Posts written during 'December 2011'
Check out all of the posts written during 'December 2011' below. If you still can't find what you are looking for, try searching using the form at the right upper corner of the page.
Panettone hits the spot
22/12/11
One of Equator's designs has featured in this month's Delicious Magazine. The Borsari Panettone for Waitrose was described as "A visual showstopper..." by the "The Big Christmas Taste Test" in December's issue and was selected as one of the winners for "The Best Panettone 2011". Hopefully there will be plenty of boxes flying off the shelves this Christmas.
Ben Lavender, UK office
Santa does thongs
21/12/11
As silly season approaches, it's hotting up Sydney-side, so while most celebrate Christmas in front of a log fire with a decadently adorned tree (or is that just in the movies!), here in our Australian studio we’re embracing thong season. Worldwide you have your Coca Cola Machines but what do Aussies want? Not an ice cold can of refreshment, but a pair of thongs (yes that's what they’re called here! It took me a while to realise the term "thong" wasn’t a pair of knickers this side of the globe and a few embarrassing moments of confusion mid conversation too!).
Whilst the Haviana brand was born in Brazil it’s big news here in Australia - there’s even a day dedicated to the mighty thong to celebrate! Australia Day is fast approaching in January, so watch out for more thong action coming up in later blog posts. It gives us all a chance to celebrate the opportunity to show off toes and get some tan lines on the feet. Australia might be home of the Ugg Boot but over here its all about the thongs... For more Haviana fun facts check out the official page here. And remember it's not just about the brand, any thong wearing counts, so when January 26th rolls round celebrate Australia day wherever you are, wear your thongs with pride.
Lisa Hastings, Australia office
Christmas cheer with Coca-Cola
19/12/11
Every year the Christmas spirit comes alive when Coca-cola release their seasonal Christmas campaign and this year was no different. Last month, Coke also re-released its seasonal 'Holidays Are Coming' campaign, with the support of a new pop song by Natasha Beddingfield, "Shake Up Christmas". Watch the advert here.
Coca-Cola GB has also relaunched its ingenious 'Designated Driver' campaign this Christmas to reward designated and responsible drivers with free Coca-Cola drinks.
This is a brilliant campaign which supports nominated drivers who chose not to have a drink to allow their friends, family and colleagues to have a good time over the festive period. This helps to keep our roads safe and rewards responsible drivers. This campaign is now in its fourth year and will run during the festive season offering Coke drinkers a buy-one-get-one-free deal across Coca-Cola and Diet Coke.
It was launched on the 9th December and will run until 31 December, across 8,000 UK pubs, bars and clubs, offering the soft drinks as an alternative to alcohol. Read more about it here.
We’re all really looking forward to enjoying the Christmas cheer here at Equator and we want to wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas
Sarah Harrington, UK office
McLaren's new 'MPC'
15/12/11
Subsequent to the launch of their new MP4-12C production car, McLaren have opened the doors to their new £50M MPC, (McLaren Production Centre) in Woking, UK. Built alongside their innovative McLaren Technology Centre or 'MTC' (above). What is so special about the centre is partly down to the fantastic architects behind it. Fosters + Partners have created what appears to be more of a clinical medical facility rather than what you would expect from a standard industrial production line. McLaren say on their site that F+P have “...followed the same ‘form follows function’ ethos as the MTC. As with the car built within these walls, we have the freedom of a blank piece of paper.”
This approach is all very typical of McLaren boss, Ron Dennis' attention to detail and importance of “de-cluttering” the workspace as demonstrated most recently in the BBC documentary, How to Build... A Supercar. featuring McLaren. The programme showed the meticulous nature of every element of McLaren’s trademark craftmanship, from designing the clay prototypes, (inspired somewhat by the anatomy of wildlife), to the tuning of the noise a McLaren engine makes.
With all this in mind, it's hard to argue that this £168,500 super car is one of the most cutting-edge and fantastic machines in the world today. In my personal opinion, it’s pretty much a snip!
Ben Lavender, UK office
The Evolution of Tattoo Design
12/12/11
“Tattoo.” When we hear the word, many images come to mind. You might picture something simple, like a rose, a cross or someone’s initials. Or perhaps your mind sees something more elaborate and fantastical.
The word itself was derived from the Tahitian word “tatua,” meaning “to mark.” However, this does not indicate the Tahitians invented the tattoo. Tattoos have been worn by all cultures for many centuries for religious reasons or even as protection against evil. Clay figurines have been discovered showing ancient Egyptians used tattoos as early as 4000 B.C.
Fast forward to the 1900s and find that tattoos have been used to brand prisoners, as a mark of a sailor (think Popeye’s anchors), by Harley bikers or even to profess one’s love for their “MOM.”
Nowadays, tattoos can be seen virtually everywhere. They have gained popularity among individuals of all income brackets, genders, religions and age groups. They are displayed with pride by rock stars, movie stars and pro-athletes, to businessmen, housewives and the average college student.
Tattoos make a canvas of one’s body, a walking piece of artwork for all to see. They can be used to make a statement, as shown in a recent edition of PETA’s newsletter. They allow one to express individuality and beliefs, as well as create visual insight into a stranger’s imagination.
Inspiration can be drawn from the colors and patterns of today’s tattoos and certainly be applied across all design media. Ed Hardy is one brand that has used tattoos as inspiration across its line of clothing, perfume, shoes and handbags. Walk-e-Woo™ has put the visual lure of the tattoo to work on its line of dog collars. If you prefer something less permanent than inking, you can simply wear a shirt designed to make the wearer look like he or she has full arm tattoos. Good Ol’ Sailor, a line of organic Swedish Vodka, is uniquely packaged in tattooed bottles.
Lady Gaga featured Rick Genest, a model covered head-to-toe in zombie tattoos, in her “Born This Way” video. Genest has since garnered international attention and appeared in an ad for Dermablend™ makeup.
Mattel™ even released a “Totally Stylin’ Tattoos Barbie” in 2009.
It’s probably only a matter of time before more companies and designers across all media follow suit and incorporate the imagination of tattoo design into their brands. After all, if we aren’t afraid to express our innermost thoughts and dreams permanently on our bodies for all of the world to see, what’s stopping us from using it in everyday design?
Courtney Cavanaugh, USA office