We love this place. They must do something rather special when creating their Katsu curry. It's crazy good. Reserved just for Friday's of course. Hail the Japanese Canteen
Just can't seem to ignore the subtle beauty of Aesop's stores. This new standalone in Ginza, Japan makes use of traditional red brick to evoke the brands natural, earthy values.
Naturally we love this; black, yellow, simplicity.
Perfect
What would you do if you weren't afraid?
The good people at Atlas sent us over their innovative Bum Box’s. A unique idea, the Bum Box makes everyone a winner. Spectators have somewhere to park their ass, whilst sponsors have a unique way of advertising that doesn’t cost millions. Simple. Forget about hugely expensive TV ads that last for all of 30 seconds which no one even notices- the Bum Box allows literally thousands of people to display a brand for a whole event, for an insanely cheap price. The added value of the Bum Box is endless- spectators are literally sitting on your gold mine. Oh, and for the green lovers, it’s also %100 recyclable. Companies such as Monarch have already caught on to the idea. We could not resist trying these bad boys out for ourselves and they were surprisingly comfortable.
Our Devotion to Apple Stinks! (Quite Literally).
It’s not difficult to stumble across articles about the worlds deteriorated consumer spending. Among the worst hit areas is that of household appliances, which fell by 1.4% over the last quarter. Washing machines, dishwashers and the like have all seen a huge drop in sales. The big players such as Philips, Electrolux, Whirlpool etc. have blamed the dreary economic climate- no surprise there. However, this reluctance to pull out our wallets has not universally been noted. One company in particular has seemed to defy this lethargy. The much-envied company/religion is of course Apple. The last quarter has seen almost a quarter of a million iPhones sold a day, 9.2 million iPads, 4 million macs and a sixth of the worlds population buying at least one song from their online store. A report in the guardian attributed this to differing priorities in spending. In the gloomy recession we don’t want to buy a new washing machine, but the brand new Ipad. No longer a luxury, Apple is now essential. We would rather invest in our music pleasure than hygiene.
What are the big companies to do? Design washing machines and toasters that can also play apps (before Apple beats them to the punch)? The Standard advises Philips and co. to “ditch those thousands of ho-hum product lines and invest in something that people really want.” I personally think this is a ridiculous suggestion. No one in their right mind will buy the new ‘Philips-Phone.’ Let Apple stick to what they do best (a tough pill that the likes of Nokia are having to swallow) and the same applies for Electrolux. While the appliance industry has been hit- it HAS to come back. There is only so long we can wait without replacing a faulty washing machine. Or they can do what Apple does and constantly update previous models to make everyone else feel inadequate?
Myleene Klass, Lisa Snowdon and Co. have been ditched in an attempt to ground the M&S brand in its roots.
It is truly puzzling how one company can have such a well defined and sought after line of products (food), whilst at the same time presenting the antithesis of that (clothing). Damian Reece at the Telegraph likened the clothing line to an adolescent teen undergoing an identity crisis. Well, reports over the weekend that the super-model crew had been axed would suggest that Marc Bolland (Mr. M&S) is trying to remedy this. After years of going in the wrong direction, M&S has finally dropped its front-runners.
Although most reports have been quick to criticise the leading ladies, we here at I-Am feel that someone much higher up is to blame. Why supermodels were chosen to represent the clothing range is Beyond us. A supermodel would not walk within 200 meters of an M&S store. It seems that the branding-brains at M&S have missed a trick, ignoring their leading market- the 50+’ers. I would urge the company to embrace its classical elegance rather than represent the mum who wears their 14-year-old daughters dress. That said, I admit that keeping the lovely Twiggy is a step in the right direction for this. Hopefully this will be the start of an equally powerful brand of food and clothing from M&S.
We have been working with the team at Keatons Estate Agents in redesigning their website and are really excited to be showing it to you all.
Keatons needed us to create a site that was both functional and user friendly. Through early brand refresh work with the design team it has allowed Keatons to become noticed in their world and not only on the streets but on the web too.
A stylish, intuitive website allows clients to not only view and enquire about properties but also to discover more about the people they encounter at Keatons. The success of the brand identity has inspired them, such that we are now working on the application of the brand identity and customer experience across the full Keatons collateral.
Recently opened in the district of Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong.
In terms of experiential art installations this has got to be a contender. Using just wooden framing and coloured thread. The effects are Stunning...
We're definitely keeping a sharp eye on Singapore, seems like design is booming out there at the moment. Wanderlust is a new boutique hotel designed by Asylum. They Ran with the theme 'Industrial glam' the use of mix matching furniture and bold colours set within the context of an industrial backdrop.
Unfortunately we couldn't get down to see this in person last night in London. A giant step forward for retail in the digital age. The 4D installation saw a combination of fifteen riveting scenes unfolding into one seven minute presentation taking the audience on a visual journey through the world of Ralph Lauren. The projection gave the illusion that images were extending beyond the building and floating out into space toward the audience. The facade became a mosaic of realistic illustrations complemented with transient sounds of music, illusions and blowing breezes, and even light mists of the new Big Pony Collection Fragrances were infused into the air.
Great new long player by one man band Jack Tatum's outfit Wild Nothing. A perfect collection of songs to lead us into those cold winter nights. We're sure enjoying working in the studio to this. The albums called Gemini. Check it out!
Definitely something to cherish. "An honest memo book, worth fillin' up with GOOD INFORMATION. What times the meeting?...
We took inspiration from this new hotel in Shanghai for one of our current projects. It so well fuses raw concrete and brickwork with new details. The Waterhouse...next stop Shanghai!
A temporary restaurant has been installed coinciding with London Design Festival. Serving Finnish food. It's called Hel Yes! and opens it's doors until October 3rd...we'll definitely be heading down.
It is clear that our friends over at Chilango, Dan and Eric, are definitely making their 'Mexican mark' in the restaurant world. June's issue of Restaurant Magazine has picked them to feature as their cover story highlighting the growth of Mexican dining.
We worked with Dan and Eric to understand the importance and power of a brand. Originally launching as Mucho Mas sales had reached a plateau of £12.5K a week but within 4 months from reopening as Chilango that figure had increased 100% to £25K. It was their point of difference, a brand big on fun that has proved successful when others have failed.
Incorporating great food, a great atmosphere and an exceptionally strong brand Chilango continues to excel and has been duly recognised by industry experts; winning Best Emerging Concept at this years Retailers' Retailer awards.
We are super pleased to have worked with the boys on establishing Chilango as the authentic Mexican dinning experience and in the words of Eric 'the sky's the limit for where it can go'!
The website we have designed with Young Enterprise to showcase their new brand identity went live this afternoon. We love it - let us know what you think.
We are really proud of the complete customer experience we have been creating for New India Bank - we have designed 11 sites so far with two having gone live already and more in the pipeline...we will keep you updated on the blog of the progress or contact Mel for more info;
All the 'i-am' team along with a select group of friends; clients, past clients and associates turned out in full force yesterday to witness our client, the legend that is Julian Metcalfe, founder of Pret a Manger & Itsu, chat with our friends Stephen Cheliotis, Chairman of Superbrands and Cool Brands. Julian is such a character we knew we had to give him a forum to talk about how he feels about customer experience, innovation and the future of fast food - coupled with many a laugh along the way! Images are currently being downloaded but we will have more to share soon.
Guests turned out in force with representatives from fashion to banking with Barclays, Nike, Fenchruch, Bestseller, Chilango, RBS and more in the room eager to meet Julian.
Thanks to Everyone who made the night happen and stay tuned for the next event.
If you would like to know more about our work with Julian, get on the mailing list for the podcast or our event list contact Mel - mel@i-amonline.com, 0207 613 4114.
I recently had the most exquisite pleasure in visiting the spa at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London. There were so many individual and thoughtful touches that made it such a enjoyable, if not magical experience (and its very rare i say that).
The doorman tipped his hat as i entered, smiled and resolutely granted me a "good morning miss", instantly gaining a smile and a little skip through the door from me. When entering the hotel it's grandeur and lack of main focal reception desk is somewhat overwhelming - this is soon dispelled by the 5 or 6 smiling concierge dotted throughout reception, one of which was by my side offering assistance within seconds. I asked for directions to the spa and was promptly led there. I thought it odd after such a dedicated service initially i was left outside the spa door and not taken to the spa reception..when i stepped inside i knew why...to walk in with anyone else would have ruined the personal experience as you enter the Spa.
I was greeted by a smile from a lady with a tray of hot pink Lillies and nestled in the middle was the smallest cup of lemon grass tea - as i entered she poured me a cup of the steaming tea and said "hello, you must be Mel". It was truly like entering another world, one where people have been advised to talk to you in soft tones and make it their life's mission to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed. This is enhanced by the decor; dipped lights guide your eyes to a water feature that runs throughout the entire spa guiding you from one area to another and the natural peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by the sound of running water from the waterfall set into the stairs.
I was promptly issued my robe, towels and spa shoes and led down to another floor, what felt like a 'relaxation chamber'. In the chamber i was treated to a relaxation pool (with bubbles!), lavender steam room and sauna. All created beautifully in dark granite in different finishes. I think my experience may have been so special because the spa was not busy so i was virtually alone for the hour, nigh on a miracle in London. My only visitor was a delightful lady who came down an hour later, gave me a cold flannel from another tray of hot pink Lillies and ushered me into the next phase 'the relaxation room'. Soft beds, large bowls of fruit. headphones and the next level of 'block the entire world out' relaxation ensued prior to the main treatment event.
I was greeted my beauty therapist in the relaxation room and she took me to my treatment room - it was beautiful - mood lighting and different textures on the floors walls and ceilings made the room feel so relaxing. I hopped into the heated treatment bed and was indulged in the most amazing facial for the next hour. As i was 'coming round' i was again treated to some tea and a run down of how it all went.
On the way out there was no paperwork no sorting out just "Please do enjoy your day Mel".
It may not be the cheapest experience (and not all great experiences have to be pricey) but this one was worth every single last penny to be transported into a place where you are made to feel as though your personal relaxation has been their life long dream to fulfill. I've never found it so hard to leave somewhere and get on the tube.
What an experience. I would advocate to one and all - heaven on earth.
We stumbled over this print ad for the World Cup that was apparently made by an ad agency in Slovenia...
We are so pleased with the latest piece of work to go live - Garanti Bank, Istanbul opens the exclusive Nisantisi Branch - we have just received some latest images...here is a taster but give me a shout if you want a better look at the case study or a guided tour - mel@i-amonline.com
Really nice insight into the development of the BBC website.
"We set out to broaden our ambitions; to create a design philosophy and world-class design standards that all designers across the business could adhere to. We wanted to find the soul of the BBC. We wanted something distinctive and recognisable; we wanted drama. We knew whatever we created needed to be truly cross-platform and that we needed to simplify our user journeys."
Here at i-am we like to keep a keen eye on new and qwerky ways of advertising. Dubai, as you can imagine is a very dusty place, it gets everywhere and in particular, has a nasty habit of settling on cars. Introducing: 'Dustvertising'
"TO NOT DARE IS TO HAVE ALREADY LOST. WE SHOULD SEEK OUT AMBITIOUS, EVEN UNREALISTIC PROJECTS...BECAUSE THINGS ONLY HAPPEN WHEN WE DREAM." Andre Putman
It's got a guy shooting at a plane from a tank falling through the air - what more do you want?
On that note there's also...
There's nothing we like more as the female contingent of i-am then a bit of female Glamour! Lipstick Queen seems to be trying to bring back a touch of 40's Glamour, decadence and ageless beauty all in the most delectable 40's style packaging fit to grace any be-jewelled purse. One of the most lovely elements of the brand is the story behind it - started by an Aussie Lass who couldn't get the colours she wanted many years ago Lipstick Queen is not your average brand.... Everything you see, feel, touch and experience with it comes directly from Poppy - the founder, to you. We just love it!
"I am just like you... I am a customer and as a customer I want something truly special... So that is what I put into every shade, texture and finish. A very special eye and a very committed soul"
Poppy, Lipstick Queen
I did it, i did it! I only went and got one...
I'm a sucker for a beautiful little boutque Hotel - I have been a big fan of the Hoxton Hotel and Grille since it opened in 2006 filling a vital gap in the shoreditch accomodation market back then. I have had the pleasure of staying once before and the rooms are impressive, brilliantly designed with every little detail though about and personal touches abound (if a little touch compact). As you can imagine i have become a great fan of their £1 room sales. What an ingenious idea as a viral campaign! At least a couple of times a year - across their quietest periods - the brains behind the Hoxton Hotel offer 500 rooms for a £1 and then additional rooms at £29 a pop for the night!
Around 5000 people log on (inclusive of most people i know!) to watch the yellow and grey countdown clock and then click for all their worth to get one of these bargain rooms! The press go mental for it and i see it announced everywhere online and the Hoxton fill all of their rooms over a period when most hotels lay dormant. What a great investment into building awareness, databases and smiley faces.
I will thoroughly enjoy my stay at the Hoxton in March and love it all the more knowing i paid a princely sum of £1 for the pleasure!...Thanks Hoxton!
We have been working with New India Bank for some time now on their new brand creation - everything from their new Identity through to the branch environments. SO as you can imagine we ar like the proud parents as the first branch in Pune goes live...In a market place which seldom champions customer experience New India Bank is breaking all the rules..
A Happy New Year to everyone out there looking in.
Make it your New Year's Resolution to pop in for a Cuppa.
Why did the world suddenly move to Facebook? Was it because of the sexy Logo or the social networking features? NO - it was for one reason only - It's brand promise - Facebook suddenly re-assured everyone that social networking was not only a great life tool but that is was SAFE and could be TRUSTED. Things that had never been proven or even promised by it predecessors - MYSPACE and the like. With Facebook revoking it's previous privacy settings and making all of our info accessible to all and sundry on the web - simply so that Facebook can create more page views and ultimately greater advertising revenues - have they gone a step too far and tarnished the very value that drew the world to them in the first place? Time will only tell......
Over in the i-am studio we have always loved everything Innocent - in the fruit smoothie sense of the word! SO we were very excited to see one of their oh so clever promotional Vans outside the Old School house when we returned from a hearty winter lunch Today. We LOVE the cow van!
Having favourite clients is a bit like having a favourite child in the brood - you know you shouldn't but if you're honest.. (Mrs Minogue must know what I mean). Well, would it surprise you to learn that one of our clients who is.. let's just say.. much loved, is an Estate Agent? Douglas & Gordon have long in our eyes set themselves apart by overturning stereotypes and being generally splendid, both to work with and in the experience they provide to their target audiences. Over the last few years we have been helping them blaze the trail and live up to their innovative spirit with their office interior design, each of which whilst being decidedly on-brand always comes with its own unique twists.
And now our warm feelings have been made official : www.douglasandgordon.com/about/d-and-g-news/331
Congratulations to Ivor and the team. We particularly love the hyperbole .. 'Supreme Estate Agent..' no room for doubt there.
The Frieze Art Fair takes place every October in Regent's park, London. Throughout the fair, new and established artists work is showcased to an international audience. The fair also encompasses special projects, a 'prestigious' talks programme and an artist-led education schedule.
A sculpture park will also form part of the fair amongst huge numbers of paintings, sketches and other interesting and innovative pieces.
The impressive range of artist speakers also includes Roger Hiorns who is short listed for the 2009 Turner Prize, and renowned artist John Baldessari.
So for a great, probably enlightening art day out, head down to Regent's park. Booking a day in advance is recommended as ticket numbers are limited. Prices range from £ 15 per person for a single day, to £ 40 per person for four days.
The fair opened on the 15th October and finishes on the 18th. For full times and more information on the event, visit the website here.
Our friends over at the Hoxton Hotel invited us to a most enjoyable soiree to showcase their new physical environment for the Hoxton Grille restaurant and a couple of the 'i-am' team had the pleasure of staying there recently, including myself. The hotel is certainly boutique with the rooms being a little smaller than we had imagined but it seems lovely, pristine well thought out experiences do come in small packages! Every little details was well thought through from the tongue in cheek bed cushions to the gleeming black marble wet rooms it was a real pleasure to stay. The staff couldn't do enough and we were treated to a free Pret breakfast waiting on our door handle the next day - Yum! It seems the generosity doesn't end there - If you want to sample a stay at this innovative boutique yourself they are holding one of their renowned £1 room sales! Yeah thats right £1 a room! Get online and get involved tomorrow at mid-day, rooms are limited and i am yet to bag myself one - fingers at the ready..
Grrrrr...At long last Dixons muscled up with an innovative brand campaign, created by M&C Saatchi, the campaign enhances their improved instore experience. Dixon has put in some man hours recently and made some serious headway, particularly in the airport retail sector. They are still pushing the brand from a price point angle but channelling this brand value in a much more effective way without brand de-valuing cut price banners. The ads must be pushing traffic to their online store as well as raising a smile. It will be interesting to see where Dixons goes next with both their Physical and Online retail offer.
Our sister company Beyond The Valley Insight are bringing a taste of the Big Apple across to the Big Smoke... Wish You Were Here lands in London on Saturday 3 October. Come down to the Newburgh Quarter in Carnaby and treat yourself to a genuine New York experience as 12 of the Lower East Side's hottest retailers set up pop up shops for 4 weeks.
You can visit the Big Apple Food Market in Foubert's Place just off Carnaby Street between 1 and 6pm for tasty state side treats including New York brownies and truffles, tasty ribs, corn and slaw at the Bodean's BBQ, traditional pizza, hot dogs, cream cheese bagels and every New Yorkers favourites - popcorn, apple cider, cotton candy, hog roast and salt beef. Yum.
Be the lucky Londoner to spy the Newburgh New York yellow taxi on Saturday - just quote 'Newburgh' to the taxi driver and you can blag yourself a free ride to the Newburgh Quarter.
The 2 pop up shops are located at 3 Lowndes Court and 8 Newburgh Street in the Newburgh Quarter. This is an innovative exchange event showcasing trends in fashion, accessories and lifestyle. These environments will join the unique mix of boutiques in the area including Twenty8Twelve, Beyond The Valley and the recently opened Lomography and Barbour Heritage stores.
There are a host of free events throughout October - Start spreading the news.
As the economic downturn takes its toll, one of the major industries hit has been the mortgage industry. Platform is the intermediary mortgage lender of Britannia Building Society and have bucked the trend, seeing the current climate as an opportunity. Platform engaged 'i-am' to help create a more powerful brand position .
Platform wanted to bring the brand to life in a way that was more than just a logo and strapline 'i-am' created a series of max energy, highly engaging sessions which enabled honest and open conversations between frontline employees and the Leadership team thus helping to identify and design 'Platform Moments' the key moments of truth, where opportunities exist to delight their customer and to differentiate themselves from the competition. The summits also paid attention to the Platform Brand Promise, to identify what differentiates Platform in this competitive environment.
Lee Gladwell, Sales & Marketing Director of Platform has described the difference that 'i-am' approach has made. “When refreshing their brand, most companies use what I describe as a 'Fire, Ready, Aim' approach.Where the Marketing Department decide what the brand should be and then tell employees and customers. With the help of 'i-am' we have done 'Ready, Aim, Fire'. We made sure that our Brand Promise was something that all our people genuinely bought into and that it was also a promise to our customers that we could keep”. For more information about 'i-am' people and culture visit www.i-amonline.com
Image Technique are one of the leading signage businesses in the UK.
They design, manufacture, install and maintain signage for many of the biggest names in UK retail. But they are more that that, they are the good guys in a world that is not good enough. Image are the Black sheep of their industry; the considerate ones in a sector that does not care enough.
'i-am' have worked collaboratively with Image for years and have grown even closer through the process of helping them with their branding. Below are examples of the work 'i-am' have done with image technique including their brand new website.
For more information and a look at the website visit www.imagetechnique.co.uk
