Under The Influence!

Working in a creative industry where ideas are assets it's often tricky to ensure creative work keeps well within the boundaries of political correctness and communication policies that many businesses have inherited over time whilst also keeping the message simple, effective and clear without losing sight of the task in hand. 


Personally, I think communication at the best of times is often difficult, we've probably all experienced situations where we literally can't find the words to explain what we mean or how we feel.  One of the reasons why I love advertising is the ability to influence how people think and feel about a brand whilst also ensuring the assets, culture, ethics and often history is also reflected - a great example of this is Cadbury's. 
Take a look at some recently banned adverts which could have been effective and possibly very influential if these considerations were ignored:

                                                               Modern day family planning

                                                                           VW Polo



Canadian 48 sheet

Increasing the awareness of iPod deaths among young adults and children



Body Shop 'Love your body' campaign

Interestingly, I also looked back at some early print ads which are far from being politically correct let alone socially responsible.  These ads may have been influential but were also published at a time where people were powerless and solely relied on communication to help them perceive the world around them.  I actually love how idealistic (ignoring the sexism) these ads are compared to the realism nowadays!

Have a great week

xoxo



A Rebel With A Cause

The formal definition of 'rebellious' is showing a desire to resist authority, control, or convention and in the past couple of months I've seen various representations of modern day 'rebels' in both a positive and negative light. 

Most recently you have Charlie Sheen being sacked for reported drug & alcohol abuse before voicing ideas of grandeur and posting a vacancy on Twitter for an intern to assist him in his future conquests.  John Galliano unnecessarily rebelling in public and showing his 'true colours' leading to a very public and embarrassing demise.  The amazing Lady Gaga supporting her revolutionary stylist Nicole Formichetti ,for Thierry Mugler, at Paris Fashion Week who is famously known for creating her controversial 'meat dress'. 

Personally I've never really believed in conforming (this is more evident from my rebellious teenage years) as I've always found it more exciting and motivating to follow the unknown compared to the familiar.  I think this is why, with age, I've come to appreciate originality even more whether it be music, fashion, art or thinking.  Fortunately I'm also surrounded by like-minded friends (especially Pikolo boy & Queen b) and colleagues who help keep this trait instilled within me. 

Take a look at some of my favourite rebels below!!
Enjoy xoxo

Sony Bravia 'Balls' Advert, Directed by Nicolai Fuglsig (1996)



Dame Vivienne Westwood



Galaxy by Jackson Pollock (1947)



Lady Gaga in Thierry Mugler at Paris Fashion Week 2011



Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire (1996)



Guernica, Pablo Picasso (1937)



Oscars Past and Present

I'm sure many of you would have probably been flicking through pictures of red carpet arrivals from Sunday night's  83rd Academy Awards (better known to you and me as the Oscars).  I know many articles will focus on who got their style 'right' or 'wrong' but for me it's more about the celebration of one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies attended by the most famous actors in the world.   

In contrast with London Fashion Week where I appreciate originality and unusual styling, red carpet fashion for me should be more idealistic and enchanting, something that Marchesa (fast becoming one of my favourite british designers) has perfected to a 't'.  I seem to have been drawn to the pale fabrics and delicate materials which are similar to styles from the 40's and 50's (surprise suprise) so take a look at a few of my favourites from Sunday night:



Michelle Williams in Chanel




Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier




Halle Berry in Marchesa




Hailee-Steinfeld in Marchesa




Aishwarya Rai in Armani

 I thought it would be rude not to take a look back at the styles back in the 40's, 50's and 60's a time when beauty, style and glamour was unrivalled and a lovely way to finish this post.

Enjoy

xoxo

Grace Kelly and Marlon Brando 1954

Elizabeth Taylor 1960 - Absolutely stunning

Ginger Rogers and James Stewart 1941




The beautiful Marilyn Monroe 1951