a timeless quality that�??s not bound by trends.

If you�??re really into music beyond just hip-hop I can go there too, and my top pick to watch for in that arena would be Columbia grad group Vampire Weekend.

Fashion trend to look for in late 2008 - 2009: Ahmm.... That�??s hard because I don�??t like fashion trends. I don�??t think people should dress based on trends others set, they should set there own. I believe fashion is a personal thing, a reflection of how you feel day to day. So, I can�??t say what others should look for because I�??m not them. Best fashion advice, trust yourself.

Technology trend to look for in late 2008 - 2009: My only response to this is keep your eye on Apple. I am the biggest Apple fan ever, having had three iPhones since 2007, an iPod touch and shuffle, an iMac complete with iLife and a MacBook Pro. Just call me i-Ju because I have gladly given Apple tons of money for the latest technology, but if you work in advertising you can�??t seem to avoid them. Yet and still, it�??s one of my guilty pleasures.

What will become of the traditional advertising agency model?: It will never be the same... It�??s already not the same just comparing it to where it was five years ago. Gamers have changed the game. YouTube has changed the game. Facebook and MySpace have CHANGED, THE, GAME! It�??s a new day for advertisers and their clients because the consumer attention span just got �??that�?? much shorter, and with technology being so accessible they have no problem letting you know how much you and your products suck.

Then you factor in Patricia Gatling and all that she has done in office as the NYC Commissioner for Human Rights, and the attention she has brought to the lack of diversity in the advertising industry. It�??s clear to see things have changed, are changing and will change even more, and we hope to be one of few catalyst for tomorrow�??s change.

2 books and 2 magazines every tastemaker should read: I�??d rather not say, because my books and magazines are inappropriate. (((Laughing)))

What projects are up next for you?: The One Club�??Adversity program is my current project for Adversity. This joint initiative will produce a program that provides resources for all students interested in pursuing advertising as a career. The most important thing to highlight in that last sentence is the word �??ALL�??, meaning although we are targeting creatives of color now it�??s a diversity initiative that is rooted in educating everyone seeking guidance related to creative advertising. I am targeting the multi-cultural community right now, because there are certain races underrepresented in this very influential industry and their voices are needed when speaking to such a diverse country. Truthfully diversity initiatives are the future of this country�??s vitality, because the idea of democracy opposes uniformity and in such trying times we have to embrace the idea of working together.

What should we have asked you?: You should have asked me for some money, but its too late. Sorry you missed your chance homey.

Want to know more about Julius?
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/9/758/4a0

Next ATT Ad

2008-10-13T12:30:00.003-04:00

Structures are getting taller and architects are ushering in an age of buildings that are modern and relevant to the times. This trend of giant skyscrapers evoke memories of the Sim City franchise and those days on my old IBM Aptiva. How about the world's tallest building for an AT & T "Raising the Bar" ad campaign? What do you think?

Source: http://www.trendhunter.com/images/phpthumbnails/23452_1_468.jpeg

First Citywide Wi-fi on Steroids

2008-10-01T03:05:00.000-04:00

The future of broadband internet access for cities is upon us. Monday (9.29.08) Baltimore became the first city to allow every internet ready computer in the city to access the WiMax technology. The internet has allowed for more equality across various groups of city dwellers, and now WiMax is poised to start a trend that will sweep across the U.S. Look for Sprint or another wireless provider to bring "city broadband" to your front door soon...Below are some quotes from the Yahoo! News article.

WiMAX quickly moves large amounts of digital data such as video or picture files long distances, as compared to Wi-Fi connections available in cyber cafes or other "hot spots" where signals reach a few hundred yards or less.
XOHM subscribers can use WiMAX from home on their personal computers but also on their laptops with special air cards and modems.

Sprint said it was offering WiMAX service plans starting with a 10-dollar day pass, a 25-dollar monthly home Internet service and a 30-dollar a month "on-the-go" service.

It said its WiMAX service offers average downlink speeds of two to four megabits per second, faster than that of most 3G wireless networks.
Backers of WiMAX have called it "Wi-Fi on steroids" and claim it could eventually render cable or phone line Internet obsolete.

Source: Yahoo! News

Tastemakers: Lincoln Stephens Interview

2008-09-28T21:49:00.007-04:00

Founder of the Marcus Graham Project (stay tuned), former advertising account executive, seeker of advertising talent, Rock the Vote's Chicago street team leader, and purveyor of soul @ http://www.neosoulcafe.com/

Name: Lincoln C. Stephens
Passion(s): Training The Next Generation for Leadership, Cooking, Soul/Blues/Funk, and Fashion
Age: 27
Top 3 trend setters across all industries: Kenard Gibbs (for being a leading pioneer in preparing urban/AA magazines for the future in digital media) Tom Joyner (for showing how far you can take hosting a radio show) and my dad Calvin Stephens - for making being a black republican cool, because at your core, you're still a Panther)

Technology trend to look for in late 2008 - 2009: Touch screen computers in your home
What will become of the traditional advertising agency model?: It will be the way that kids learn about advertising in grade school and high school as a training ground.
2 books and 2 magazines every tastemaker should read: The Hummer and the Mini: Navigating the Contradictions of the New Trend Landscape by Robyn Waters and Little Black Book of Connections: 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships by Jeffrey Gitmore
What projects are up next for you?: The Marcus Graham Project and Rock The Vote
What should we have asked you?: What are some of the trends in the way that people eat that will become increasingly popular.

Want to know more about Lincoln? https://twitter.com/LincolnStephens

Apple placing iMacs in hotels

2008-09-08T10:19:00.006-04:00

HP you better start getting the Touch Smart in 5 star hotels and modern designed hotels asap! The HP touch technology is great, but they can not afford to waste time. HP if you are reading this, please contact me at nupeskorner@gmail.com I have just the strategy to make this happen and to generate they right connections with the innovator and influencer groups.

On to the story at hand.

The iMac is being placed into high-end hotels all over the world as the latest in luxury. Apple has been installing iMacs in hotels such as: City Inns, Fountainbleu, Tribecca, Hotel Diva.

The aesthetic of the iMac is blending with hotels that lean toward modern and contemporary designed interiors. This trend of technology product placement in hotels most likely will not stop with the iMac computer. Expect Apple to unleash their entire product arsenal (custom playlist shower itune playing devices) in the near future. Unlike most, my travel season is in the Fall/Winter, and I look forward to seeing one of these iMacs in my hotel soon.

See the HP Touch Smart in action!

Source: Trendhunter.com

Public Service Announcement Sept 7

2008-09-07T11:40:00.001-04:00

In my on going fight to keep Blogger as my host, I have discovered a way to add a comment box below my post (similar to Wordpress). I actually contemplated ditching Blogger (sad I know) for Wordpress, but when I saw that WP was charging to edit the CSS I said forget about it and googled my way to a solution. I hope now people will post comments more frequently. Enjoy the changes!

-Kenji

CLICK comment on the post or no comments to get started

Common Projects Update

2008-09-03T07:45:00.003-04:00

The Common Projects trend of individually numbered shoes continues this Fall/Winter as CP releases boots. CP is taking the limited edition/exclusivity trend to a new level, do not be surprised if bootleggers take notice. Retail value is $516. Read about my first post about Common Projects HERE

Source: Blackbird

Newsboy Caps Update

2008-09-01T10:55:00.003-04:00

The newsboy caps fit with D&G's theme of gangs of friends out in the streets of New York. In a July post I mentioned how the newsboy caps would start catching on in mainstream fashion, and this D&G ad campaign for Fall/ Winter 2008-2009 is indicative of the trend.

Source: Trend Hunter

Adding interviews with Trendsetters

2008-08-26T08:50:00.004-04:00

As you know this blog has been up-and-running for 7 months and we took a big step by making the blog centered around the best trends and ways brands can utilize them for business and brand development. However, over the last few months I have realized that my generation is abound with trend setters in all fields of human endeavors. Thus, KenjiSummers.com is taking it to the next level by introducing YOU to the next generation of trend setters. Stay tuned...the change is coming.

Sneakers with Straps

2008-08-23T10:15:00.007-04:00

Sneakers with straps is a trend that has been getting a lot of major attention from the big sneaker/shoe companies. From hi-fashion boutiques to street wear shops, kicks with straps are a growing trend that will take over 2009. Here are a few sneakers that will lead the way.

Osklen Footwear 2008 Fall / Winter. $400-450

Creative Recreation Italian Collection Corozzo

Alexander McQueen for Spine Old White Mid Velcro $270

Matsumoto Cow Hide $385

Jack Purcell Cons $75

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Shopping on your Phone

2008-08-22T00:15:00.005-04:00

As was shown in the previous Polo Ralph Lauren post, the aforementioned company will soon be launching one of the mobile web�??s first ecommerce sites. Mobile ecommerce sites are the future of shopping online. In Asian countries such as Japan, consumers can already purchase train tickets or vending machine items using their mobile phones. Mobile ecommerce utilizes a device that you keep with you at all times, your phone.

Potential Client (s): Footwear Company (Nike, Adidas, Converse)
Nike has already launched PhotoiD in nine European countries and America seems to be the likely next step. Nike is taking advantage of Generation Digital�??s need and growing expectation to customize their lives.

The idea behind Nike's new PhotoID scheme is that you take a picture with your cellphone and MMS it to Nike's computers.

Nike PhotoiD was created by digital agency, AKQA, and launched in nine European territories in June - the UK, Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. This is brand connection will revolutionize the way consumers control the footwear and clothing that they buy.

Potential Plan:

A fully functioning (and secure) Nike ecommerce site will give global Nike heads the opportunity to purchase the colorways that they want by taking a picture with their phone, sending it to Nike, and buying it from Nike; all using their mobile phones. Nike is the brand that I find using this idea, but Adidas or a smaller growing retailer could growing their business leaps and bounds if they get the technology up-and-running. Creative Recreation, Rockport, A-Life, or Converse could become a pioneer in the retail ecommerce space in a matter of months if they hired the tech support to build the system.

A global PR campaign that encompasses blog takeovers, contests, OOH, and influencer seeding is essential to the success of this plan.

1) Taking over blogs and sites such as, Hypebeast.com, Karmaloop.com, Realtalkny.net will give the concept an online presence that will spread virally through evangelist testimonials and posts dedicated to the revolutionary concepts of PhotoiD and mobile retail ecommerce.

2) An art + sneaker contest is a method to gain publicity with modern and popular art outlets. Nike creating local exhibitions that showcases the art that the individually customized Nike Dunks are based on will engage creative types and tastemakers from around the globe. The art exhibitions will finish with a large gallery of the top art + sneakers combos from around the globe, there will be opportunities to buy the art and sneakers in a live auction format while individuals not present can use their mobile devices to bid on items.

3) The out-of-home opportunities can be a combination of urban: wall sheets and public transportation ads - suburban: Highway billboards and rest stop wall sheets of licensed art that individuals can use to create their sneaker; by taking pictures of the art and soon purchasing the product, the advertisements will be an engaging way to see results on the front and back end (short and long term).

Lastly,

4) Influencer seeding will be important, as the herd mentality will kick in when the early majority notices how trendy PhotoiD technology and ecommerce retail sites have become. Using existing endorsers (celebs/athletes) in print ads showing pictures of the images they used to create their custom sneaker will further the trend of mobile ecommerce.

Potential Tagline: �??Get it how you live�??, �??Buy it your way�??

Polo Ralph Lauren Going Mobile

2008-08-21T17:12:00.004-04:00

In recent mobile news, Polo Ralph Lauren is soon to launch one of the first mobile web ecommerce sites.

Polo is attempting to stay ahead of a trend that is moving slowly but surely from Asia to the United States.

The retailer is also beginning to include special codes in its print ads, direct mail and store windows. Shoppers can download software that will allow them to take pictures of the codes with their camera phones, and then go to the website to shop or view video from the U.S. Open tennis tournament, which begins later this month.

Stay tuned for information on a potential client and plan that will utilize this trend plus MORE!

Common Projects

2008-08-15T12:05:00.002-04:00

Common Projects are a new (or maybe not so new) footwear company that is known only by the Superfuture heads around the globe. If you are looking for an alternative to your John Varvatos Converse, Y-3 or Creative Recs then pick up a pair for $275-400. Each shoe is individually numbered and sure to be an exclusive find for any kick connoisseur. This trend of simple sneakers have been getting a lot of hype recently, don't get left in the past.

Check back soon for some exclusive info...

PSA from The Marcus Graham Project

2008-08-11T11:40:00.005-04:00

A Public Service Announcement from the good folks at The Marcus Graham Project. Who is Marcus Graham? CLICK HERE and HERE

The world of media, marketing and advertising is an ever-changing environment full of the synergistic, intrinsic and often unfounded connection of brands, ideas and people. The people behind the brands and the ideas are the most important factors between brand success and brand failure. What those individuals communicate about those brands often determines the manner in which the audience or consumer accepts them. Many successful brands were built communicating the right message about the brand, reflecting its core value and hopefully changing the opinion and consideration of the consumer as it relates to the brand.

Imagine yourself as a brand. You have core values and have made promises on your job, in your family and in your community that you must uphold. Along your path you encounter intermediaries and critics that have formed opinions about you. Some of their opinions did not come from interaction with you, but interaction with others that are similar to you. These images are shown in the media, music, film and often in public. By and large any negative interaction that individuals have had was isolated and not representative of the collective. Problems can often be fixed by small groups of experts that have an intrinsic loyalty or concern for the root of the problem itself. These groups of passionate individuals are able to effect change because they partner intelligently to accomplish the same goal.

There is a true cry to effect change in the lives of African American male youth. There are disproportionate numbers of young black men who are incarcerated, unlearned, unemployed and ultimately disenfranchised. Much of the issue relating to their disenfranchisement is due to institutional systems and that cannot be denied, no matter which side of the coin you are on. However, dealing with the issue will take the individuals who are the closest to it, to make a change. The change must exist within first, in order to be empowered to provide solutions for greater problems.

In the world of advertising, media, marketing, and entertainment, we can be that change for the issues that effect us, in how we are viewed and how we view others.

We are the ones closest to it.
We must be that driving force.
We must make an impact.

Our responsibility is to affect change!

Newsboy Caps Getting Popular (Again)

2008-08-06T13:36:00.000-04:00

Some history about the newsboy cap:

The style was popular in Europe and the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries among both boys and adult men. As the name suggests, it is now associated with newspaper boys, and it is sometimes associated with wealthy golfers as well. Although traditionally a men's cap, recently the cap has become popular with women.

Remember when baseball (fitted) caps ruled the world? Well there is a new era (no pun intended) approaching. The newsboy/flat cap style has been popular in the "hipster" community for a while but I expect the style to hit the mainstream during the fourth quarter of 2008. Look out for designer product placement in upcoming films, TV shows, and music videos. Check out the photos of some stars enjoying the style.