CULT [kuhlt] noun : refers to a cohesive social group and their devotional beliefs or practices, which the surrounding population considers to be outside of mainstream cultures.

INDIVIDUALITY [in-duh-vij-oo-al-i-tee] noun : the state or quality of being an individual; a person separate from other persons and possessing his or her own needs, goals, and desires.

CULT OF INDIVIDUALITY : A group of people with the same ideals of being true to themselves by not doing, acting, or pursuing what others think they should. Reaching that level of comfort with self where you can acknowledge, respect, and appreciate other people's tastes and styles, while never imposing your own judgement. Belonging to a crew where diversity and being different is not only welcomed, but encouraged.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Creative Video Look Book - My Ninja Clothing


In doing research for my final project, I came across this video entertaining video look book.  As most of you already know, I’m a huge fan of street clothing.  Growing up in New York City in the 80s & 90s plays a large role in my appreciation of urban music, arts and fashion.  Although I’ve grown to appreciate eclectic fashions and styles, my heart still has a place for the old school appeal.

My Ninja Clothing dedicated their Summer 2011 collection on Rosie Perez in Spike Lee’s, “Do the Right Thing”.  The company’s use of music, styling and dance moves perfectly reflect the collection. Also notice how the styles in the collection are creatively displayed throughout the video in the same text format that was used in the movie.

With the growing uses of internet technologies, it’s no surprise that look books have transitioned to video formats from their plain pictured formats.  For those of us (myself included) with a short attention span for internet clips, be aware My Ninja Clothing has found a great way to keep its target tuned in.  What do you think?


Monday, April 9, 2012

Trunk Shows: Making Fashion Personal

While they are less recognized than fashion shows, trunk shows are often created and geared toward the consumer, rather than the media.  This type of presentation can be rather useful to designers in making personal connections with their clients while creating new fans of the brand.  Ultimately, this experience has the ability to not only sell more pieces for the vendor, but help to build customer loyalty by catering a show to the target audience and making them feel special.

What appeals to me most about trunk shows is that they can take on many forms.  From videos, to in-store parties; they can be super intimate, host large crowds, or made to be viewed by individuals.  What intrigues me most about trunk shows is that they are not only attainable for the big name designers and department stores, but work great for smaller stores and up-and-coming designers, providing a new outlet to showcase their new merchandise with very little expense, if need be.  Boutiques, showrooms, restaurants, large department stores,  halls, nightclubs, parks, online videos or basically any open area which is suiting can be a location used for a trunk show.   This is what drew me to the following video clip of the Subdivision & Ethereal Trunk Show.  Two Boutiques from both Brooklyn and Queens, with similar target audiences decided to throw a trunk show at a restaurant, featuring 7 local artists. I’m a fan of boutiques that support the community designers.  This clip also highlights some important features that may go into this trunk show style, such as food & drink, music, and a small fashion show.  In addition to being treated to food and fashion, the customers get the opportunity to speak with the designers, see, feel and purchase designs before they are released in stores, and usually at a reduced rate.  How’s that for an experience?