Global Scanning
Brand Developments
Compiled by Mandy Saven, GDR Creative Intelligence
T-Mobile playground (1)
Designed to present shopping for technology products as an
accessible, personalised activity, the new T-Mobile Playground
Store, in Seattle, offers a fun environment for discovering
cutting-edge wireless communications products and services.
Interactive displays and playground-themed zones and services
bring the concept to life, while a simple layout creates an
engaging environment for customers to shop. Dedicated play
stations offer the opportunity to try new products and activities,
while ‘hideouts’ with softer lighting and seating provide space
for one-to-one assistance. The concept received an award of
merit from the Institute.
Design: Callison (www.callison.com)
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Costa’s Frothy Tales (2)
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Published by UK-based Costa coffee shop and written by the
brand’s first ever writer-in-residence, Davey Spens, Frothy Tales
is a collection of short stories based on humourous fictional
observations of Costa customers. The initiative links up with
Costa’s sponsorship of the prestigious Costa Book Awards, formerly
the Whitbread Book Awards. Spens’s witty tales – which were
penned while sitting in Costa stores – were initially published on
the Costa Book Awards website. After generating over 10,000
visits to the site, the brand opted to publish the best in a collection
which became the Frothy Tales book. Frothy Tales is available in
all UK Costa cafes and sold 1,750 books in its first four days of
release. Proceeds from sales of the book go to the Costa Foundation.
Source: www.costabookawards.com
Design: Meteorite (www.meterorite.co.uk)
Sleek driving (3 & 4)
The new Porsche museum, in Stuttgart, demonstrates the art of
the sports car in a glossy, heritage-rich environment. Engines,
interactive displays, Porsche memorabilia and key car models are
positioned in pristine, white galleries. Models on display include a
550 Spyder, a 1989 ‘Panamericana’ and a 928 version driven by
Tom Cruise’s character in the film Risky Business. Porsche hope
to attract 200,000 visitors a year to the space.
Source: www.autoblog.com
Design: Delugan Meissl (www.deluganmeissl.at)
Art parties (5)
Introducing the popular ‘paintertainment’ activity to South
Africa, this Artjamming venue in Cape Town allows participants
to create their own artwork while listening to music and having a
drink. Individuals or groups can choose from a variety of canvas
sizes and painting tools, with professional artists on hand to give
tips and advice, and the completed work can be taken home at
the end of the session. The launch event was sponsored by Corona
beer and included an outdoor chill-out space for socialising
during and after sessions, which typically last three hours and
cost R450 ($45) for four people.
Source: www.artjamming.co.za
Global Scanning
Brand Developments
Luxe vending (6)
The Mondrian Hotel in South Beach, Miami – owned by the
Morgans Hotel Group – has introduced a self-service, automated
version of a traditional hotel gift shop. Occupying an entire wall
in the hotel lobby, the Semi-Automatic vending machine offers a
wide range of luxury items from a Paul Smith toothbrush and
Korres beauty products, to a two-bedroom apartment within the
hotel or a 1974 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow car. Payments for lesser
items are made via a credit card reader. The machine is available
for use 24 hours a day, and will present new items on a regular
basis. Prices range from $10 to $1.2 million.
Source: www.morganshotelgroup.com
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Gap in colour (7)
Casualwear brand Gap partnered with global colour authority
Pantone® to open a temporary store within the retailer’s rotating
concept venue, situated adjacent to its New York flagship. The
store retailed a selection of t-shirts from the brand’s spring
collection in a range of Pantone® colours, including a limitededition version in the yellow hue Mimosa – colour of the year
for 2009 – which was made exclusively available at the T-Shop
for one day. A range of Pantone merchandise, including colourthemed stationery, office supplies, books and accessories, was
also on display and could be purchased through the Pantone
Source: www.pantone.com / www.gapinc.com
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Green grannies (8)
Charity organisation Oxfam has recently recruited a team of
‘green grannies’ to offer advice to the UK public about everything
from how to darn socks to how to make delicious meals with
leftovers. Part of Good Ideas Unltd – Oxfam’s new lifestyles
campaign – the service aims to help save consumers cash and also
encourage recycling, repurposing and combating climate change.
To disseminate the grannies’ advice, Oxfam has launched a
YouTube channel. Advice given in clips includes how to stay
warm at night without running the heating.
Source: www.oxfam.org.uk/applications/blogs/
goodideasvideo
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Photographer by Stuart Ramson
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Duracell hospitality (9 & 10)
During December, battery brand Duracell set up a temporary
venue in New York’s Times Square where visitors could pedal
‘snowmobikes’ to generate energy that would be stored to power
the city’s iconic New Year’s eve light display. Participants could
charge digital devices at the Recharge Rest Stop, while the Power
Store retailed batteries, chargers, memory cards and branded
t-shirts. Gaming activities were provided by Nintendo and Mattel,
while children were entertained by a series of Wii stations and
offered a preview of some of the brands’ new gaming and toy
releases for 2009.
Source: www.marketwatch.com / www.duracell.com
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Global Scanning
Physical Campaigns
Compiled by Zoë de Pass, GDR Creative Intelligence
Starbucks volunteers (1)
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The Starbucks Pledge5 campaign encourages coffee drinkers
across the US to donate five hours of their time to helping the
local community in return for a free brewed coffee. Volunteers
can search local opportunities through the HandsOn Network
website, and jobs include supporting a local food bank, sponsored
walks and renewing the community by removing graffiti and
cleaning public spaces. Volunteers can download a digital badge
to display on their blogs and websites, and can add an application
to social networking site Facebook to let others know they are
participating in the initiative.
Source: www.buxr.com / www.pledge5.starbucks.com
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Egg entertainment (2 & 3)
Goo the Egg is a touchscreen game by Cadbury that was positioned
in bus shelters around London to promote their Creme Egg chocolate,
which is retailed in the UK each year between January and Easter.
The game encouraged commuters to win points by ‘crushing’ as
many chocolate eggs as possible within a set amount of time, by
tapping them as they emerged from the bottom of the screen. The
interactive game ran for four weeks on digital bus shelters across
the UK, and featured simultaneously on the Creme Egg website.
Source: www.cremeegg.co.uk
Design: Saatchi & Saatchi London (www.saatchi.co.uk)
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IKEA cube (4 & 5)
Ikea launched a Rubik’s cube-inspired direct mail campaign to
highlight the vast furniture combinations made possible through
its Bestå storage system. Mailed out to families in Sweden, each
side of the cube was printed with one of the various cabinet front
options available. The box in which it was delivered was decorated
with graphics depicting a living-room layout plan, and contained
a voucher for free delivery service when purchasing from the
Bestå range. Within two months of the mailout, 42% of recipients
had made a purchase and used the free delivery service.
Source: www.directdaily.blogspot.com
Design: Jung von Matt (www.jvm.de)
Swimming for a cause (6)
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To draw the public’s attention to the effect that global warming
could have on some of the world’s coastlines, HSBC bank placed
a bird’s-eye view of New York’s skyline at the bottom of a
swimming pool in Mumbai, giving swimmers the impression of
floating over a flooded city. A dedicated website and information
about the cause was displayed on the side of the pool. The
campaign caused a 300% increase in traffic to the website,
where visitors could post suggestions on how to reduce the
effects of global warming.
Source: www.inhabitat.com /
www.globalwarmingsolutions.co.in
Design: Ogilvy & Mather, India (www.ogilvyindia.com)
Global Scanning
Physical Campaigns
Live mannequins (7)
Promoting the new Sony Vaio P Series notebook, a troupe of
models dressed and choreographed to act and look like plastic
mannequins appeared in locations across New York to pose with
the devices. The women entered well-known public spaces such
as Grand Central Station, and then froze in various positions
while holding or using the laptops. The models later engaged
with audiences that had gathered to watch and take photos,
offering free product demonstrations and trials.
Source: www.creativity-online.com
Design: 180 Los Angeles (www.180la.com)
Playful beauty (8)
To emphasise the quality of its new Quick Dry nail polish,
cosmetics brand Rimmel placed playful, oversized replicas of the
product outside high street stores that retail the product in London.
The structures were designed to appear as if the bottle’s contents
had been poured from a height and dried so rapidly that the pot
remained in its up-ended position. Smaller versions of the structure
were also used as part of POS displays in stores.
Source: www.creativity-online.com
Design: JWT London (www.jwt.co.uk)
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Take a break (9)
Designed to look like the chocolate bar KitKat, this bench was
installed in three London parks during the month of January.
The bench gave literal meaning to the brand’s tagline ‘Have a
Break, Have a KitKat’, by encouraging passers-by to sit and relax.
Source: www.ibelieveinadv.com
Design: JWT London (www.jwt.co.uk)
Hotel window (10)
The Roger Smith Hotel in Manhattan offered one couple a
complimentary five-night stay in the hotel in return for taking
part in a live advertisement that involved spending five nights
in a ground-floor replica room in full view of the public. Situated
in a nearby building, the room’s large glass windows remained
open between 4.30pm and 7.30pm, allowing passers-by to
watch the guests utilise the hotel room facilities. The bathroom
and bedroom areas were screened off to allow some privacy.
Source: www.news.yahoo.com
Design: Real Live Billboards (www.reallivebillboards.com)
Paint music (11)
British music duo the Ting Tings invited a select group of fans to
a free gig hosted by adidas Originals, as part of the sportswear
brand’s House Party Campaign. At the special event hosted in
an entirely white room, guests were given adidas’s classic white
tracksuits to wear and 350 large coloured paint-filled water guns.
Guests were encouraged to celebrate their originality and splurge
paint all over one another, the band and the room. Guests were
also asked to throw paint at blank vinyl sleeves to be used for an
exclusive 12-inch release.
Source: www.brainstorm9.co.br
Design: In-house & TVC (www.tvcgroup.com)
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Global Scanning
Digital Campaigns
Compiled by Zoë de Pass, GDR Creative Intelligence
Mashing fashion (1)
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As part of its 60th birthday celebrations, Puma launched a web
application called the Past Masher. Visitors could upload an image
of themselves and manipulate it to create a variety of looks by
adding outfits, hairstyles and accessories from different decades
over the past 60 years. Over 45 million combinations were
possible, and a fun comment could be added to the final image
before uploading it to an online gallery. The final result could also
be emailed to friends, or exported to social networks such as
Facebook and Flickr.
Source: www.dexigner.com / www.iam60.puma.com
Design: Beam Interactive (www.beamland.com)
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Embracing change (2)
This interactive website allows visitors to decorate an online
replica of the US President’s Oval Office at the White House with
Ikea furnishings. Users can select and position a variety of
furniture items – including beds, storage systems, plants, tables
and even a piano – within the space. Once the office has been
‘furnished’, the final design can be entered into an online
competition to win an Ikea gift card worth $1,500. The campaign
ran during January to coincide with the inaugural events in the US.
Source: www.embracechange09.com / www.ikeafans.com
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World’s best job (3)
To boost tourism in Queensland, the Australian state’s tourist
body created and advertised ‘the best job in the world’. The new,
paid position as the caretaker of Hamilton Island – situated close
to the east coast of Queensland, on the Great Barrier Reef –
involves dwelling on and looking after parts of the island for six
months. Applicants uploaded a 60-second video outlining their
suitability for the position to the dedicated website, and a
shortlist of 11 candidates was flown to Queensland for
interviews. Additionally, applicants’ videos could be viewed and
voted for online, with the most popular one automatically
fast-tracked to the final interview stage. The job received over
34,000 applicants from 200 countries. The winner will be
announced in May 2009.
Source: www.blogs.telegraph.co.uk /
www.islandreefjob.com
Design: Tourism Queensland (www.tq.com.au)
Control the Skoda (4)
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To promote car manufacturer Skoda’s updated Octavia car
models, the public was given the opportunity to control a real car
through the dedicated website. Several Skoda cars were parked
in various public locations throughout the Netherlands, and
visitors to the website could activate the horns, windscreen
wipers and headlights to surprise unsuspecting members of the
public. Users could interact with the vehicles between 9.30am
and 8.30pm, and videos of the interactions were also available
to view online.
Source: www.adverblog.com / www.skoda.nl/octavia
Design: Achtung! (www.achtung.nl)
Global Scanning
Digital Campaigns
Computer tan (5)
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To raise awareness about the risks of skin cancer, this ad campaign
and website led visitors to believe that a revolutionary new
technology would allow them to get a tan through their computer
screens. Visitors to the site were encouraged to ‘activate’ the free
tanning session by clicking on a button. However, once the fake
application was loaded they were faced with images and facts about
the illness and directed to the website for skin cancer charity Skcin
for further information. The site attracted over 30,000 visitors
within 24 hours of being launched.
Source: www.adverblog.com / www.computertan.com
Design: McCann Erickson London (www.mccann.co.uk) /
Skcin (www.skcin.org)
Project Green Prom (6)
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Aiming to encourage high school students across the US to ‘green’
their school proms, supermarket Whole Foods has teamed up with
Teens Turning Green – a national coalition of teens educating peers
and community members about healthy, green lifestyle choices –
to launch a video competition. Entrants needed to upload a threeminute video to the Teens Turning Green YouTube site, illustrating
how they would ‘green’ their school prom. Judged by a panel of
teenagers, and fashion and eco industry experts, prizes included
a trip to New York and a unique eco-friendly prom dress and
shoes. The contest ran during March 2009.
Source: www.teensturninggreen.org /
www.treehugger.com
Pearl Jam game (7)
To celebrate the reissue of Pearl Jam’s Ten album, fans can play
a game to unlock and preview selected tracks. Players need to
complete a puzzle to reveal the various songs – each time a user
aligns a row of cubes, a song is unlocked. After completing the
entire puzzle, the user is offered a special video piece detailing
the history of the Ten re-release. Participants can time
themselves while completing the puzzle and challenge friends
to compete through the site’s Eshare feature, which allows direct
messaging from the site.
Source: www.pearljamtengame.com /
www.game.blogdig.net
Design: Freedom & Partners (www.freedomandpartners.com)
Nokia Cupid (8)
As part of its Valentine’s Day celebrations, mobile brand Nokia
launched a Cupid service that allowed users to send anonymous
text messages via the internet to any mobile phone. Visitors to
the Nokia Cupid website could choose their love note from a
selection of set messages, which was then delivered to the specified
number at no charge, courtesy of Nokia, on Valentine’s Day.
Source: www.pocket-lint.co.uk / www.nokiacupid.co.uk
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Global Scanning
Fashion
Compiled by Gemma Ball, GDR Creative Intelligence
Hand Me Down (1 & 2)
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Rebelling against the trend of throwaway fashion, clothing
brand Howies has launched a collection of timeless essential
items that consumers are encouraged to keep and pass on to
others. Each high-quality piece comes with a contract for the
owner to sign, and also calls for the next recipient of the product
to be declared. The line currently includes two jackets – one for
each gender – and three bags, all with the guarantee of lasting a
minimum of ten years. Available on a dedicated microsite, with
prices ranging from £125–£400 ($180–$580).
Source: www.hmd.howies.co.uk / www.joshspear.com
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Psychedelic snowboarding (3)
Nike has collaborated with professional snowboarder Danny
Kass to create a range of sportswear for the winter 2009
snowboarding season. The line includes the Zoomforce 1 boots,
which feature a double tongue to ensure that trousers do not
touch the ground while the rider is on the board. A psychedelic
graphic design by illustrator Arbito has also been applied to the
collection’s lightweight shell jacket and t-shirts. Available from
select retailers in the US. RRP $275.
Source: www.nike.com/nikesnowboarding/dk-ys
Design: Arbito (www.arbito.com)
Acts of Random Kindness (4 & 5)
Positioning itself as a ‘movement’ rather than a clothing line,
Ark – which stands for Acts of Random Kindness – encourages
customers who purchase a t-shirt from its range to sign up as
volunteers to help the local community. Participants are kept
updated with local volunteering activities, and can also put
forward and receive funding for their own charitable projects.
The brand retails premium piqué knit polo shirts in three
colourways for men and women, with inspiring messages
printed onto the clothing tags. After purchasing a shirt,
customers are encouraged to post their good deeds on the
brand’s website. RRP £28/$40.
Source: www.arkchangeyourworld.com
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Simple sportswear (6)
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Adidas’s new SLVR label aims to be affordable and sustainable by
using organic fabrics such as soybean fibre and bamboo, and
adopting manufacture and design processes that reduce waste.
The 7-Piece Shoe is produced using only seven pattern pieces, as
opposed to the minimum of 24 pieces that is traditionally required
for footwear, and the Zero Waste Tee is a t-shirt cut from one
piece of fabric and created using a single line of stitch. The label is
being retailed in a series of stand-alone stores in Paris, New York,
Miami, Los Angeles and Beijing, with a global roll–out planned for
mid-2009. RRP $35/$150.
Source: www.treehugger.com
Global Scanning
Fashion
Colourful steps (7)
Californian footwear brand SeaVees has collaborated with global
colour authority Pantone to create the 09/63 collection, which
references 1963 – the year that the Pantone Matching System
was introduced. The colour palette for the footwear line consists
of seven hues from the original colour guide, evoking the retro
styling of the 1960s. Each 09/63 colour will be available in both
men’s and women’s sizes, with a limited run of 1,963 pairs.
Available from the SeaVees online store. RRP $125.
Source: www.seavees.com / www.highsnobiety.com
Track & Trace clothing (8)
MADE-BY, the ethical fashion umbrella organisation that
promotes sustainable fashion, has launched in the UK, aiming
to help fashion brands assess and improve their supply chains
and environmental commitments. The progress of each fashion
brand is compiled in an online annual report, and each garment in
its range will be rewarded with a MADE-BY button. Each garment
will also include a Track & Trace code that allows the consumer
to track the individual garment back to its manufacturers and
material sources.
Source: www.psfk.com / www.made-by.org
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Luxury with heart (9)
To celebrate its 125th anniversary, luxury jeweller Bulgari has
pledged to raise €10 million for the charity Save the Children
by the end of 2009. To help the brand reach its target, a sterling
silver limited-edition ring has been launched, with £40 ($60)
from each sale donated to the charity. The ring will be retailed
until December 2009 from select department stores, Bulgari
boutiques and online. RRP £200/$290.
Source: www.bulgari.com / www.vogue.co.uk
Boxing clever (10)
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Issue 32_2009 © GDR Creative Intelligence
Alexander McQueen’s shoe collection for sports brand Puma has
been extended in 2009 to include a full sports-fashion apparel
line inspired by the season’s theme of boxing. The range features
strong masculine silhouettes and tactile fabrics, and places
emphasis on intricate craftsmanship and high performance.
Available in Puma Black stores worldwide, with prices ranging
from £55-£600 ($70-$760).
Source: www.alexandermcqueen.puma.com /
www.fashionwindows.net
Ethical views (11)
Kayu is a new line of eco-friendly sunglasses, which are
individually handcrafted from bamboo – a durable and renewable
substitute for traditional metal frames. The brand supports the
charity Unite for Sight Inc, which aims to eliminate preventable
blindness in the developing world. The Kayu range is available
online and from select optical and environmental fashion
retailers in the US, Brazil and Europe for $180 each, with $50
from every sale donated to the charity.
Source: www.feelgoodstyle.com / www.kayudesign.com
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Global Scanning
Health & Beauty
Compiled by Mandy Saven, GDR Creative Intelligence
Perfume as art (1 & 2)
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An artistic collaboration between Kilian Hennessy, grandson of
the founder of LVMH, and Sophie Matisse, great-grandaughter of
the painter Henri Matisse, has resulted in a high-end collection of
aftershave bottles, called the ‘Artistic Edition’. Combining the
arts of painting and fragrance, the limited-edition run comprises
50 handpainted bottles by Sophie for Kilian, each presented in a
numbered and signed box. Bottles can be filled with a By Kilian
fragrance of the customer’s choice at points of sale, and each
retails at $1,500 for 50ml. Available in department stores in the
US, UK and Canada.
Source: www.bykilian.com
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Musical nails (3)
Beauty brand Uslu Airlines has launched a series of nail polish
lines that are co-created with a roster of international DJs. Each
participating DJ is responsible for selecting their favourite hue,
which the brand then conjures into a unique shade of polish. In
exchange, the DJs act as brand ambassadors for their unique
polish and mix a musical tune to match the product, which is
played at their gigs and clubs. The collection is available online
on the Uslu Airlines website and those of the participating DJs.
DJs include the Rollerboys and Headman. Available at Colette in
Paris. RRP €22 /$27.
Source: www.usluairlines.com
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Old world charm (4)
This masculine fragrance from designer John Varvatos gives a
nod to old world craftsmanship with a handwoven rattan
encasing and a metal cap with antique blackened finish.
Following the designer’s two previous scents for men – Classic
and Vintage – Artisan conveys a sense of painstakingly crafted
luxury and traditional charm. Available as an eau de toilette in
125ml and 75ml, the fragrance debuted in the US in April, and is
being extended to international markets.
Source: www.johnvarvatosfragrance.com
Kitty Kouture (5)
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Japanese toy brand Hello Kitty has teamed up with MAC cosmetics
to produce two limited-edition colour cosmetics collections, the
Hello Kitty Colour Collection aimed at young, hip consumers and
the Hello Kitty Kouture range featuring a more sophisticated
colour palette and product offering. The ranges include glitter eye
liners, eyeshadow quads, lip conditioners and blush. Prices range
from $11 (nail polish) to $38 (eyeshadow quad) for the main
Hello Kitty Colour Collection and $90 for the Sheer Mystery
Powder, which comes in a silver compact and forms part of the
high-end Kouture line.
Source: www.temptalia.com / www.maccosmetics.com
Global Scanning
Health & Beauty
So Smurfy (6)
Beauty brand Too Faced has launched the Smurfette Collection,
turning the 1980s cartoon icon into a make-up range for today’s
young consumer. The five-piece collection – including a lip gloss,
face powder, eyeshadow and two liquid liners – features Smurfette
imagery and character artwork such as the classic Smurf daisy
and Smurfette’s silhouette. Natural ingredients such as carrot and
cucumber have been used to create the products. Available at
Sephora US stores and on www.sephora.com. RRP $17.50–$32.50.
Source: www.bellasugar.com
Banishing frizz (7)
Created by MIT scientists, and claiming to solve the problem of
having frizzy hair by using a new frizz-taming technology, No
Frizz is a new line of silicone-free hair styling by new beauty
brand Living Proof™. The smooth contours of the packaging and
convex-shaped lids reflect the product’s function. The range –
which includes a spray and treatment creams – was pre-sold
online and is available in Sephora stores and on www.QVC.com.
Further product lines will be launched by Living Proof™ during
the year. RRP $24.
Source: www.livingproof.com
Design: Wolff Olins (www.wolffolins.com)
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Revisiting a classic (8)
As a tribute to the heritage of its Eight Hour Cream, Elizabeth
Arden has introduced a collectable new limited-edition version of
the product – the third in the ‘Celebration of the Decades’ collection.
The vintage edition line is inspired by the 1950s with a retro
aesthetic and includes moisturisers, a tint and skin protectant.
Available in the UK. RRP £16 ($23) to £20 ($28).
Source: www.mimifroufrou.com
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Glossy times (9)
Beauty brand Cargo has partnered with Timestrip® – a company
that creates expiry date technology – to create a new line of
high-definition lip glosses that have expiry strips built into the
wands. Claiming to be an industry first, the Timestrip® indicator
can be slotted into the cap of the product, after purchase, to
activate the timer. The strip turns completely red after nine
months of use, indicating that it has expired. Available in Sephora
stores and on the brand’s website in eight shades. RRP €32/$46.
Source: www.cargocosmetics.com
Sunny moments (10)
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fragrance Jil Sander
Sun, the brand has released a limited-edition collection of six
miniature 75ml perfume flacons adorned with delicate mobile
phone charms. The enamel pendants positioned around the
necks of the bottles include a beach bucket, lifebuoy, boat, ice
cream and duck. RRP €39/$49.
Source: www.fragrantica.com
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Global Scanning
Food & Beverage
Compiled by Gemma Ball, GDR Creative Intelligence
Gatorade (1)
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High-performance sports beverage Gatorade has been
redesigned to appeal to a broader range of active consumers. Ten
new flavours have been launched across six new product lines,
and bottles feature bold, text-led graphics alongside the Gatorade
lightening bolt. The new range includes Tiger, a drink inspired by
golfer Tiger Woods, and a low-calorie option called G2. The new
lines will be launched globally in mid-2009.
Source: www.jjaxon.wordpress.com
Design: Arnell Group (www.arnellgroup.com)
Spice mob (2)
The Spice Outfit is a new range of gourmet spice blends and meat
rubs inspired by Chicago’s renowned 1920s mob scene. Evoking a
sense of heritage, the packaging features labels that mimic police
documents of the time, with each tin depicting a gangsters’ mug
shot. Product names are partially taken from popular gangster
phrases, with flavours including Rib Racket, Soften ’Em Up and
With the Fishes. The range is retailed online and at high-end gift
retailers and markets in Chicago, and priced at $15.95–$16.95 per
tin. A gift set including all flavours retails at $89.95.
Source: www.thespiceoutfit.com /
www.suite7creative.blogspot.com
Design: Mondo Vox (www.mondovox.com)
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Extreme relaxation (3)
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Drank is a lightly carbonated beverage that claims to be the first
canned drink to promote extreme relaxation. The grape-flavoured
drink encourages drinkers to slow their pace and use the product
as a natural method of unwinding. Drank’s key ingredients are
melatonin, valerian roots and rosehip, and it is currently being
introduced to metropolitan areas across the US. RRP $1.99–$2.49.
Source: www.drank.com / www.nymag.com
Club Coke (4)
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Coca-Cola and Parisian electro DJ duo Justice have collaborated
on the design for the 2009 edition of Club Coke, an exclusive
version of the drink made for select premium nightlife
destinations around the world. The bottle’s glow in the dark
design was realised by Justice’s album artist So Me. It is inspired
by their club hit D.A.N.C.E., and features in the song’s promotional
video. Club Cola is available at Colette in Paris and select club
venues worldwide. RRP €3.50 ($4.40).
Source: www.dailymotion.com
Pure flavour (5)
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Issue 32_2009 © GDR Creative Intelligence
Ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs has launched the Five product
range in response to the changing tastes of consumers and their
desire for simple, all-natural products. Flavours include mint,
ginger, passion fruit and coffee, and each product is produced
using only five ingredients – skimmed milk, cream, sugar, egg
yolks and a single note flavour. Available in the US. RRP $4.39.
Source: www.uncrate.com
Global Scanning
Food & Beverage
Designer cheese (6)
The Dutch Design Cheese collection allows customers to
purchase their favourite Dutch Gouda cheese variety in an
attractively designed ‘jacket’. The illustrations on the product’s
wax rind covering are inspired by iconic Dutch images, including
tulips, windmills, crocheted tablecloths and Delft pottery
designs. Custom cheese designs with company logos can also be
ordered and there are plans for collaborations with local Dutch
designers on limited-edition lines. The cheeses are available
online from CheeseKAAS for €17.50 ($22), with 10% of profits
donated to regional Dutch charities that preserve Dutch traditions.
Source: www.joshspear.com
Designer: Marinde van Leeuwen (www.designkaas.nl)
6
Healthy vending (7 & 8)
VitaMeal is a child-friendly vending concept that aims to convert
snacking habits into a healthier experience by introducing
VitaMeal POS units to high-traffic locations, offering a selection
of nutritious products such as wasabi peas, melon chews and
vitamin milk. Cheerful, brightly coloured packaging is used to
attract youngsters to the unit, and animated characters are
matched with each snack variety. If implemented, each child
would be issued with a Vita-Smart card adorned with coordinating graphics, which contains a smart chip that enables it
to function as a payment option and track the user’s eating
habits. Recycling packaging could be rewarded with extra credit.
Source: www.thedieline.com
Design: Irina Ivanova (www.irinaivanova.com)
7
Parisian vodka (9)
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Luxury vodka brand Belvedere has collaborated with renowned
Parisian street artist and entrepreneur André Saraiva to produce
a high-strength version of the drink called Belvedere IX for the
French nightlife scene. The premium spirit was produced by
infusing nine ingredients – ginseng, guarana, acai, ginger, sweet
almond, jasmine, eucalyptus, cinnamon and black cherry – and
will be available in clubs and luxury liquor stores in France. The
drink’s international launch at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival will
be supported by an advertising campaign by photographer Terry
Richardson. RRP $39.99–$45.99.
Source: www.city-magazine.com / www.belvedereix.com
Design: André Saraiva
Tagged treats (10)
Luxury chocolatier Artisan du Chocolat has taken inspiration
from street art for its Easter 2009 ‘Object of Design’ chocolate egg
collection. The brand has collaborated with London-based graffiti
artists the GraffitiKings to create a solid half egg, tagged with the
phrase ‘Who’s Your Bunny’ in edible ink. The eggs were available
in milk and dark chocolate varieties, from department store
Selfridges during the Easter period. The small version was priced
at £8 ($11.20), while the larger one retailed at £15 ($21).
Source: The Grocer (UK)
Design: GraffitiKings (www.graffitikings.co.uk)
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Global Scanning
Technology
Compiled by Sheena Patel, GDR Creative Intelligence
Three-dimensional webcam (1 & 2)
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Allowing users to create and share 3D footage at home, the
Minoru webcam uses two camera lenses to mimic human
sight. Minoru’s software employs a coloured layering technique
to convert the two sets of images into 3D footage that can be
viewed by wearing special coloured-lens glasses. The footage
can be shared through instant messenger and video conferencing
applications, and the camera comes with five pairs of glasses to
distribute among friends. Available from online retailer Amazon
or the Minoru website for £49.95 ($89.95).
Source: www.news.bbc.co.uk / www.minoru3d.com
Design: PDT UK (www.pdtuk.com)
1
2
Socialising with Poken (3)
Providing an easy way to connect online with new friends made
in the real world, Poken is an RFID-enabled device that exchanges
social networking details. Users swap details by ‘high fiving’ their
devices’ hands, and can choose to share their full profiles or press
the ‘Ghost Mode’ button to reveal limited personal information.
When plugged into a USB port, all new contacts are uploaded
to the user’s doyoupoken.com profile, where they can be sent
messages and befriended through a preferred social networking
site, such as Facebook or LinkedIn. Each device stores 64 contacts
and glows orange when nearing its limit. Available online for €15
($19.30) each, or as a pack of 12 for €120 ($155).
Source: www.springwise.com / www.doyoupoken.com
3
Lego photography (4 & 5)
Toy brand Lego has partnered with children’s technology
company Digital Blue to create a range of electronic products for
7–11 year olds. Due to launch mid-year, the line will include digital
cameras, MP3 players, video cameras and walkie-talkies which,
although designed to appear to be constructed from Lego, cannot
be dismantled and rebuilt. The gadgets will be available from
select toy retailers in the US, ranging in price from $20–$60.
Source: www.kidstechreview.com
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Brain game (6)
Toy brand Mattel has developed a new game that is controlled
by the player’s mind. Mindflex involves guiding a ball around an
obstacle course using jets of air controlled by the player’s
brainwave activity. This is measured by a lightweight headset
with sensors for the forehead and earlobes. When the user
focuses their concentration, the air jets cause the ball to rise,
while relaxing the mind causes it to descend. In this way, the
ball is transported around the course, which can be repositioned
into various different configurations. Available from autumn
2009. RRP $79.99.
Source: www.ces.cnet.com
Global Scanning
Technology
A global playground (7 & 8)
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8
Smartground is an interactive playground concept that brings
outdoor games into the digital age and allows children to play
remotely with friends in other cities. Using a touch-sensitive
panel, players can choose from a range of activities – including
dancing, speed games and digital hopscotch – and select a
playmate either from their own park or one in another city.
The playground’s floor tiles are embedded with LED displays
to guide the player, and a weight trigger that allows the main
computer to track movement. A large LED display screen
provides instructions.
Source: www.yankodesign.com
Design: Tamer Nakisci (www.tamernakisci.net)
Eco phone (9)
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As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting the environment,
Samsung has developed the Blue Earth phone, made from recycled
water bottles and embedded with solar panels that generate
enough power to make a phone call. The device also comes with
an energy-efficient charger. The touchscreen user interface
features an Eco Mode option – which adjusts screen brightness,
lighting and Bluetooth to energy-efficient settings – and an Eco
Walk pedometer that calculates the reduction in carbon footprint
when walking instead of driving. The phone will be released in
the UK later in 2009. Price point still to be determined.
Source: www.inhabitat.com /
www.samsungmwc.com/blue_earth.asp
Instant printing (10)
Polaroid has developed a digital version of its iconic instant
camera. The PoGo Instant Digital Camera allows users to select,
crop and edit photos before printing full-colour 2x3 inch images
within 60 seconds. The device uses an ink-free printing
TM
technology called ZINK , which involves paper embedded with
dye crystals that are activated by heat. Printed images are
immediately dry to the touch and water resistant. The camera
is available at major retailers for $199, and the paper in packs
of 10 or 30 for $4.99 and $12.99.
Source: www.blog.wired.com / www.polaroid.com/pogo
10
Watch phone (11)
During the CES 2009 consumer technology tradeshow,
electronics brand LG demonstrated a working prototype of its
Watch Phone. The device has a touchscreen user interface,
three side-mounted buttons, speakerphone, voice recognition,
Bluetooth capabilities and a music player. A ‘text to speech’
function allows it to read out text messages and it is also water
resistant. The Watch Phone is expected to become available in
Europe, with release date and price yet to be confirmed.
Source: www.ces.cnet.com
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Global Scanning
Product
Compiled by Zoë de Pass, GDR Creative Intelligence
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1
2
British classics (1 & 2)
The British Royal Mail company has issued a set of ten postage
stamps to celebrate a selection of 20th-century British design
classics. The stamps feature designs such as Mary Quant’s mini
skirt, the Mini car, the Routemaster bus, Concorde and the
Anglepoise lamp. The selection of design icons was chosen by
a panel of experts from the world of design. A range of related
products is available to buy from the Royal Mail website,
including a stamp book, postcards and a presentation pack
containing the stamps and information on each design priced
at £4.10 ($5.80).
Source: www.gadgets.boingboing.net
Design: Royal Mail (www.royalmail.com)
Designer skateboard (3)
As part of Louis Vuitton’s Sprouse fashion collection, which was
inspired by artist and designer Stephen Sprouse, the luxury
brand created a limited-edition skateboard featuring his
signature graffiti design. Only three skateboards were created –
each with its own Louis Vuitton hard-case trunk – and were only
available at the brand’s SoHo store in New York. Each set retailed
at $8,250, and proceeds went to Free Arts NYC, a programme that
organises educational arts and mentoring programmes for
under-served children and their families in the city.
Source: www.wwd.com / www.welovesprouse.com /
www.louisvuitton.com
3
Hot plate (4 & 5)
Combining ceramics and technology, this hot plate concept was
an entry in the Designboom Dining in 2015 competition, which
encouraged designers to submit their visions for futuristic dining.
The plate makes use of the conductive properties of gold and
amorphic metal films. When users plug the plate into an electrical
source, the metal films heat up to keep the food on the plate warm.
Source: www.designboom.com
Design: Ami Drach & Dov Ganchrow (www.amidov.com)
The Whip (6 & 7)
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5
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Developed by snowboard manufacturers Cheetah Ultra Sports,
the Whip is a new board that aims to make it easier to learn the
popular winter sport. The new design minimises the surface area
that comes into contact with the snow, resulting in a lighter,
speedier board that can make faster turns and achieve sharper
curves, higher jumps and softer landings. The Whip is made from
a combination of wood, plastic, steel and carbon composite.
Available to pre-order online for $1,899.
Source: www.core77.com
Design: Cheetah Ultra Sports (www.cheetahultrasports.net)
Global Scanning
Product
Delightable (8)
Commissioned by whisky brand Johnnie Walker, this interactive
table lights up and displays information about the brand and its
products when users press down or place drinks on its surface.
A square platform in the centre of the Johnnie Walker table
contains an ice bucket and a stand for the bottle, as well as cards
containing further information about the brand. The tables are
retailed online and can be specially commissioned, with prices
available on request.
Source: www.youtube.com
Design: Thomas Gardener (www.delightable.eu)
Family of chairs (9)
8
Designed for outdoor use in cafés, restaurants and public spaces,
this set of chairs provides a range of solutions for the different
types of belongings that users might want to store while they
are seated. The Case Chair features a side compartment that can
accommodate a laptop or briefcase, the Backpack Chair has space
to hold a bag in the back of the seat and the Hanger Chair includes
a long pronged structure for hanging coats. Meanwhile, the Table
includes a shallow shelf where users can keep mobile phones or
wallets. Currently available as a prototype only.
Source: www.dezeen.com
Design: Kaman Tung (www.kamantung.net)
Flexible lighting (10)
Inspired by the lighting devices traditionally found on
construction sites, the Cordula lamp aims to provide a flexible
light source for use within the home. The lamp uses energysaving fluorescent bulbs and pivot joints enable the light to be
rotated by 90 degrees. Cordula has 10 metres of cable, which
allow it to be placed at a greater distance from its power supply
than usually possible with household lamps. The excess cable
can be wound around the lamp when not in use. Cordula is being
developed for production and will be available in 2010.
Source: www.dezeen.com
Design: Stephanie Jasny
9
Mini lawn (11 & 12)
This living bath mat concept offers an alternative way to
integrate plants into the home. Made from a type of foam that
will not corrode through contact with water, the mat consists
of circular sections in which the moss is grown. The ‘lawn’
comprises three different types of moss – ball moss, island moss
and forest moss – which are nourished by the falling water
droplets and overall humidity of the bathroom.
Source: www.yankodesign.com
Design: Nguyen La Chanh (www.coroflot.com/baolam_design)
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Global Scanning
Travel
Compiled by Sheena Patel, GDR Creative Intelligence
Dotty for luggage (1)
Luggage specialist Jump has partnered with online toy retailer
Artoyz to release a line of suitcases that can be customised using
coloured adhesive dots. Customers can create a pattern using an
online tool at the Dot Drops website, and will receive the
selection of plastic dots needed for their unique design along
with their new suitcase. Once attached, the dots remain
permanently affixed. Luggage is available in three sizes with a
base colour choice of black or grey. Currently retailed only in
France with plans to extend to the US, Japan and China. Prices
start from €300 ($383).
Source: www.joshspear.com / www.mydotdrops.com
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1
2
3
Moviecle (2)
The Moviecle kiosk provides a quick and easy way to download
digital entertainment before boarding a flight. Using the
touchscreen interface, travellers can select from free or paid
content, which includes news, movies, travel guides, TV shows,
music, audio books and games. Free content can be downloaded
straight onto a USB drive, while customers will first have to
register their device online before gaining access to paid media
such as movies. The kiosks are being trialled at Boston Logan
Airport in the US, and currently only offer free content.
Source: www.core77.com
Design: Fadow (www.shop.fadow.com)
Language made easy (3)
Rendering it easier to communicate with locals while travelling,
the Trinvo electronic translator can cross-translate in 12 different
languages, including English, French, Japanese, Arabic and
Russian. Each language includes over 750 commonly used
travel-related sentences, which are read out in the native
language when selected. Listeners can answer questions by
selecting from words and phrases on the device, which displays
text in both English and the chosen language. A recall function
makes it easy to locate most frequently used phrases, and the
device also stores sightseeing information on each country.
Available online and from select travel stores. RRP £35/$50.
Source: Daily Telegraph (UK) / www.trinvo.com
Design: Nomenta (www.nomenta.com)
Heineken Lounge (4)
Beer brand Heineken has opened a bar at Newark International
Airport in New Jersey, where travellers can enjoy beers, cocktails,
spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as light meals.
Flat-screen televisions positioned around the lounge broadcast
footage from Heineken-sponsored sporting, film and music
events. Combining the branded experience with the environment
of a premium airline club, the interior includes a bar counter
supported by beer bottles and a wallpaper pattern that uses
Heineken emblems and logos.
Source: www.dezeen.com
Design: UXUS (www.uxusdesign.com)
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Global Scanning
Travel
5
Split-view dashboard (5)
Split-View is a new technology developed by car manufacturer
Mercedes and technology brand Bosch that allows the driver
and front passenger to view two different images on the same
screen based on their viewing angles. The screen can show both
a GPS map and a film at the same time, but uses filters to split
the images so that viewing them depends on seating position.
A touchscreen functionality allows the driver to control their
viewing, while the passenger has a remote control and the
option to use headphones. The technology will be incorporated
into Mercedes S-Class models from mid-2009.
Source: www.motorauthority.com /
www.mercedesbenz.com
Travelling on Cloud9 (6)
Designed as an easy way to transport children around public
spaces, toy manufacturer Radio Flyer has developed an updated
version of its iconic red wagon. The Cloud9 model features speakers,
a dock for MP3 players and a digital handle that displays time and
temperature and tracks the speed and distance travelled. The
two-seater is also equipped with cup holders, foot brakes, safety
harnesses and foldout storage containers. Although the product
is still at the concept stage, there are plans to begin production
and a retail price has been estimated at $1,000.
Source: www.bornrich.org / www.radioflyer.com
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Pay as you fly (7)
South African airline Airtime is launching a new pay-as-you-fly
system called iFly Airtime, where passengers can top up their
account with ‘flying minutes’ from which the journey times of
flights can be deducted. Each flight is valued at a set number of
minutes regardless of delays, and bookings can be made via SMS.
Accounts can be topped up at any time by phone, although the
price per minute may fluctuate depending on macro industry
factors. Reservations must be made within 90 days of purchasing
airtime, and minutes will expire after one year. The scheme is
set to launch later this year, and will begin with three domestic
flight routes.
Source: www.psfk.com / www.flyairtime.co.za
Culture cards (8)
Making it easier for tourists visiting Japan to understand the
country’s unique culture, this book of postcards presents
information on 51 popular archetypes and cultural phenomena.
The cards cover a wide range of topics – from sports, music and
religion to theatre, fashion and local festivals – and each one
includes an explanation accompanied by a representative
caricature. Examples of cards include Kabuki theatre, slot
machine game Pachinko, the religious Matsuri festival and
character types such as the studious Jukensei and fashion-loving
Ikeiki. Available online, the pack of cards retails at $24 while a
poster depicting all 51 characters is $13.
Source: www.joshspear.com /
www.51japanesecharacters.com
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Global Scanning
Hospitality
Compiled by Danielle Lee, GDR Creative Intelligence
Dancing with nature (1)
Greenhouse is a LEED-certified nightclub in New York that is
constructed from recycled and recyclable materials. The club’s
interior has been designed to emphasise the venue’s commitment
to nature, and incorporates organic shapes, sound effects, LED
lights and video projections to create the ambience of a living
environment. A formation of crystals representing water droplets
is suspended from the ceiling, and both the walls and ceiling
feature an arrangement of circular panels covered with ecofriendly vinyl, sustainable boxwood and lacquer.
Source: www.nymag.com
Design: Bluarch (www.bluarch.com)
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1
2
High-end dining (2 & 3)
3
The Treehouse restaurant in Auckland was built as part of a
promotional campaign to demonstrate that any job can be
completed using branded business directory Yellow. Open for one
month, the pod-shaped venue accommodated up to 18 diners and
was accessed by an elevated tree-top walkway, with the kitchen
located on the ground level. An accompanying campaign blog
followed the planning and construction of the restaurant, which
was achieved using only Yellow’s services and contacts. The
restaurant was open for lunch and dinner, with an average
three-course meal and glass of champagne priced at NZ$125 ($84).
Source: www.yellowtreehouse.co.nz
Design: Pacific Environment Architects
(www.pacificenvironments.co.nz) /
Colenso/AIM (www.colensobbdo.co.nz)
Local luxury (4 & 5)
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The creative director of Diesel has created nine 1–3 bedroom
houses along the coast in the Brazilian town of Trancoso. The
UXUA Casa Hotel development preserves the tropical surroundings
and local culture. Available either as self-catering or fully serviced,
each apartment features rustic elements native to the area such as
Bahian art and hand-made furniture by Trancoso craftsmen. The
site functions in part as a secluded working retreat for designers
and photographers collaborating with the Diesel brand and relaxation
is provided in the form of a swimming pool, a spa and a library. Rates
start from US$395 (1 bed) to US$1,095 (3 bed) per night.
Source: www.uxuacasahotel.com
Design: Wilbert Das
Handmade wine (6 & 7)
The City Winery in New York offers wine lovers the chance to crush,
ferment, bottle and label their own wine varieties. Members can
attend winemaker classes, trade their wine with other members and
create an online profile that tracks their wine consumption and
facilitates personal recommendations. The venue also includes an
event space, dining and tasting rooms and a cheese bar. Membership
is available on four price tiers, starting from $5,000 per annum.
Source: www.citywinery.com / www.springwise.com
Design: In-house and Christopher Warnick
(www.cwarchitecture.com)
Global Scanning
Hospitality
Hotel Buddha (8)
The Buddha Bar Hotels and Resorts Group has opened a five-star
hotel in Prague that combines Far Eastern interiors with French
Colonial influences. As well as two entertainment venues, the
Siddharta Café and the Buddha Bar, the hotel will feature the
brand’s music library and live DJ music will be streamed to music
channels in guestrooms. The bathrooms in each room will include
mirrors with inbuilt TV screens. There are plans to roll out the
concept to Panama, the Dominican Republic, Paris, New York,
Morocco, Hungary and Egypt. Rates start at €418 ($537).
Source: www.buddha-bar-hotel.cz /
www.ddimagazine.com
Design: Gama Architectural Studio (www.arch.cz/gama)
8
9
Scratch ‘n’ Sniff cinema (9 & 10)
Adding a sensory dimension to the cinematic experience, the
UK’s first Scratch ‘n’ Sniff film screening was held on Valentine’s
Day in London. Guests were given a scratch card and at key
moments in the film – The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her
Lover by director Peter Greenaway – were instructed to scratch
and sniff a different panel to reveal scents such as flowers and
freshly cooked food. Tickets cost £10 ($14), and guests could also
purchase champagne, popcorn and Valentine-themed food such
as aphrodisiac marshmallows and gold-leaf covered hotdogs. The
event was organised by food creatives Bompass & Parr and
hosted by a London craft community called the Jotta Craft Fair.
Source: www.jellymongers.co.uk/scratchnsniff.html
10
Ladurée Le Bar (11)
Luxury French patisserie Ladurée has opened a bar in Paris to
mark its tenth anniversary. As well as serving the brand’s famous
double-decker macaroons, Ladurée Le Bar will offer cocktails and
a menu of savoury dishes. The interior incorporates the brand’s
traditional tearoom décor with neo Art Nouveau influences, and
features include ornate metallic stools and images of butterflies
etched into the stained glass windows.
Source: www.laduree.com
Design: Roxane Rodriguez
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Photographer by Nacasa & Partners
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Enchanted space (12 & 13)
Located in Hong Kong’s financial district, W Hotels’ first five-star
hotel in China is curated by three designers and suggests the
ambience of an enchanted forest. The rich colours of the first
floor depict fertile soil, the patterns on the seventh floor denote
rain, and the lobby is filled with an eclectic collection of books,
made from porcelain, alongside magic-themed ornaments.
Bedroom suites are named after the view they provide –
including Fabulous, Spectacular, Cool, Wow and Extremely Wow.
Room rates start from HK$1,850(US$239).
Design: Fabio Ongarato (www.fodesign.com.au) /
Glamorous Co. Ltd (www.glamorous.co.jp) /
Nic Graham + Associates (www.nicgraham.com)
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