Brand Candy

Here we go again...

Not really sure who these are for… doesn’t the USPS know that kids don’t mail letters? Cute, though.

A Charmed Life(style)

Battle of the Burger Brands, Halloween-style!

Touch Me, Tease Me

Apple’s first Brooklyn location opens this weekend, and well, we’re not at all surprised by one element of the ambience. The displays of accessories, usually walls of stacked product in other Apple outlets, are now “touch-friendly,” with no outer packaging or wrap, basically invitations for customers to touch, bend, even sniff (?) items. This new UX-oriented retail environment just screams of the maker, handcrafted, dare we say “hipster” persona of the borough, and we can’t wait to see how it goes over. But first, we hit the new, closer Genius Bar!

Liquor-in-My-Bag Swag, Please

All the useless branded swag ever received over the years at liquor launches and happy hour tastings could have been saved, for just ONE of these. The Vinni Bag transports your secret sauce -- be it 100 proof, aged and Italian, or French and rare -- with no worry of spill in your luggage. The inflatable cushioning will protect your fragile goods without adding unnecessary bulk or weight to your checked bag. At only $28, it’s a small investment for peace of mind. (C’mon wine & spirits companies, you know you can slap your name on these and pass them out gratis at the next Spring Break pool party!!) 

Awww...Say It Ain’t So!

About Face

When there’s something bigger than your company.

Too Soon?

In the words of Chris Rock: “I’m not saying I agree, but I understand.” We want Amazon Prime to know that their execution of a colorful, spirited and meticulously detailed subway wrap campaign for their new streaming series “The Man in The High Castle” was not lost on us.  We get it. The premise of the series is that Germany won the war, and the Nazi regime ruled...hence the hails to Hitler that would undoubtedly christen everything we know (see North Korea for 21st century reference), even subway seats. New York professes an edginess unparalleled, yet, the ruffled feathers on this one prevailed (spoiler update: the campaign wraps were removed by Amazon, who also issued an apology.) One could surmise the events as flattery: the artwork and concept must have been frighteningly realistic to offend so many.

Less Is More

Called Minimalist Effect in a Maximalist Market, this visual project by design outfit Antrepo asks potential consumers which  designs they prefer: existing graphics, or stripped down versions. (We rather like the bare minimum, cuz we love color.) The resulting feedback was interesting, a struggle between simplicity and perception. (Our struggle was more about wondering who still eats Pringles???)