Red hot

This Club Monaco ad is electric. Even frameable.

Sometimes simple images and colors speak for themselves, no need for tag lines or shticks.

(Ads from UK Elle Decoration, May 2000. Via Blue Pool Road)

Travel Itch - Live the language

EF - Live The Language - Beijing from Albin Holmqvist on Vimeo.

EF - Live The Language - Paris from Albin Holmqvist on Vimeo.

Completely charming videos that leave you thirsty for adventures in far off places. Very smart sponsorship by Education First. EF offers international education programs from students. Oh, to be studying abroad again ...

(c/o EM, the most adventurous girl I know.)

Brilliant (re) branding

I saw this ad while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It caught by eye as the pilot was speaking, and I thought it might be an ad for the U.S. Army. Then, it cut to an older woman painting. "Okay, too old to be in the Army. Is this some kind of non-profit for empowering girls? But what non-profit could afford this prime-time ad spot?"

It wasn't until the fiftieth second of this sixty second spot that I saw a Barbie doll, and it's pretty subtle. The final frame is straight forward and clean. No pink. No frills. "Over 125 careers and counting. Barbie."

Pretty brilliant, I think.

Unfortunately, it's pretty difficult to find the ad online. In fact, my search first led me to the ad below (exactly the type of branding that Barbie is trying to move beyond - note final zoom in on Barbie as bride). So where's the "When I grow up" portion of the Mattel website? The profiles of successful women and their first Barbie dolls? The descriptions of Barbie sponsored scholarships and girls summer camps? Come on, Mattel! You're on to something here! I'd love to see more!

Cool spread

It's winter. And most of my readers aren't men. But this Band of Outsiders tribute to the mens polo (or not) is worth a look : THIS IS NOT A POLO SHIRT.

Okay. Now back to sweaters and heels ...

(c/o A.G. )